In November and December 1832, Joseph Smith received revelations about the continuing challenge for the Saints in Missouri to live the law of consecration (85). He continued to translate the Bible and received revelation about the parable of wheat and tares (86), and received revelation about impending war (87).
“Historical Context and Background,” by Steven C. Harper and Casey Paul Griffiths, at Doctrine and Covenants Central
Here are brief histories of D&C 85, D&C 86, and D&C 87 that help the reader understand the meaning of these revelations.
“Peace and War,” Jed Woodworth, Revelations in Context
Joseph Smith “never shied away from warning the world of the cataclysms to come. But that was not the point of his message.” The Saints were to stand in holy places and be not moved.
“‘Have We Not Had a Prophet Among Us?’: Joseph Smith’s Civil War Prophecy,” Scott C. Esplin, in Civil War Saints
This prophecy, later D&C 87, warning of impending war, was known among the Saints but was not published as part of the canon for many years. This article tells how the prophecy was spread among the Saints, publicized during the Civil War, and used after the war to predict further calamity.
