D&C 3:1-5
From Feast upon the Word (http://feastupontheword.org). Copyright, Feast upon the Word.
Doctrine & Covenants > Section 3
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[edit] Questions
[edit] Verse 2
What does it mean that the God's "course is one eternal round?"
[edit] Lexical notes
- Click the edit link above and to the right to add lexical notes
[edit] Exegesis
[edit] Verse 1
Three categories of things ("works," "designs," and "purposes") are described as not being able to do two things ("be frustrated" and "come to naught").
[edit] Verse 2
“eternal round” Joseph Smith: That which has a beginning will surely have an end. Take a ring, it is without beginning or end; cut it for a beginning place, and at the same time you have an ending place. (Joseph Smith, The Words of Joseph Smith, p. 60. Webster’s 1828: 1. Anything round, as a ring. 2. A series of changes or events ending where it began; recurring in continuance; a cycle; 3. A course of action or conduct performed by a number of persons in turn, or one after another, as if seated in a circle. Neal A. Maxwell: "Repeatedly God has described His course as reiterative, "one eternal round" We mortals sometimes experience boredom in the routine repetition of our mortal tasks, including even good works; and thus vulnerable, we are urged not to grow weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9; D&C 64:33; 84:80; Alma 37:34). But given God's divine love, there is no boredom on His part amid His repetitive work, for his course, though one eternal round, involves continuous redemption for His children." Not My Will, But Thine, p 53.
[edit] Verse 4
[edit] For although a man many have many revelations
This verse seems to indicate that Joseph Smith had indeed already had many revelations. Interestingly, however, this revelation is the first that Joseph Smith committed to writing. It thus seems that something about the revelatory experience behind what is now section 3 made Joseph Smith decide to begin recording revelations. What might be behind that decision?
[edit] Related links
[edit] Verse 2
- One eternal round Neal A. Maxwell thought this meant that God did the same work over and over: 'Repeatedly God has described His course as reiterative, "one eternal round."' Not My Will, But Thine, p. 53. ISBN 088494672X
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