D&C 135-136 - Slain Prophets and Strong Pioneers

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Nov 24, 2025

Explore the emotional aftermath of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, as John Taylor eulogizes their sacrifice. Unpack the contrasting reactions during their final moments and the enduring legacy of their innocent blood. Delve into Brigham Young's leadership and the divine directives for a communal pioneer exodus, emphasizing unity and care for the vulnerable. Reflect on the necessity of building a righteous, consecrated people before establishing Zion, while learning from trials that shape saints and strengthen their community.

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ANECDOTE

Singing In Carthage Jail

Jared describes singing "Praise to the Man" in Carthage Jail with BYU colleagues as a moving experience.
He recounts standing ovation and the shared emotion among scholars and missionaries.

INSIGHT

Blood Connects Martyrs Across Ages

Jared emphasizes the repeated theme of "blood" linking Joseph and Hiram to ancient martyrs and scripture.
He connects their innocent blood to broader moral stains on Illinois and the nation, invoking sacrificial witness.

INSIGHT

Camp Of Israel: Covenant And Inclusion

Section 136 organizes the "Camp of Israel" for the western trek, stressing covenant and communal structure.
Jared highlights inclusion of "those who journey with them," extending care beyond formal church members.

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June 27, 1844. Carthage Jail. The greatest tragedy and the ultimate triumph of the Restoration. How does the Church move forward after the Prophet seals his testimony with his blood? D&C 135 and 136 answer with a powerful statement on sacrifice and a direct revelation on how to build a Zion people.

Summary: This episode explores the final, foundational sections of the Doctrine and Covenants: D&C 135: The Martyrdom. Written by John Taylor, this section seals the testimony of the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants with the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. We contrast the different, yet unified, ways the brothers met their end—Hyrum falling "calmly" and Joseph attempting to leap from the window. The section declares that Joseph Smith "has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it". His innocent blood was shed , and it was "needful that he should seal his testimony with his blood".

D&C 136: The Word and Will of the Lord. Received by Brigham Young in Winter Quarters, this revelation provided the blueprint for the great western exodus. It commanded the "Camp of Israel" to be organized into companies with a "covenant and promise to keep all the commandments".

Collective Effort: The trek was not individualistic; the Saints were commanded to "bear an equal proportion" in taking the "poor, the widows, the fatherless," and the families of soldiers. The command was to "go to with their might, to prepare for those who are to tarry" —to be "pioneers to prepare".

Preparation for Zion: The Lord warns, "my people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them". He assures them, "marvel not at these things" , and that He is the "God of your fathers" who led Israel and whose "arm is stretched out in the last days, to save my people Israel".

Call-to-Action: Which person—a widow, a poor person, or a family—can you help bear their burden this week? The pioneer spirit is still needed! Share your plans in the comments below. If this message inspired you to keep striving for Zion, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith.

Chapter Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

6:28 Life and Death Differences

19:33 Praise to the Man

33:39 Innocent Blood

45:10 Pioneers to Prepare

59:47 Still Hoping for Zion

1:08:35 Not My First Rodeo

1:20:29 Don't Be Surprised

1:31:12 One-Liners