Come Follow Me - Doctrine and Covenants 132: "Celestial Marriage & Plural Marriage" (part 2 of 2)

[@yukonveg6904]

I joined the church as a teen and I have to say that in the early years of my new faith I did struggle to understand and accept the law of plural marriage. Being an independent woman determined to walk a path of faith, which my nearest family could not accept nor understand, this principle troubled me greatly. Finally, a few years later, at some point perhaps while I was serving a mission, someone pointed to Jacob chapter two. As I read those verses any lingering doubt or uncertainty towards this principle dissipated until nothing remained. I felt a warm blanket of peace encircled me regarding the sacrifices of the early saints regarding this principle. I am no great teacher on this subject. I have no gift to speak or teach this principle, but I feel peace and I know in my heart it was commanded by God. Thank you for your eloquence on this subject. Through your sacrifice of time and talent, I have been feasting on deeper principles and while I may not be able to emulate your eloquence, I feel I have been divinely instructed this past week on a very difficult subject. Layers of understanding have been added to my testimony of all things, (including this one) relating to the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you so much for all you do for us. And please thank your sweet wife, who no doubt sacrifices much of her own time to allow you to teach us all.

[@jamieshipley]

Beautiful comment.

[@tandyhammond6584]

I AGREE completely! We are all so blessed by these videos! YOU, by the way, have an eloquent way of writing! Your comment was very heart felt and guinuine! Thank you for putting in words what so many of us feel!😀💯❤

[@jacquikehoe1254]

AMEN Sister!

[@tempmac9502]

Amen sis

[@Davis0682]

What a wonderful comment! Thank you for sharing. 💖

[@Dunlappin]

Brother Jared, you have helped clarify the misunderstandings and confusion I have felt for so long on this subject. I too am the progeny of polygamy. My 3G grandfather is Wilford Woodruff and I come through the line of his 3rd wife, MaryAnn Jackson. She only had 1 son with him James Jackson Woodruff. She was not happy in her polygamous marriage ( I don't know many details of the particulars, I only can surmise) and asked to be divorced from him. Hearing what you said about Brigham's feelings about divorce helped me stop seeing her in a negative light. I can't even imagine daring to divorce a prophet of God. As you explained Emma's heart, mine softened towards her and my 3G grandma. But apparently, Wilford forgave her and had her sealed to him after she died. It's all felt so odd and scary and weird to me, but I felt the Spirit so strongly as you presented the truths and gave us glimpses into the hearts of those who were called to practice it. I am so glad to have new perspectives and fresh understandings replace old hangups. This was essential for my spiritual progress so I thank you most deeply.

[@terriluc5503]

Brother Halverson, I saw you come to tears as you taught this lesson. Your ability to explain with a humble heart. Your understanding of this law which is misunderstood is amazing. I've tried to understand over the years myself and heard sisters speak of it in fear. Thank you for taking the fear out of this law. Show that the Lord is the Alpha and Omega so how could He be anything but kind and loving.

[@JimmyMorin-c2y]

3:35 3:35 3:37 3:38

[@susannakemp8078]

This is the best explanation of Section 132 and eternal marriage I have ever heard! Thank you!

[@MicheleBurstein]

Exactly my thought!

[@b1of4bs]

Yes!

[@elizabethwhipple314]

I echo the comment from Susanna Kemp. I was going to write more because I received so impressions but they came to an conclusion that: I don't have to know the why. I just have know Who.

[@marylinde1833]

With all my heart, I'm grateful for your lesson this week. Section 132 is a difficult and trying lesson to comprehend. You, however, greatly helped me see more clearly the love of our Heavenly Father in this section. The overwhelming sacrifices of Joseph and Emma and all the others during this time became more evident. Heavenly Father will truly make all things right. Thank you Bro Halverson.

[@andreapickles7330]

My goodness a marathon, this week! I don't know how you do it, but am very thankful for it. You have really brought the emotional pain that these wonderful Saints endured to light. Maybe that shared pain is what refines their souls to such an extent it enables them to live exalted lives...in perfect felicity. Thank you for your invaluable insights, time and commitment. I feel very privileged to be 'in your class' albeit I live in England.

[@jofudge795]

The older and more experienced we become, the easier it is to be comfortable with the idea of plural marriage as practiced by the early saints in the valleys of the Rocky Mountains. Growing up in a blended family of a widowed mother marrying a recently widowed father, twelve children under one roof, we children were sometimes concerned about the two half-siblings that were born to this union. Our parents, both sealed to their original partners, explained that it would all work out. After more than forty years of marriage, these two parents also died, Mom first. And as I prayed that night, realizing that my mother was once again with my first father, I marveled at God's wisdom in allowing these four parents, two of whom would die young, to raise together these twelve children. I can almost see them in a group hug, congratulating one another on a job well done!

[@christinebrowne7753]

I’m so glad I listened to the end where the gold is. “God is too wise to error , too good to be unkind”. I think that will be my take away for the whole year. I love it so much, it gives me great confidence. Thank You 🙏, so much!!

[@annieochoa5280]

Me too!❤

[@jeanninerutman2753]

I agree! Tears streamed from my eyes as that amazing truth was reiterated in my mind and heart! This perfect ending of this last “6 hrs” is so amazing! Thank you thank you my dear Brother Halverson !

[@randallfranks1528]

Brother Halverson, you have my utmost respsect for your sacrifices to present this so well and with such amazing insight. You've got my vote for teacher of the year! My prayers are with you and your family.

[@BridgeBuilder-x4c]

I have loved other of your content. But it may be time to look into the growing mountain of evidence Joseph fought polygamy. Didn’t practice it….

[@dorothypitts4768]

I really wish that this episode could be taught from the pulpit during general conference. You have a way of teaching that is peaceful and comforting and at the same time direct and honest. I have recommended this episode to my entire ward on our Facebook page. So many are struggling this week. Thank you.

[@katmmcdonald]

I agree, Brother Halverson's teaching skills are a true gift!

[@jeffreyengland4946]

So many gems in this lesson- I took over 3 typed pages of notes, some of my favorite parts include: 1) Three S’s of anti-religious attacks (8:20) 2) Topics to study to gain a deeper understanding of plural marriage (from the 27 min intro) 3) Explanation of Matt 22:29-30 (1:07:14) 4) Testimonies of the wives who participated in plural marriage. Emma (2:41:00). Valate Kimball (2:43:40). Sister Pratt (2:45:18). Mercy Fielding Thompson (3:15:40). 5) “I am the Lord” insight (3:07:10) 6) Four exclamation marks around every question- the Lord’s existence, omniscience, omnipotence, and love (3:18:25). Thank you for all your time and attention to detail and doctrine!

[@kevinpyne24]

Thank you!

[@tandyhammond6584]

I AGREE! Thanks for cliff notes and timestamps! So helful!😇

[@stuartpeterson4741]

Well done! Thank you!

[@gretasoto8406]

Sensational, superficial, selective!

[@jonathanray7931]

@gretasoto8406 "Sensational, superficial, selective" "Sensational, superficial, selective"? What, where and how so? Thanks.

[@jillbanfield3632]

Thank you for explaining section 132 so thoroughly. I appreciate that you didn't gloss over over the verses and history about plural marriage. You are right in saying that a lot of it is painful for my 21st century ears to hear. But there are also a lot of glorious blessings promised to the faithful in this section as well. My 21st century ears and heart loved reviewing those blessings in so much depth. Thank you for taking your precious time to share your knowledge and spirit with us, your "unshaken" listeners.

[@traciedcarter]

Man have I wrestled with this section over the years! I finally finished all the hrs of your labor of love and thank you! And I agree, I’ve relied on the four exclamation points to navigate every unanswerable question and hard thing to sit with as my faith and obedience require me to sacrifice certainty. Well done, my friend, and thank you for you and your family’s years of sacrifice so you could be prepared and enabled to share this perspective on D&C 132. God speed!

[@MichelleBStone]

Around the 28:00 mark you repeatedly include Isaac with the polygamists. This surprises me with your religious and scriptural training. Why do you claim Isaac was a polygamist? Other than 132's erroneous claim, what evidence are you relying on of Isaac's polygamy?

[@kristinearchibald6264]

Your beautiful treatment of this sensitive section was so astoundingly profound in a very sacred way … it surely shined a light on the heart and souls of those who were called upon to live plural marriage … there is so much here to harken to and absorb … I will ,no doubt, be listening and taking notes on this all week. Thank you Brother Halverson.

[@kennbren]

What an incredibly beautiful lesson. 🥰 I could feel your tears. You touched me deeply. Nearly every night I fall asleep to your podcast. Your voice, your cadence, your kind heart is so comforting. Your lessons are beautiful. Thank you.

[@paulettebartley7575]

Thank you so much for the extra time and effort you have taken to fully cover D&C132! All my life questions of polygamy have been asked of me and I think I have answered pretty well, but now I have a much larger picture and greater view, making my answers in the future much better I am sure. I kept thinking through your lesson about my sweet mother, an 18 year old convert who never looked back! When asked one time about polygamy she, one of seven sisters, said, "If the only way one of my sisters could make it into the Celestial kingdom was if I shared my husband, I would do it!" So selfless. I learned so much from your lesson about myself, my own thinking on my life challenges and am so grateful for this. Thank you!

[@kaybray1434]

It moves my heart your sincerity as you share your understanding of the scriptures.

[@conniedunford5684]

This lesson pierced me to the center of my being. I felt things I have never felt before and learned so much about myself and my personal life that it took my breath away. It awakened me to an awareness that I needed so badly and I didn't even know it. I am so grateful for the Holy Ghost that teaches me what I need most. I am so grateful for you and your incredible gift to teach. As I listen to you, my heart and mind open up to the scriptures and there I find the connection. Thank you

[@susananderson6296]

I appreciate your taking the time each week to bless our lives and help us with the Doctrine and Covenants. Thank you

[@katmmcdonald]

Thank you Brother Halverson!!! New layers of knowledge and wisdom were revealed while listening to you teach this week. This might be my favorite lesson yet, simply because I learned SO MUCH! Incredible job well done.

[@shredfreak93]

I converted back in 2017 and I am the first member of my family to be baptized into the church. I was also able to be sealed to my wife and family in the Philadelphia, Pa temple for time and all eternity. Listening to this reaffirmed how lucky I am to have the gospel in my life! I also loved your explanation on plural marriage because as a convert that was one topic I never really had an answer for anyone outside of the church. I am a new subscriber and I love these videos. Many prayers to your family!

[@marymabey9858]

I couldn’t let this lesson go without a heartfelt thank you! At first I thought it was 2 hours... I hadn’t noticed there was a part 2😊. My oh my it was fantastic. And yes that last 15 minutes was such a thought provoking way to bring this time to a close. I made my husband come listen😊. God bless you and god bless your wife and kids. They sacrifice their time with you for all of us that watch this program. You have certainly blessed my life❤️. Thank you for your generous sacrifice of time and effort to let me come to understand and know better this god who loves me❤️.

[@malindagrant8797]

I can only imagine what Emma felt as she battled with her decision to follow the Lord's command in this thing (plural marriage) and how hard her and joseph must have struggled in carrying this mandate to pass this lesson taught me that the Lord will require hard things of me now and in the future and begs to question how willing am I to follow the Lord's command even unto the bitter end if it be his will for me, I have made so many hard choices that came as a result of disobedience and putting my own desires above His will and commands and I am now seeing that I can't have it both ways I have to choose but like Emma knowing the right and acting on it can be so so hard sometimes and in certain situations. Thank you for using this platform to bring us closer and help us to understand in greater details the Lord's words, may you continue to be blessed with all you do for the Lord and his kingdom here on earth🇯🇲❤🙏

[@annieochoa5280]

Hi Sister Grant! I wanted to tell you that while I wouldn't like to have to do this very hard commandment, in my present understanding of life and the gospel of Jesus Christ, I believe with all of my heart that our loving Heavenly Father will make all things right to our hearts and minds so that we may have His peace and comfort and joy. He loves us so much. On Earth we may be strongly tested, but once on the other side of the veil, all will be made right for us 💕

[@shelbynelson1489]

I feel a need to express my gratitude for all of the work you put in every week for this podcast. These videos help me break through the fog that can happen when I'm reading things I don't understand. You have an amazing ability given to you from God to explain principles and I'm so looking forward to studying the Old Testament with your insights. The parts I tend to appreciate the most are your stories that relate to the principle being taught and I also love when you connect the verse to other scriptures or writings.

[@ClintK.]

My heart burst with joy to see the length of time you dedicated to my favorite section in all scripture! I love how this teaches us so much about the temple and about the relationships in the Celestial Kingdom. I and my wife desire to not only have a temple marriage but an eternal marriage.

[@bailealittle1862]

My ggggreat grandmother was Clarissa Hancock. A few years ago I made a comment on FB defending a Joseph and polyandry. I had the distinct thought “you have not only defended Joseph, you have defended me”. I had never considered how Clarissa felt about her good name and righteous desires being so twisted.

[@tamragoodrich6067]

I'm a 4th generation granddaughter of Clarissa Hancock also!

[@andreaashfordd]

Wow, what a beautiful experience! Thank you for sharing that.

[@carolynbryers1180]

Brother Halverson, I was moved by your delivery of such a difficult chapter this week. Thank you so much for inviting the spirit, I truly felt it testify over and over as you humbly and powerfully guided us through the content. I pray that you know how grateful I am for your efforts each and every week. Your teachings have opened my heart and mind in a way that I am eternally grateful for… thank you

[@JillFowers]

PLEASE listen to the very end...the last 10 minutes are the best of the entire lesson (which is AMAZING!!). Thank you Bro Halverson for bringing it all together with the big picture of faith.

[@donnakearse2503]

Brother Halverson. I loved so much to see your emotion talking about this subject. In nursing school in psychology we were taught that sometimes when dealing with our children we are justified in saying because “I said so”. This is such a complex subject I just leave it to the Lord and thankful I was not called to it. You allowed me to feel kindness toward Emma again. I felt the spirit so strong in your final few minutes of this lesson. May God bless you for your honesty in teaching this lesson 🙏🏻

[@1shigeru]

The first 28 minutes put into perspective the need for an in-depth learning and knowledge of all aspects of any given topic of the gospel before making any judgement regarding the principles and doctrines that are taught in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. The instruction given here will apply to any type of learning if one desires the truth and not just to agree with someone else's perspective only in order to get the approval of the crowd or to be a part of the uninformed majority. I loved your explanation, Jared! Thank you so much.

[@harlizaugg6655]

Brother Halverson, I have watched your videos since the inception of Unshaken, and look forward to it every week. It is certainly a highlight of mine each week and one which enlightens and inspires me to do better. Thank you for all of yours and your family's sacrifices of time and energy so that you can produce such a wonderful experience for the rest of us.

[@paulagraves6517]

Thank you. You expressed the doctrine behind plural marriage so perfectly. I for one have never struggled with the idea of its divinity but it was hard to see it be do able in 20th century when the general mind of mankind has been so polluted. Like you said “thank you Hollywood.

[@davidspjut9365]

The respect and admiration you convey regarding these principles concerning the daughters of our Heavenly Father is wonderful. No other way to say it brother….you’re the best…we love you…and your love of light and truth. My testimony of the scriptures has grown since I have been taught by you 19 months ago…keep up the good work…we need you brother😇👍. David

[@shaunaguymon2960]

Excellent questions from a wise lady! List of questions 1 - Polygamy and God 1. If God uses polygamy to raise up seed (Jacob 2:30) why did God always establish and command monogamy along with the command to multiply and replenish? (Adam and Eve, Noah and his wife, all their sons and all the animals, Lehi and Sariah, and all their sons, etc.) 2. If polygamy is of God, why was the first scriptural polygamist a descendent of Cain, a murderer, a son of perdition, and the second Master Mahan? (Genesis 4:19, Moses 5:44) 3.A. If polygamy is of God, why is the birthrate perfectly designed for monogamy? 3.B. What should happen to all the surplus boys and men? 4. If polygamy is of God, why are humans biologically, psychologically, sociologically, emotionally, economically, developmentally designed to do best in monogamy? 5. If polygamy is of God, why do the scriptures universally preach monogamy? (Among many others: Genesis 2:23-25, Matthew 19:5, Mark 10:7-8, Jacob 2-3, Mosiah 11:2, Ether 10:5, D&C 42:22, “Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else,” etc.) 6. D&C 132:61 says, “if any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse another… he cannot commit adultery.” How can a man desire or court a plural wife without committing adultery when Jesus taught, “I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28) 7. When 1 Nephi 7:1 says Lehi’s sons must “raise up seed unto the Lord” and 1 Nephi 16:7 makes it clear that they each took one wife, and Jacob 2:34 makes it clear that God commanded Lehi and all of his people to have only one wife, why do we claim Jacob 2:30 says if God wants to raise up seed he will command his people to practice polygamy? 8. When God’s primary reason for forbidding and condemning the abomination of polygamy is because he has “seen the sorrow, and heard the mourning” of his daughters, and because the “sobbings of their heart ascend up” to him and because many of their “hearts died, pierced with deep wounds,” why would God ever command polygamy when it always does this to his daughters? List of questions 2 - Polygamy and Joseph Smith 1. If Emma burned the revelation two days after Clayton wrote it, and the Kingsbury copy was secretly tucked away, what was Hyrum showing around town and what did he read to the high council? 2. If Joseph’s polygamy was too dangerous to record or leave one shred of evidence of, why do we have so much evidence of others’ Nauvoo polygamy, including all the Nauvoo temple sealing records? 3. If Joseph was the one and only one on earth who had the keys for sealings, why did all of his plural sealings need to be redone by proxy after his death? 4. If all of his sealings had to be done by proxy after his death, why wasn’t his marriage and sealing to Emma redone after his death? 5. If the purpose of polygamy is raising up seed (Jacob 2:30) why didn’t Joseph have any children with polygamist wives? 6. If one purpose of polygamy was the restoration of all things, why didn’t other OT cultural practices need to be restored? 7. D&C 132:34-35 and 65 state that God commanded Abraham to practice polygamy. Verse 37 claims that God also commanded Isaac and Jacob to practice polygamy. Please provide scripture references to support those claims. 8. D&C 132 verses 1 and 37 state that Isaac was a polygamist. Please provide the scripture reference to support that. 9. Were Joseph's enemies, such as John Bennett and the other contemporaneous voices we rely on as evidence of Joseph’s polygamy, (Joseph Jackson, William Law, Austen Cowles, Orsamus Bostwick, Oliver Olney etc.) polygamy insiders or outsiders? If insiders, why weren’t they given permission to take additional wives? If outsiders, how did they know who Joseph’s secret wives were? How are those not the "testimonies of traitors"? (D&C 122:3) 10. Considering D&C 132:61-62, how was Joseph justified in marrying non-virgins and other men’s wives? (61 And again, as pertaining to the law of the priesthood-if any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse another, and the first give her consent, and if he espouse the second, and they are virgins, and have vowed to no other man, then is he justified; he cannot commit adultery for they are given unto him; for he cannot commit adultery with that that belongeth unto him and to no one else. 62 And if he have ten virgins given unto him by this law, he cannot commit adultery, for they belong to him, and they are given unto him; therefore is he justified.) 11. Brigham Young, John Taylor, Orson Pratt and many other early Utah leaders clearly and repeatedly taught that plural marriage was absolutely essential for exaltation. Were they wrong? If they were wrong about their understanding of the necessity of polygamy for exaltation, why were they right about the necessity of polygamy at all? 12. Joseph, Emma, and Hyrum Smith each vehemently and openly rejected, forbid, condemned and denied all forms of polygamy in the strongest language possible dozens of times, with no exceptions. This included canonized scripture, newspaper publications, letters, numerous public sermons and speeches, private teachings, affidavits, court testimony, interviews, and personal testimonies. Most were erased from church history (or fraudulently edited) but are now available for verification. Why do we as a people claim our founding prophet and president, his chosen and elect wife and our first Relief Society president, and his prophet and president brother continually lied in everything they ever said or published on this subject, yet claim that later leaders and members couldn't and wouldn't lie?

[@harrisonbeckett1545]

Thank you for taking the time to be envolved with this revelation

[@janjones4550]

Thank you, Brother Halverson, for your insights, perspectives, and background knowledge. I am grateful for the expansion you provide to our gospel study and learning for that enables an increase of understanding, intelligence and compassion. I am grateful for our Father and our Savior and Friend, Jesus Christ. They are my best friends and I couldn't do this life without them!!! How blessed we are to have what we have and to know what we know!!!! Have a great week and may you and your family be blessed!!!

[@darlenemartim9972]

I still have my doubts regarding this. It really has had negative concequences

[@stacynelson3827]

Wow… just wow! Mic drop lesson which ends with Lectures on Faith… does not get any better than this💕

[@siumanspringer2014]

Thank you 🙏 your every presentation is enlightening and inspiring. I just learned not to judge. Besides, each dispensation has its trials, difficulty and things that God expects us to overcome and do His work. Each of us will be tested to our cores and needs to repent and forgive each other if we want to return home to our Father in Heaven and become gods ourselves. If we will so easy if we remember perspective in life. May the Holy Ghost always be with us. It’s easy to say than do. Thank you again. So appreciate you, your family and lectures!

[@samuelthygerson6009]

Thank you for your comment, I totally agree with you. Satan will do anything to attack us and take us away from His gospel, I have recently been struggling with some serious sins, and throughout the time I have put my faith in Christ, I have not yet been totally forgiven, yet I have overcame pornography, yet it still lingers so I keep putting my faith in Christ until I am truly forgiven of my serious sins, until then courage in God and the gospel of Christ. It has been hard and Satan has chained me down, dragging me to the very depth of Hell during my early teens, and it was until I gave myself to Christ that those chains broke, Satan is still chaining me, but I can cut those off easily with Christ, I have a long way to go, and I cannot wait to be pure in Christ. If I could overcome something that was so huge in my life, no way Satan can destroy my faith.

[@wandamacpherson8733]

@@samuelthygerson6009 it takes courage to stay on the path you are choosing. One blessing I found to help me eventually overcome the haunting feelings that I carried around for so long was that I realized they were coming from Satan. I commanded him to leave in the name of Jesus Christ and he did. I felt a freeing at that moment of the heaviness that plagued me. This happened after I knew I had done all I could and then I realized that it wasn’t me or God who created this misery. The father of misery was. You have faith and I know your burdens will become light as you continue to walk away from this place.

[@samuelthygerson6009]

@@wandamacpherson8733 Yes, as I read Moses 1 a month ago, I saw Moses cast out Satan in the name of Jesus Christ, and as I did that with faith that I could, I felt Satan leave my presence and just felt an overwhelming joy from it. I am still not perfect, yet worthiness is not flawlessness, I just have to have faith, because today's trials will become tomorrows testimonies, and I can testify of that. As Christ said "if ye love me, keep my commandments", Nephi said, "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." (1 Nephi 3:7). I need to show my love to Christ and God, and that is what I will do.

[@b1of4bs]

With God ALL THINGS are possible. It's wonderful that you are working so hard to be forgiven. 🙏

[@tandyhammond6584]

@@samuelthygerson6009 Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful testimony of the atonment of Jesus Christ! Your comments touched my heart! Made me think of this video "reclaimed" that is AMAZING! Had to share with "the class"! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2i5Y3iKbNVofKM Keep up the great work! 👍

[@kburtonlvn]

I am so blessed that one of my friends referred your site to me. Thank you for the beautiful and insightful information. This last year I have made the time to study scriptures daily and it has blessed me. Thank you for your time. I, too pray for you and your family. May you feel the love of all of us, the strength and our uplifting prayers to assist you in conquering all your feats. We are truly the ones blessed. These chapters on eternal marriage have been very hard but enlightening for me. Thank you. Many blessings always.

[@novawarren5074]

I love you explaining the whole subject 📖❤️❤️❤️

[@Cutteieslopez]

I'm learning so much about the church after watching your videos

[@nataly140]

Thank you for your lesson. I think I am blessed because for some reason the polygamy question never bothered me... Maybe I didn't pay attention to it that much... I am a convert to the church, I joined when I was 22. The church in Ukraine was relatively young, only 7 years old when I got baptized. It was a very thought through decision and I had plenty of assurances from above about the Gospel and thoughtfulness of it. On my mission I had a moment when I was digging too dip and the Spirit wasn't present. As an answer to a prayer, words of Elder Monson stuck in my brain - "the program for this life is simple: faith, repentance, baptism, gift of the Holy Ghost and endure to the end" It helped me see things the way they are. Faith is #1, if you have faith in Jesus and His ability to take you to the right place, hold His hand even when sometimes you have no idea and understanding where you are going. Stay in His boat... Thank you for your lessons, they inspire and bring me back to my early years in the church when I wanted to clime on top of the roof and tell everyone about the restored Church of Christ. Many blessings to you!

[@MaryHillgenealogy]

Thank you for bring tears of assurance and reassurance concerning my own walk - with its ups and downs and sorrows - and divine love from beyond the veil. A profoundly powerful lesson. Thank you again, so much! Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!!!

[@susanwyman9853]

I gained a firm testimony of plural marriage after I realized how deeply I loved noble single sisters among the Saints. I would never want them to be denied the highest blessings Heavenly Father and Mother have to offer us.

[@weemouse1959]

😇What a pleasant surprise. Did not expect the realease of part two this quickly. Thank you very much for sharing with us these great lessons. ❤️ & 🙏🙏🙏 for you and your family.

[@elizabethwhipple314]

I commented before but wanted to add something but I couldn't find comment. So here it goes again. I want to echo what Susanna. This the best explanation of plural marriage I have ever heard. I was going to write some impressions I had received from this lesson but decided to share just this one. God doesn't owe us an explanation. We owe him a our trust and our love. We don't have to know the why just the who. Oh one more: When presented a question mark about the why of something, surround it with 4 exclamation points. 1 Is God real? 2 Is God all knowing? 3 Is God all powerful? and 4 Is God love? Thank you for the assurance that God can make sense of all messiness. Everything will be alright.

[@lightrevolutionsdotcom9415]

Appreciated your testimony around 3:14 @ the end. Faith in God is the key.

[@lynnfavaretto2026]

That was masterful, really touched my heart made a difficult subject into a spiritual feast, thank you from Italy

[@dennisloveridge9493]

Thank you for this wonderful lesson, I look back at my ancestors on both sides who obeyed this principle and who suffered so much but were so wonderfully faithful. I love them so much for their love of the Lord and willingness to obey no matter how high the cost, they left us a legacy that was untarnished and one that we can be proud of. I feel no need to apologize for their obedience but rather I thank the Lord for his refining fire that made them such pure vessels that generations of faithful saints have come from their sacrifice.

[@noddracx6432]

I made it through the eternal lesson! Well worth it, thank you!

[@jenaleeparker7176]

Thank you! I know this takes a lot of time for you, but please know it is making the biggest difference in my life! Often, I find answers to prayers through your broadcasts. Often, I find healing by learning the doctrines more fully and deeply. Please thank your wife and your family for the time they don't spend with you while you serve all of us. I love the scriptures, and I've always wanted to understand them more deeply! Thank you for helping me have all of these blessings. I pray for you and your family!!! :)

[@heatherpeterson1902]

Thank you so much for your effort in these sections. I have been humbled as I see myself in some of these verses. Thank you so much for explaining this wonderful subject of eternal marriage.

[@darlenemartim9972]

Another doubting idea is other churches survived just fine with out it. I have looked into this for years. The New Testament said one man one woman

[@amandadangerfieldpiano]

About a couple being sealed forever: Just one song example is Randy Travis “Forever And Ever, Amen.” But the strang part is that just before he first says “I’m gonna love you forever,” he says “until the day that I die.” !

[@carolynbosil1344]

Thank you Brother Halverson for explaining in section 132 that those of us, especially righteous and covenant keeping sisters, will HAVE all the rights and blessings promised to those that had the good fortune to find their spouse and be sealed here on the earth. I have cut out every Prophet’s promise you mentioned and they all validate those exact same words. 🙏

[@daniellereyna8804]

He’s too good to be unkind…I’m so blessed to spend my Sabbath with Unshaken. 💕 Thank you for your time and spirit.

[@kellysmithmarketing]

I really want to thank you for your beautiful synopsis of this whole long video and principal. Pointing out the fact that God is in control of this as he commanded it and doesn’t give us all of the reasons is actually a freeing principle. Showing that Leviticus and section 132 are related in such a fashion is beautiful. Thank you.

[@ClintK.]

Sure appreciate your insight on innocent blood. Never thought of it in that context of the Savior and the impossibility would again be on the sinners part as they would not seek forgiveness due to their hatred.

[@johannamartin9101]

Thanku so very much for the depth and breadth of your searching for spiritual understanding and then to share so much with so many. I’m so grateful I don’t have to live without your testimony and your studies and teachings and most of all your deep love of truth. May God send untold blessings to you and your family ♥️🇦🇺

[@silviascooking4516]

Thank you for teaching me through the spirit so I m able to understand beyond the words you are sharing ... thank you brother Halverson ... I look forward on registering this video again .. I can't wait what else can I learn each time through the Holly Ghost as I Hear "Him" thank you for taking the time to study and keep your covenants so the spirit teach us to understand... thank you.

[@robmurdock6911]

Jared, thanks for sharing your gift of teaching. Every lesson you give is enlightening and increases my understanding. Your teaching strengthens my testimony each week. It’s hard to express my full gratitude in this forum, but just know I appreciate these lessons and the effort you give in teaching each week. You certainly expand my understanding and increase my faith to believe. Thank you!

[@millie6129]

Could you post some of the sources and books on plural marriage you mentioned? I still don’t feel better about this concept.

[@rayettacroft9052]

Google "Michelle Stone 132 problems". The god of Jacob chapter 2 and the god of doctrine and covenants 132 are not the same God. Heavenly Father's precious daughters are not to be given taken and used my men, and He certainly does not condone the use of concubines, even as the"exception".

[@rustysimon2510]

Thank you Jared for your dedication and love of God. Your messages have brought true light into my understanding of gospel teachings.

[@idahowildflower2613]

I did have the experience of being somebody's "Mormon". It was a wonderful experience. Looking forward to doing it again next summer.

[@laraejackson4115]

Your lessons mean so much to me! I so appreciate that you are willing to say the hard things! I was married for thirty years, but have been divorced for thirty six years. I have pondered much what will happen to me in the next life! The sealing received in the temple is no longer valid! I have been promised an eternal companion, so this lesson meant a lot to me! I’m trying to stay faithful and awaiting that glorious day! Thank you!

[@jina-z7y]

That sounds difficult. Thanks for personalizing this week’s lesson and sharing your experience with us.

[@annsharp2570]

Wow this has been a very hard lesson for you to teach. But you did it so beautifully and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.This is one topic that has always bothered me and I was glad that I did not live during that time. But after this lesson I have decided to give it over to the Lord and asked Him to help me do so.I love my Heavenly Father and His Son and hope that I will find peace with this .Thank you again for the wonderful inside you always give to us and pray that you and your family will be blessed abundantly.

[@gayleneerwin1329]

I’m trying to wrap my head around all this and open my heart and the tears just flow. It feels like God doesn’t love women. We have been given as gifts to men and every story is so hurtful to women and NOT equally hurtful to men. My heart aches for Sara, Hagar, Rachel, Leah, and Emma just to name a few. If God is all knowing and all powerful why would he time and time again hurt women so deeply. Can you even imagine being a concubine? We as women are a prize for man. I want to believe so badly but feel so hurt and scared for the afterlife that I am DAMNED and not progressing.

[@maryfranjeppesen8932]

I think perhaps you a judging with out evidence. You dont know how these women felt. Trust the Lord! He loves women! He loves me!!

[@reedblackburn8192]

You are beautiful and loved Gaylene! Thanks for such an honest and vulnerable comment. I hope you won't feel judged in the way you have expressed yourself. Your desires are so good, your heart is beautiful, and I hope as you engage in this wrestle you can feel of God's (including Heavenly Mother's) love for you! Sending hope your way, and honestly feel much of the same as you do. Jared did as good a job as I've ever heard of someone explaining this, but even still as he said at the end of the podcast, it, still doesn't answer all those difficult questions.

[@omacookie]

I feel so blessed to “belong” to my husband! I loved the old temple wording. It never bothered me. I wonder if the Lord was speaking to Emma instead of Joseph if he would have made it clear that Joseph belonged to Emma. Several scriptures say we have claim as a wife on our husbands. I think it’s more equal than it appears.

[@gayleneerwin1329]

@@reedblackburn8192 thank you for your kind words and understanding. I hope to find peace one day.

[@gayleneerwin1329]

@@omacookie I sure hope you’re right!

[@karaleedean8692]

Thank you, Bro. Halverson, for the time you give to help us study!

[@jamieshipley]

That was so uplifting. Thank you for walking me through this section.

[@allisonbevans4323]

I don't have the words to express how much this lesson helped me. Thank you for your thoughtful, sensitive and well-researched lesson on such a difficult topic

[@loribarnhurst348]

A profound thank you! Bless you. You are always in our prayers.

[@Silrielmavi]

Thank you for this treat of having three videos come out at once! For various reasons, I'm still not able to go to church in person right now, and I look forward to these videos every week! I re-watched D&C 89 last week when one didn't come out since the Word of Wisdom is something I've made an effort to study over the years. I genuinely enjoy listening to what you have to say and I'm so grateful that you share your debth of knowledge with us, especially going into the hard questions, and how to answer the hard questions in a way that still shows love. I have so many friends and family members who have left the church or their testimonies are struggling, and having the information you share every week has helped me know better how to interact and converse with them. There have been times when I've asked what to do with these loved ones, and every time the answer I get from the Lord is to love them. I appreciate that you have the same approach, to love those around us, especially those who don't necessarily agree with us.

[@timeparame9934]

Thank you Brother Halverson for making me wait for section 132 to download. I had time to ponder and reflect on this sacred principle of celestial glory. I thought about Heavenly Mother and how she deals with this principle and I also found myself wanting to get to know her even more. Knowing that if I'm going to consider this principle to be part of receiving exaltation. I will need Heavenly Mother's help, just like I needed my earthly mother when I prepared for my wedding day in the Temple and guided me through what I know now. I'm sure Heavenly Mother would be the one to prepare her daughters when the time comes to receive exaltation. This principle has definitely given me a better understanding of Heavenly Mother's role.

[@rayettacroft9052]

Google "Michelle Stone 132 problems". The god of Jacob chapter 2 and the god of doctrine and covenants 132 are not the same God. Heavenly Father's precious daughters are not to be given taken and used my men, and He certainly does not condone the use of concubines, even as the"exception". 1:26:54

[@1shigeru]

Such a profound insight: From 1:21:39 to 1:25:52. Thanks for sharing that journal entry. So much perspective given.

[@barbshepherd917]

This has given me so much more than I have ever understood before. Thanks for your work and effort to give is this perspective and for sharing your knowledge with us. Such a wonderful gift of selfless service to all who take the time to listen.

[@valeriesmith276]

Thank brother Halverson. This subject has bothered me for 50 years! You have helped me gain an understanding that has helped me so much. You’re the best. The time you spend preparing and delivering your messages is so appreciated.

[@rayettacroft9052]

Google "Michelle Stone 132 problems". The god of Jacob chapter 2 and the god of doctrine and covenants 132 are not the same God. Heavenly Father's precious daughters are not to be given taken and used my men, and He certainly does not condone the use of concubines, even as the"exception".

[@familyscriptures]

You have a wonderful talent of taking hard things and simplifying them. Everything you said resonates with everything I believe about polygamy, but I didn't have the words to explain it so beautifully. Thank you for sacrificing your time and talents to help us understand the scriptures more fully.

[@jerikeeley1361]

Thank you so much for this beautiful lesson this week. Our family was involved in some terrible trauma over the weekend and as I listened to your extended lesson over some really long nights of watching and waiting, I sometimes had t go back as I realized that I hadn't heard anything you actually said for the last half hour. But the Spirit used this vehicle to deliver peace to me this week. Thank you.

[@dephilips5320]

Jarred, I thank you for your commentary seventy times seven!!!

[@balderitas1]

Thank you, mi hermano, for your inspiring words! May God bless you and your family.

[@Wytebiker]

show me where in the scriptures Isaac practiced polygamy?

[@clarkmom07]

My great grandfather's sister, Lucy Walker, was one of Joseph Smith's plural wives. Our family has her written account of Joseph's approaching her, how she was instructed to find out the truth of this principle at that time, and the time she spent in fasting and prayer to understand this was a righteous thing to do at that time.

[@veritas9243]

bullshit 🙄

[@sandracarrigan8884]

Your discussion was enlightening, deeply touching and very moving. Thank you for the time, faith, thought and study that you put into it for us. It is very much appreciated :)

[@Pandaface11]

Your handling of this difficult subject was masterful! So many helpful ideas. Thank you.

[@cissyjordan8691]

What can I say that has not already been said by the previous comments? Thank you for going over these lesson verse by verse. Yes, it is a very long lesson and I did take it in segments but well worth the time spent. This lesson has changed my life and opened my eyes and heart on some personal feelings. And as someone has commented it should be given to the general public or members of the Church. May the Lord bless you for the time you spend preparing for these lessons(and for the years of preparation before that) and the sacrifice your family must give to you each and every week. I know you help so many people with your dedication to Him who gave His all. Cissy Jordan

[@julievanwauwe]

Our Father who makes no mistakes and just wants to show and let us all experience his love.... He is a God who sees and knows each one as a unique person. He makes exceptions for many. He writes, so to speak, every life an exception to the rule so that we too learn to love in whatever circumstances. And especially so that we always learn to recognize and recognize Him and continue to feel in His love. I was born and kidnapped when I was 7. I was sexually deceived in my teenage years and yet I learned later in life and after much much study and repentance that Divine love is so much more, I married in the tempel until it turned out he was a pedophile and homosexual and yet I learned to love until H. Father put a stop to this marriage....after He had blessed me with strong followers and missionaries….I came to know and love Him very personally and love Him with all my heart because I know He loves me. I know He will make everything right. Thank you for all your wonderful work

[@jay6562]

Thank you! Great insight. I especially wanted it for Section 132 because no scripture has left me with more questions, canonized scripture yet obviously has the remnant of disputes or exchanges between Joseph and Emma. I love how you pointed out the Webster definition of destroyed. It's not at all the meaning of uninformed judgmental takeaway from this scripture that Joseph must have been threatening Emma for selfish reasons. It was loving. Joseph was not enjoying this experience, only trying to be obedient. I love Joseph Smith, plural marriage and all!

[@rayettacroft9052]

Google "Michelle Stone 132 problems". The god of Jacob chapter 2 and the god of doctrine and covenants 132 are not the same God. Heavenly Father's precious daughters are not to be given taken and used my men, and He certainly does not condone the use of concubines, even as the"exception".

[@BridgeBuilder-x4c]

There is so much false doctrine in 132. No way this came from Joseph. Or from God-or God forgot what he taught in scripture! Has it occurred to anyone the people in Jacob 2 were not justifying polygamy based on Abraham or Jacob because they had the teachings of the brass plates and Nephi and Lehi? And they were using kings because perhaps they could use the lineage says to get away with it? That they were seeking to wrest their scriptures?

[@darlenemartim9972]

You did a great job with trying to explain. Men are not perfect and neither am I. I still don’t see the need and the negative consequences far out weigh this lifestyle. You did a better job than most.

[@rconger384]

For too long I have felt like this section is a barrier instead of a blessing. 132 makes me feel like there are a million words between me and finding my Heavenly Father. But instead of finding a path, I swim a swamp. I hope with Brother Halverson's perspective I can find my own and "overcome." 1:38:40. Calling and Election 1:56:37 "If you don't understand it, fine. It's really hard to understand." 2:55:20 Five reasons. 3:02:00 Bookmark

[@cynthiafasulo3828]

So grateful for your devotion, over a lifetime, to conveying His word. I will never forget, "too good to be unkind" -- I have always had the gift of faith, but did not realize this measure of mercy He has given us when life is HARD.

[@jacbox3889]

Joseph publicly denounced and fought against polygamy. Emma said he never was sealed to any other wives. One of the first commissions of the RS was for the women to know that there are those who are having extramarital affairs in the Church and to be a wear and never sanction such actions to keep the commandments in all things (Saints- The Standard of Truth pg. 452). The first edition of Doctrine and Covenant Joseph had a section on marriage being monogamous. The section was removed and taken out at the next publishing. In 1876, section 101 from the 1835 edition (and subsequent printings) was removed. Section 101 was a "Statement on Marriage" as adopted by an 1835 conference of the church,[12][13] and contained the following text: Inasmuch as this Church of Christ has been reproached with the crime of fornication and polygamy, we declare that we believe that one man should have one wife, and one woman but one husband, except in the case of death, when either is at liberty to marry again. Brigham added 132 after Joseph's death to the D and C. And when Brigham taught 132 at a General Conference in Salt Lake City 6,000 Church members left the Church. Please tell me where to find that this is all wrong. I keep hearing that Joseph had to lie about it. Show me where he lied, show me where he taught polygamy. Don't show me later recollections after his death or secondhand journal entries by others. Show me in his handwriting, in his testimonies, in his teachings. I don't believe he taught it or practiced it. I believe others practiced it and others believed in it.

[@rayettacroft9052]

You may have already found this, but I'd not, Google "Michelle Stone 132 problems". The god of Jacob chapter 2 and the god of doctrine and covenants 132 are not the same God. Heavenly Father's precious daughters are not to be given taken and used my men, and He certainly does not condone the use of concubines, even as the"exception".

[@veritas9243]

bravo

[@arizonasnow7]

Jared, thank you so much for your personal testimony and revelation. I especially appreciated the difficult question mark surrounded by four exclamations and the simplicity of understanding that commandment by revelation and obedience are at the root of understanding God’s will for eternal marriage, including plural marriage. Although I believe Mercy Thompson’s quote “too wise to err and too good to be unkind” was speaking about Joseph Smith rather than the Lord, it shows the spirituality if these early saints. Thank you again for taking the time to dive deep into the depths of each verse. I have grown so much with your insights.

[@MichaelMike]

When I studied this Section in Institute when I was in college I came to the conclusion that plural marriage was practiced to build a righteous posterity. Of the few people I've met and know of that are descendants of those who practice plural marriage, they seem all outstanding people. I can see how Church pioneers created future generations who have been exemplary in their faith and standing.

[@angelaliddle]

3:07 “We are trying to carve out a space that the Holy Ghost can confirm to us that it confirmed to them something it cannot confirm to us directly. The Spirit cannot confirm to us that we are supposed to live that way because we don’t live in the age of the exception. We live in the time of the rule. But the Spirit can confirm to me that it confirmed that to them.” Amazing lesson. Thank you for adding layers of understanding to such a hard and misunderstood part of church history that has effected my own personal family. I am so grateful for you taking the time to discuss it. And the ending is amazing!!

[@mariaconlon1656]

I understand plural marriages in the Kingdom of our Father. I understand polygamy during the time of the restoration of the gospel and would understand it in the present. What Father in Heaven commands I am willing to obey and do. Even if He requested my life or my kids’ lives. You said to understand it in a Celestial way and I do. Thank you for this lesson. It is a most beautiful one too. Tomorrow is Temple day : )

[@edchua3593]

While listening to you this morning echo (this is the 4th time I'm listening to this) the question if Sarah was aware of this act by Abraham as he took Isaac to Mt Moriah, a thought came to my mine that the answer is a resounding YES !! then the following reasoning came 1) Abraham is not the type of person that would hide such a BIG thing from his wife Sarah 2) if Abraham did conceal this act to offer Isaac at the altar, he would have denied Sarah the chance of proving to Heavenly Father that she is capable to yield the greatest love that a mother can have = which is the love for her son/ child !! Her only son this this earth. Then a confirming thought came... that as the Heavens were silent about the existence of our Heavenly Mother, of Her love toward us and how awful the thought of knowing Her Beloved Son Jesus had to go thru; so has the scriptures been equally respectfully silent on the love of other women; in this case Sarah.

[@tammyrampton4951]

Thank you so much Brother Halverson! I am so grateful for the time you took to walk me through each verse. My anxiety was high at the beginning, but I felt peace as I went through it. I loved the last 20 minutes and the experience you shared. Thank you!!

[@victoriaorme1564]

Never mind. As I kept listening I understand what you were saying.