Church History Matters, Episode 161: D&C 113-114 – Christ In Isaiah: The Stem and Root of Jesse

Date: October 1, 2025
Hosts: Scott & Casey
Duration: ~39 minutes
Main Theme:
An in-depth exploration of Doctrine & Covenants Sections 113 and 114, with a focus on the Latter-day Saint understanding of Isaiah’s prophecies regarding the “Stem and Root of Jesse” and the unique mission of David W. Patten, the first apostolic martyr of the Restoration.

Episode Overview

Scott and Casey dive into two short but pivotal sections of the Doctrine and Covenants—Section 113, which interprets Messianic prophecies in Isaiah 11 and 52, and Section 114, which centers on Apostle David W. Patten. The discussion brings together scriptural exegesis, church history, and personal insights into early Latter-day Saint leaders, highlighting themes of priesthood, prophecy, apostasy, and martyrdom during a period of upheaval and transition for the church (the move from Kirtland to Far West, Missouri, in 1838).

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. From Kirtland to Far West: Major Church Transition

[00:16–02:17]

• The Saints relocate from Kirtland (never to return in Joseph Smith’s lifetime) to Far West, Missouri, marking a new era of pivotal revelations (Sections 113–120).
• Section 113 wasn’t added to the D&C until 1876, when Orson Pratt, under Brigham Young’s direction, included additional sections focusing on priesthood and temple matters.

2. Section 113: Question & Answer on Messianic Prophecy

[02:17–13:22]

Context of Section 113

• Compiled from conversations held in Far West, written in Joseph Smith’s “scriptory book” by clerk George Robinson.
• Contains two segments:
  • Questions on Scripture (vv. 1–6): Three Q&A pairs on Isaiah 11 (origin uncertain).
  • Questions by Elias Higbee (vv. 7–10): Two Q&A pairs on Isaiah 52, likely Joseph’s inspired commentary rather than direct revelation from God.

Breakdown of Isaiah 11’s Message

[04:47–07:47]

• Prophesies a spirit-inspired descendant of King David (the “stem of Jesse”) who will usher in justice, peace, and the global gathering of Israel (summary of Isaiah 11:1–16).
• Joseph was deeply influenced by Moroni’s repeated quotations of Isaiah 11 to him (cf. JS History 1:40).

D&C 113 Q&As and Interpretive Nuance

• Who is the "stem of Jesse"?

  • “Verily, thus saith the Lord: it is Christ.”
    (Christ is the stem, not the rod or branch—contrary to mainstream Christian belief.)

• Who is the "rod" from the stem of Jesse?

  • “It is a servant in the hands of Christ, who is partly a descendant of Jesse, as well as of Ephraim...” (Joseph Smith is implied.)

• Who is the "root of Jesse" in Isaiah 11:10?

  • “It is a descendant of Jesse, as well as of Joseph, unto whom rightly belongs the priesthood and the keys of the kingdom for an ensign and for the gathering of my people in the last days.” [10:29]

• The hosts synthesize these points, noting that Joseph Smith, by his lineage, spiritual role, and authority, fulfills these descriptions.

  • Scott: “He had laid upon him, literally, the keys of the Aaronic priesthood by John the Baptist, ... keys of the sealing power ... by Elijah.” [11:52]

• Notably, Joseph never directly claims the prophecy for himself in this study group; his modesty is inferred. [13:10]

Notable Quotes

• “Whereas traditional Christian interpretation ... is to assume that verses 1 through 5 are describing Christ as the rod or branch ... the Lord is saying here the verses 1 through 5 are actually describing Christ as the stem of Jesse itself.” —Scott [07:47]
• “If we ask ... to whom in the last days do the priesthood and the keys of the kingdom rightly belong? ... We would answer to Joseph Smith...” —Scott [10:29]

3. Section 113: Priesthood Restoration & Isaiah 52

[13:22–15:58]

• Isaiah 52:1–2: Symbolizes Zion rising from captivity; interpreted as referring to God’s latter-day people putting on the priesthood and reclaiming apostolic authority.
  • “To put on her strength is to put on the authority of the priesthood, which she, Zion, had a right to by lineage...” [13:22]
• The ultimate theme: Restoration of Israel and fulfillment of ancient promises, both literal/lineage and adopted.

4. Controversies: Is Joseph Smith a Descendant of Jesus?

[15:58–21:00]

• Some claim D&C 113:6 (re: “descendant of Jesse as well as of Joseph”) means Joseph was a blood descendant of Jesus.
  • Casey: “It just says a descendant of Jesse and Jesse had a lot of sons... I would steer way clear of reading verse six that way.” [20:29]
• Hosts counsel against overspeculation, noting that adoption and fulfillment through calling are equally valid.

5. Consequences & Outcomes of Section 113

[21:16–22:19]

• Reaffirms central Restoration themes: Joseph Smith’s role, priesthood work, gathering of Israel.
• Likely provided Joseph personal reassurance after Kirtland’s challenges.
  • Scott: “I can't help but think that Section 113 would have comforted Joseph...” [21:16]
  • Casey: “Eyes on the prize. … You've had some setbacks, but we're still on mission here.” [22:19]

6. Section 114: The Mission and Martyrdom of David W. Patten

[23:04–39:02]

Background on Section 114 & Patten

• Given to David W. Patten, referred to as "Captain Fear Not"—a man of imposing stature and courage.
• The revelation directs Patten to get his affairs in order and prepare for a mission the following spring.

Church Crisis Context

• Patten, Marsh, and Brigham Young step into leadership in Missouri as the old Stake Presidency is removed amid apostasy and tension (David Whitmer nearly replaced Joseph Smith as church leader).

Mission Called, But Not Fulfilled

• Patten’s revelation (and that of the Twelve) to serve in England [Section 118]—but Patten is killed before fulfilling this.
  • Known for miraculous healings and staunch loyalty post-repentance.
• Fun fact: Patten was senior to Marsh but a clerical error made Marsh president of the Twelve.

A Moment of Rebellion—and Reconciliation

• Patten briefly opposes Joseph Smith during the Kirtland apostasy, influenced by Warren Parrish. A confrontation ensues:
  • “David insulted Joseph. And so Joseph slapped him in the face and kicked him out of the yard. And then Brigham says, this done David good, actually.” —Scott quoting Brigham Young, [28:29]
• Patten immediately repents, illustrating the human struggles of early church leaders.

Martyrdom at Crooked River

• Patten prays to die a martyr (as reported by Wilford Woodruff), and is mortally wounded in a rescue mission.
  • “Brethren, you have held me by your faith, but do give me up and let me go, I beseech you.” —David W. Patten’s last words, [32:33]
• Joseph Smith at Patten’s funeral: “There lies a man that has done just as he said he would. He has laid down his life for his friends.”

Theological Problem: Unfulfilled Prophecies

• If God called Patten to a mission, why did he die before serving?
  • Casey: “Eternal promises are made... they can be fulfilled outside the scope of a person's mortality. … [Patten] was called on a mission just on the other side of the veil.” [36:08]
  • Both hosts discuss open/closed theism, the possibility of contingencies, and that not all callings are fulfilled in mortality.

Lasting Legacy

• Patten's brief but powerful influence: his faith prompted Orson Hyde to return; his loyalty stands as a template for later church leaders.
  • Casey: “He becomes the first apostolic martyr. He stays true. The consequence of this section is that David Patton is faithful to the day he dies and continues to influence the church after.” [38:33]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Joseph & Isaiah:
  “Did Joseph Smith himself personally understand the important position that he occupied in fulfilling key parts of this prophecy in Isaiah? Like, did he know this was about him? I think it's fair to say, Casey, he probably did.” —Scott [12:58]
• On Restoration:
  “It's the project of restoration. It's the project of restoring God's people to him by fulfilling the promises he made to their ancestors anciently.” —Casey [14:14]
• On Caution in Interpreting Lineage:
  “If it's 100% true, then it really doesn't affect anything for us…you can prove your worth through your choices and become a member of those families without having any kind of blood association with them.” —Casey [19:31]
• On Conflict and Reconciliation:
  “David insulted Joseph. And so Joseph slapped him in the face and kicked him out of the yard. And then Brigham says, this done David good, actually.” —Scott quoting Brigham Young [28:29]
• On Martyrdom and Legacy:
  “He has laid down his life for his friends.” —Joseph Smith at David W. Patten’s funeral [32:33]
• On Unfulfilled Callings:
  “The Lord just has a bigger perspective on things than we do... Promises... can be fulfilled outside the scope of a person's mortality.” —Casey [34:45]

Timestamps of Key Segments

• [00:16–02:17] — Transition from Kirtland to Far West, context for these revelations
• [04:47–13:22] — Deep dive into Isaiah 11, Christ as the stem of Jesse, Joseph’s prophetic role
• [13:22–15:58] — Interpretation of Isaiah 52 and priesthood restoration
• [18:26–21:00] — Discussion and caution on lineage (is Joseph a descendant of Jesus?)
• [23:23–28:29] — Introduction to Section 114 and David W. Patten’s mission call
• [28:29–31:13] — Patten’s moment of apostasy, reconciliation, and anecdote about Joseph Smith
• [32:33–34:45] — Death of David W. Patten, theology of unfulfilled missions/callings
• [36:08–38:33] — Legacy of Patten, consequences for church history

Flow & Tone

• The conversation seamlessly blends scripture study, historical narrative, and theological reflection.
• The hosts’ dynamic is warm, respectful, and intellectually curious, with Scott focusing on scriptural and doctrinal synthesis and Casey adding historical and personal perspectives.
• Memorable moments—such as Joseph Smith slapping Patten—are related with surprise and humor but are used to highlight growth and reconciliation.
• The episode closes with an invitation to listeners to appreciate the complexities of faith, leadership, and revelation within early church history.

Summary Takeaway

This episode brings to life obscure but crucial sections of the Doctrine & Covenants, highlighting how Latter-day Saints interpret Isaiah as foretelling the Restoration, the distinctive roles of Joseph Smith and fellow leaders, and how moments of doubt and reconciliation have shaped the church’s legacy. Through the story of David W. Patten, listeners gain a nuanced perspective on prophecy, martyrdom, and the sometimes messy but ultimately redemptive progress of the early church.