Study Insights
D&C 98: A Revelation of Peace and Principle (August 6, 1833)
A Moment of Crisis and Revelation
In the summer of 1833, the Latter-day Saints in Missouri faced brutal persecution. Homes were burned, printing presses destroyed, and families were forced from their lands in Jackson County. Amid this chaos, Joseph Smith received Doctrine and Covenants 98 in Kirtland, Ohio, dated August 6, 1833. The revelation came just as reports of violence reached Church headquarters, and instead of calling for vengeance, it offered divine counsel centered on patience, law, and peace.
Doctrine and Covenants 98 stands as one of the most powerful messages of spiritual restraint and trust in God’s justice. It teaches that disciples of Christ must rise above fear and hatred, placing their confidence in divine order and eternal perspective. In an hour of crisis, the Lord revealed principles that transcend time—principles of forgiveness, lawfulness, and peace in the midst of conflict.
The Command to Be Still and Trust in God
The revelation begins with a comforting message: “Fear not, let your hearts be comforted; rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks.” To Saints who had been beaten, robbed, and displaced, this was a call to faith under fire. The Lord reminded them that all things would “work together for their good,” if they remained steadfast. This command to “be still” did not mean passivity. It meant trusting in divine timing and holding to faith when justice seemed distant. The Lord promised that affliction was not meaningless—it was a refining fire through which His people would emerge stronger. In every age, these words echo to believers who face trial, reminding them that peace begins with trust in God’s sovereignty.
The Law of Forgiveness and Righteous Defense
One of the defining themes of D&C 98 is the law of forgiveness. The Saints were instructed to forgive their enemies again and again—up to three times—and only after continued aggression could they defend themselves. Even then, the Lord declared that vengeance belongs to Him, not to man.
This principle reflected the Savior’s teachings from the Sermon on the Mount. Forgiveness was not weakness but divine strength. The Lord was teaching His people to conquer evil not by mirroring it but by transcending it. Only when the Saints had proven their willingness to forgive would the Lord justify them in self-defense.
This balance of mercy and justice became a spiritual framework for how to endure persecution. It demanded moral courage—to forgive when wronged, to show compassion when provoked, and to act only under divine direction. Through this revelation, the Lord redefined strength: true power lies not in retaliation, but in restraint guided by righteousness.
The Constitution and the Law of the Land
Doctrine and Covenants 98 also contains one of the earliest affirmations of the divine inspiration behind the U.S. Constitution. The Lord declared it to be a law established by “wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose.” In a time when government officials failed to protect the Saints, this revelation reaffirmed that the Constitution’s principles were inspired to safeguard freedom, not to justify neglect. The Saints were commanded to “befriend the law of the land,” to uphold and respect lawful authority as part of their discipleship. God’s people were not to become rebels or anarchists but defenders of justice and liberty. This was a striking message at a time when law seemed powerless to protect them—it was a reminder that divine principles endure even when human systems fail.
For modern readers, this passage highlights the harmony between spiritual and civic duty. It teaches that moral responsibility includes honoring just laws and advocating for principles that preserve human agency and equality under God.
A Call to Renounce War and Proclaim Peace
Perhaps the most striking section of D&C 98 is the Lord’s call to “renounce war and proclaim peace.” This was not an easy command for people who had just suffered violent persecution. Yet the Lord’s purpose was to show that His kingdom would not be built by revenge but by peace.
The revelation establishes a divine order: believers must seek reconciliation first, act in defense only as a last resort, and maintain the spirit of peace even in the face of aggression. It is a revelation that honors courage while demanding compassion—a spiritual balance rarely found in times of conflict. The imagery of peace in D&C 98 is both poetic and prophetic. It envisions a world where nations and individuals can rise above hatred, where righteousness governs human relationships, and where the followers of Christ stand as peacemakers amid turmoil.
Obedience: The Foundation of Divine Protection
Throughout the revelation, the Lord emphasizes that safety and deliverance come through obedience. “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say,” He declared, “but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.” Obedience, therefore, was the key to divine protection.
This teaching required profound faith from the early Saints. They were asked to respond to violence with restraint, to injustice with forgiveness, and to fear with faith. Yet through their obedience, they would grow spiritually and be prepared for future blessings. D&C 98 reveals that obedience is not blind submission—it is active trust in God’s wisdom and timing.
For modern believers, this principle continues to define the path of discipleship. When challenges arise, obedience anchors the soul to divine purpose. It transforms trials into opportunities for growth and faith into a shield of peace.
Enduring Lessons for Every Generation
Doctrine and Covenants 98 remains timeless because it speaks to universal human struggles—fear, injustice, and the desire for retribution. It teaches that peace is not found in the absence of hardship but in the presence of divine order. Its messages of forgiveness, lawfulness, and faith are as relevant today as they were in 1833.
In a world where conflict often dominates, this revelation calls believers to be builders of peace and defenders of truth. It invites all to rise above the bitterness of division and to seek justice with mercy. The enduring power of D&C 98 lies in its call to live higher, to act nobly, and to trust completely in the Lord’s justice.
The Peaceable Kingdom
The revelation closes with a vision of peace—a peace that begins within the heart and radiates outward to communities and nations. The Lord’s people are invited to become a “peaceable followers of Christ,” whose lives reflect forgiveness, courage, and love. For the early Saints, these words were both comfort and challenge. Though they were driven from their homes, they carried with them a deeper understanding of discipleship. D&C 98 became a moral compass for the journey ahead. For believers today, it remains a living testament that peace is possible even in turmoil, that justice belongs to God, and that faith in Him transforms suffering into strength. Doctrine and Covenants 98 is not just a historical revelation—it is a divine invitation to live the higher law of Christ, to forgive, to trust, and to build a peaceable kingdom in a world that desperately needs it.
Learn More about D&C 98 – Recommended Articles
For those seeking deeper understanding of Section 98 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the following recommended resources from Church sources and academic publications explore peacemaking, constitutional counsel, forgiveness, and faithful discipleship amid persecution.
- Doctrine and Covenants 98 (Full Text) , ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
- Section 98: “Renounce War and Proclaim Peace” (Student Manual) , ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
- Come, Follow Me (2025): D&C 98–101 — “Be Still and Know That I Am God” , ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
- Instructor’s Guide: “Renounce War, Proclaim the Gospel of Peace” (Lesson 39) , ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
- Joseph Smith Papers – Revelation, 6 Aug. 1833 [D&C 98] , Church Historians Press.
Talks by Church Leaders on D&C 98
Doctrine and Covenants 98 is frequently cited regarding peacemaking, constitutional principles, forgiveness, and the Saints’ response to conflict. These messages highlight the section’s practical, spiritual, and civic counsel.
- “War and Peace” — President Gordon B. Hinckley, Apr 2003
- “Our Divine Constitution” — President Ezra Taft Benson, Oct 1987
- “Blessed Are the Peacemakers” — Elder Russell M. Nelson, Oct 2002
- “The Constitution—A Glorious Standard” — President Ezra Taft Benson, Apr 1976
- “Counsel to the Saints” — President Ezra Taft Benson, Apr 1984
- “Continuous Revelation” — Elder Robert D. Hales, Oct 1989
BYU Religious Studies Center – Scholarly Resources
These RSC essays provide historical and doctrinal context related to D&C 98’s themes: peacemaking, persecution in Missouri, and the Saints’ constitutional counsel.
- “Renounce War and Proclaim Peace” , Religious Studies Center.
- “All Things Are the Lord’s: The Law of Consecration in the Doctrine and Covenants” , Religious Studies Center.
- Come, Follow Me Resource Index (incl. D&C 98–101) , Religious Studies Center.
More Verses
D&C Section 98:2-3
How can waiting become an act of faith? In D&C 98:2–3, the Lord of Sabaoth assures that every prayer is heard and sealed with a divine promise. Given amid persecution in 1833, these verses remind believers that patience, trust, and affliction all work together for eternal good and the glory of God’s name.
D&C Section 98:11-13
How does God teach His people to grow through trial? In D&C 98:11–13, given in August 1833, the Lord commands His followers to forsake evil, live by His word, and receive truth “line upon line.” Through faith, endurance, and consecration, He promises that those who give their lives to His cause will find them again in eternal glory.
D&C Section 98:22
What does D&C 98:22 really promise—and why was it given during one of the most turbulent moments in early Church history? This verse, revealed in August 1833, offers a breathtaking assurance that obedience brings divine protection and spiritual strength. In a world full of conflict and uncertainty, its message reminds us that God’s shield surrounds those who follow His commandments with faith and courage.
Doctrine and Covenants 98
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, August 6, 1833. This revelation came in consequence of the persecution upon the Saints in Missouri. Increased settlement of Church members in Missouri troubled some other settlers, who felt threatened by the Saints’ numbers, political and economic influence, and cultural and religious differences. On July 20, 1833, a mob destroyed Church property, tarred and feathered two Church members, and demanded that the Saints leave Jackson County. Three days later, Church leaders signed an agreement to do so. Although some news of the problems in Missouri had no doubt reached the Prophet in Kirtland (nine hundred miles away), the seriousness of the situation could have been known to him at this date only by revelation.
1–3, The afflictions of the Saints will be for their good; 4–8, The Saints are to befriend the constitutional law of the land; 9–10, Honest, wise, and good men should be supported for secular government; 11–15, Those who lay down their lives in the Lord’s cause will have eternal life; 16–18, Renounce war and proclaim peace; 19–22, The Saints in Kirtland are reproved and commanded to repent; 23–32, The Lord reveals His laws governing the persecutions and afflictions imposed on His people; 33–38, War is justified only when the Lord commands it; 39–48, The Saints are to forgive their enemies, who, if they repent, will also escape the Lord’s vengeance.
1 Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks;
2 Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted.
3 Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name’s glory, saith the Lord.
4 And now, verily I say unto you concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever I command them.
5 And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.
6 Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land;
7 And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of evil.
8 I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free.
9 Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn.
10 Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.
11 And I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good, that ye shall live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God.
12 For he will give unto the faithful line upon line, precept upon precept; and I will try you and prove you herewith.
13 And whoso layeth down his life in my cause, for my name’s sake, shall find it again, even life eternal.
14 Therefore, be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart, saith the Lord, that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy.
15 For if ye will not abide in my covenant ye are not worthy of me.
16 Therefore, renounce war and proclaim peace, and seek diligently to turn the hearts of the children to their fathers, and the hearts of the fathers to the children;
17 And again, the hearts of the Jews unto the prophets, and the prophets unto the Jews; lest I come and smite the whole earth with a curse, and all flesh be consumed before me.
18 Let not your hearts be troubled; for in my Father’s house are many mansions, and I have prepared a place for you; and where my Father and I am, there ye shall be also.
19 Behold, I, the Lord, am not well pleased with many who are in the church at Kirtland;
20 For they do not forsake their sins, and their wicked ways, the pride of their hearts, and their covetousness, and all their detestable things, and observe the words of wisdom and eternal life which I have given unto them.
21 Verily I say unto you, that I, the Lord, will chasten them and will do whatsoever I list, if they do not repent and observe all things whatsoever I have said unto them.
22 And again I say unto you, if ye observe to do whatsoever I command you, I, the Lord, will turn away all wrath and indignation from you, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.
23 Now, I speak unto you concerning your families—if men will smite you, or your families, once, and ye bear it patiently and revile not against them, neither seek revenge, ye shall be rewarded;
24 But if ye bear it not patiently, it shall be accounted unto you as being meted out as a just measure unto you.
25 And again, if your enemy shall smite you the second time, and you revile not against your enemy, and bear it patiently, your reward shall be an hundred-fold.
26 And again, if he shall smite you the third time, and ye bear it patiently, your reward shall be doubled unto you four-fold;
27 And these three testimonies shall stand against your enemy if he repent not, and shall not be blotted out.
28 And now, verily I say unto you, if that enemy shall escape my vengeance, that he be not brought into judgment before me, then ye shall see to it that ye warn him in my name, that he come no more upon you, neither upon your family, even your children’s children unto the third and fourth generation.
29 And then, if he shall come upon you or your children, or your children’s children unto the third and fourth generation, I have delivered thine enemy into thine hands;
30 And then if thou wilt spare him, thou shalt be rewarded for thy righteousness; and also thy children and thy children’s children unto the third and fourth generation.
31 Nevertheless, thine enemy is in thine hands; and if thou rewardest him according to his works thou art justified; if he has sought thy life, and thy life is endangered by him, thine enemy is in thine hands and thou art justified.
32 Behold, this is the law I gave unto my servant Nephi, and thy fathers, Joseph, and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham, and all mine ancient prophets and apostles.
33 And again, this is the law that I gave unto mine ancients, that they should not go out unto battle against any nation, kindred, tongue, or people, save I, the Lord, commanded them.
34 And if any nation, tongue, or people should proclaim war against them, they should first lift a standard of peace unto that people, nation, or tongue;
35 And if that people did not accept the offering of peace, neither the second nor the third time, they should bring these testimonies before the Lord;
36 Then I, the Lord, would give unto them a commandment, and justify them in going out to battle against that nation, tongue, or people.
37 And I, the Lord, would fight their battles, and their children’s battles, and their children’s children’s, until they had avenged themselves on all their enemies, to the third and fourth generation.
38 Behold, this is an ensample unto all people, saith the Lord your God, for justification before me.
39 And again, verily I say unto you, if after thine enemy has come upon thee the first time, he repent and come unto thee praying thy forgiveness, thou shalt forgive him, and shalt hold it no more as a testimony against thine enemy—
40 And so on unto the second and third time; and as oft as thine enemy repenteth of the trespass wherewith he has trespassed against thee, thou shalt forgive him, until seventy times seven.
41 And if he trespass against thee and repent not the first time, nevertheless thou shalt forgive him.
42 And if he trespass against thee the second time, and repent not, nevertheless thou shalt forgive him.
43 And if he trespass against thee the third time, and repent not, thou shalt also forgive him.
44 But if he trespass against thee the fourth time thou shalt not forgive him, but shalt bring these testimonies before the Lord; and they shall not be blotted out until he repent and reward thee four-fold in all things wherewith he has trespassed against thee.
45 And if he do this, thou shalt forgive him with all thine heart; and if he do not this, I, the Lord, will avenge thee of thine enemy an hundred-fold;
46 And upon his children, and upon his children’s children of all them that hate me, unto the third and fourth generation.
47 But if the children shall repent, or the children’s children, and turn to the Lord their God, with all their hearts and with all their might, mind, and strength, and restore four-fold for all their trespasses wherewith they have trespassed, or wherewith their fathers have trespassed, or their fathers’ fathers, then thine indignation shall be turned away;
48 And vengeance shall no more come upon them, saith the Lord thy God, and their trespasses shall never be brought any more as a testimony before the Lord against them. Amen.