November 1833–February 1835

The Camp of Israel

Learning to trust the Lord

The Saints who had been living in Independence, Missouri, needed help. They had worked hard to build Zion like God had asked. But other people in the town did not want them there. They made the Saints leave their homes.

Saints, 1:195

Joseph Smith was living in Kirtland. He heard about what happened to the Saints in Missouri, and he was sad. He prayed to know what to do. The Lord told Joseph to find people to go with him to Missouri. They hoped the government would help the Saints get their homes back.

Doctrine and Covenants 103:1–2, 11–20, 30–34; Saints, 1:195–96

About 100 people volunteered to join him. The Prophet called this group the Camp of Israel. They were excited to go help the Saints in Missouri.

Saints, 1:197–99

Brigham Young and his friend Heber Kimball were part of the group. A young man named Wilford Woodruff came all the way from New York to help.

Saints, 1:197–98

More people joined the camp. They marched for a whole month and crossed a wide river into Missouri. They were tired and sore. The long march had also made some people feel frustrated. They still had a long way to go to get to the city of Independence.

Saints, 1:200–201

As they kept marching, a woman called out to them. She said that some men were coming to kill them.

Saints, 1:203

The Camp of Israel stopped for the night on a hill above a river. As they set up camp, five men rode up to them on horses. They bragged that 300 more men were on their way to attack the camp. Many members of the Camp of Israel were worried. Joseph told them to have faith that God would help them.

Saints, 1:203

Soon the sky filled with gray clouds. Heavy rain started to fall. The river got deeper. Wind blew down trees. Lightning flashed across the sky. Joseph and the others found a small church where they could be safe. They sang hymns throughout the night. “God is in this storm!” Joseph said.

Saints, 1:203–4

The storm had stopped the people who wanted to attack them. The camp was safe. But the government said they wouldn’t help the Saints. The Lord told Joseph that the Camp of Israel could go home. The Saints should build Zion by keeping God’s commandments. He promised He would “fight the battles of Zion.”

Doctrine and Covenants 105:1–19; Saints, 1:204–5

Some members of the camp were upset when they heard this. They were sad that they didn’t get to fight for Zion. Some people thought the Camp of Israel had failed. But others, like Brigham, Heber, and Wilford, were thankful for the chance to be with the Prophet Joseph and learn from Him.

Saints, 1:205–6

Later, the Lord told Joseph Smith to call Twelve Apostles to help lead His Church. The Apostles would be special witnesses of the name of Jesus Christ in all the world. Eight of the Twelve Apostles had marched in the Camp of Israel. Serving with Joseph helped prepare them for this important calling.

Doctrine and Covenants 18:26–27; 107:23; Saints, 1:214–17