#19 "By the Keys of the Kingdom shall he lead Israel into the land of Zion..."

Someone going by the name of Malachi that entered a response to one of my posts reminded me about a patriarchal blessing that Joseph Smith received that also provides evidence that Joseph Smith himself will return to finish the calling that God gave him.

I am aware of two different patriarchal blessings that Joseph Smith received. One through Oliver Cowdery and one through Joseph Smith Senior. BOTH blessings provide promises pertaining to the second part of Joseph Smiths ministry in the 3rd watch... Joseph referred to it as the second commission.

In this post I am going to highlight part of the amazing patriarchal blessing that Joseph received through Oliver Cowdery on September 22 1835:

"In due time shall he [Joseph Smith] go forth toward the north, and by the power of the his word shall the deep begin to give way: and the ice melt before the sun. By the Keys of the Kingdom shall he lead Israel into the land of Zion while the house of Jacob shouts in the dance and in the song..."

That magnificent promise from the patriarchal blessing promises that it will be Joseph Smith that will lead Israel into the land of Zion just as the Lord promises in section 103. It also obviously is referring to the Old Testament prophecy contained in Jeremiah 31 regarding the gathering of Israel and also in section 133. Notice the similarity in some of the key words in both segments. Here are a few verses from Jeremiah:

For there shall be a day, that the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the Lord our God.

For thus saith the Lord; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O Lord, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.

Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither.

They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.

Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.

For the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he. Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.."

Notice also the similarities contained in the following verse in section 133:

"And they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the Lord; and their prophets shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay themselves; and they shall smite the rocks and the ice shall flow down at their presence. And an highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep... they shall fall down and be crowned with glory, even in zion..."

This patriarchal blessing from Oliver Cowdery provides another evidence that the Marvelous Work is a future event and Joseph Smith will return to finish his calling in leading Israel into the land of Zion. It also reveals that Joseph will once again use the Urim and Thumim to bring forth additional ancient records.

Clearly, the patriarchal blessing is consistent with section 103 in stating that Joseph Smith will return to lead Israel according to the priesthood keys that he holds... but this should not surprise anyone, we are told in section 90 that the keys of the Kingdom will remain with Joseph in this world in the in the world to come. (D&C 90:3)

Do yourself a favor and get a copy of the entire patriarchal blessing... it will blow you away.