There is a great significance with specific dates on the Lord’s timeline. We know He is a God of order and understands the order of the universe. As you read the scripture below, you will understand the amazing opportunity we have as Latter-day Saints to learn and share gospel principles of importance. (See verse 33)
D&C 121:26 God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost, that has not been revealed since the world was until now;
27 Which our forefathers have awaited with anxious expectation to be revealed in the last times, which their minds were pointed to by the angels, as held in reserve for the fulness of their glory;
28 A time to come in the which nothing shall be withheld, whether there be one God or many gods, they shall be manifest.
29 All thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
30 And also, if there be bounds set to the heavens or to the seas, or to the dry land, or to the sun, moon, or stars—
31 All the times of their revolutions, all the appointed days, months, and years, and all the days of their days, months, and years, and all their glories, laws, and set times, shall be revealed in the days of the dispensation of the fulness of times—
32 According to that which was ordained in the midst of the Council of the Eternal God of all other gods before this world was, that should be reserved unto the finishing and the end thereof, when every man shall enter into his eternal presence and into his immortal rest.
33 How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens? As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints.
From the Annotated Book of Mormon by David Hocking and Rod Meldrum page xix
The Feast of Trumpets
The Jewish celebration of Rosh Hashanah, or Feast of Trumpets (also called The Day of Remembrance), begins on Friday evening as the sun sets on the first day of the seventh month* of Tishrei on the Judaic calendar, (And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying: “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.’” Leviticus 23:23-24). It was on the evening of September 22, 1827, the Saturday Sabbath, the very month and day Israel celebrated the Feast of Trumpets on 1st, Tishrei, 5588, that Moroni gave the plates to Joseph Smith Jr. Since this feast was traditionally used as a symbol for the gathering of Israel, it is unlikely this timing was accidental as Joseph was asked to meet with Moroni for four years in a row on the anniversary date of his first visit in preparation for that important and significant symbolic day in 1827.
Many Judaic writers teach that the major theme of the Feast of Trumpets is remembrance: God’s remembrance of His covenants with Israel and the need for Israel to remember their God. The prayers of the day plead for this remembrance. They ask God to remember His covenants with the ancient
patriarchs that He would regather His people.” (Lenet Hadley Read, “The Golden Plates and the Feast of Trumpets,” Ensign, Jan. 2000). The Book of Mormon’s purpose, as stated by Moroni, is “to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever” – Title Page of the Book of Mormon (p. xxvii). The Book of Mormon then is both a sign and a witness that the final harvest, to gather in the House of Israel from among the nations of the world, has begun—to which all should rejoice. *Seventh month: see footnote (1) p. 308. Annotated Book of Mormon by David Hocking and Rod Meldrum Page xix
The Heavenly Sign Heber C. Kimball Saw the Night Joseph Smith Received the Golden Plates
On a most significant night, a final sign was seen in the heavens by Heber C. Kimball and other individuals. They witnessed this sign at the very time that the angel Moroni turned over the plates of the Book of Mormon to the Prophet Joseph Smith—September 22, 1827. Brother Kimball tells the story.
I had retired to bed, when John P. Greene, who was living within a hundred steps of my house, came and [woke] me up, calling upon me to come out and behold the scenery in the heavens. I woke up and called my wife and Sister Fanny Young (sister to Brigham Young), who was living with us, and we went out-of-doors.
It was one of the most beautiful starlight nights, so clear that we could see to pick up a pin. We looked to the eastern horizon, and beheld a white smoke arise toward the heavens; as it ascended it formed itself into a belt, and made a noise like the sound of a mighty wind, and continued southwest, forming a regular bow dipping in the western horizon. After the bow had formed, it began to widen out and grow clear and transparent, of a bluish cast; it grew wide enough to contain twelve men abreast.
In this bow an army moved, commencing from the east and marching to the west; they continued marching until they reached the western horizon. They moved in platoons, and walked so close that the rear ranks trod in the steps of their file leaders, until the whole bow was literally crowded with soldiers. We could distinctly see the muskets, bayonets and knapsacks of the men, who wore caps and feathers like those used by the American soldiers in the last war with Britain; and also saw their officers with their swords and equipage, and the clashing and jingling of their implements of war [was heard], and [we] could discover the forms and features of the men. The most profound order existed throughout the entire army; when the foremost man stepped, every man stepped at the same time; I could hear the steps. When the front rank reached the western horizon a battle ensued, as we could distinctly hear the report of arms and the rush.
No man could judge of my feelings when I beheld that army of men, as plainly as ever I saw armies of men in the flesh; it seemed as though every hair of my head was alive. This scenery we gazed upon for hours, until it began to disappear.
After I became acquainted with Mormonism, I learned that this took place the same evening that Joseph Smith received the records of the Book of Mormon from the angel Moroni, who had held those records in his possession.
John Young, Sen[ior], and John P. Greene’s wife, Rhoda, were also witnesses.
My wife, being frightened at what she saw, said, “Father Young, what does all this mean?”
“Why, it’s one of the signs of the coming of the Son of Man,” he replied, in a lively, pleased manner.
The next night similar scenery was beheld in the west by the neighbors, representing armies of men who were engaged in battle.1
During the early nineteenth century, Parley P. Pratt observed an unusual aerial sign that holds great significance to endowed Latter-day Saints. This future Apostle describes what he witnessed in his autobiographical writings:
I had been on a visit to a singular people called Shakers, at New Lebanon, about seven miles from my aunt Van Cott’s, and was returning that distance, on foot, on a beautiful evening of September [1830]. The sky was without a cloud; the stars shone out beautifully, and all nature seemed reposing in quiet, as I pursued my solitary way, wrapped in deep meditations on the predictions of the holy prophets; the signs of the times; the approaching advent of the Messiah to reign on the earth, and the important revelations of the Book of Mormon; my heart filled with gratitude to God that He had opened the eyes of my understanding to receive the truth, and with sorrow for the blindness of those who lightly rejected the same, when my attention was aroused by a sudden appearance of a brilliant light which shone around me, above the brightness of the sun. I cast my eyes upward to inquire from whence the light came, when I perceived a long chain of light extended in the heavens, very bright, and of a deep fiery red. It at first stood stationary in a horizontal position; at length bending in the center, the two ends approached each other with a rapid movement, so as to form an exact square. In this position it again remained stationary for some time, perhaps a minute, and then again the ends approached each other with the same rapidity, and again ceased to move, remaining stationary, for perhaps a minute, in the form of a compass; it then commenced a third movement in the same manner, and closed like the closing of a compass, the whole forming a straight line like a chain doubled. It again remained stationary for a minute, and then faded away.
I fell upon my knees in the street, and thanked the Lord for so marvelous a sign of the coming of the Son of Man.
Some persons may smile at this, and say that all these exact movements were by chance; but, for my part, I could as soon believe that the letters of the alphabet would be formed by chance, and be placed so as to spell my name, as to believe that these signs (known only to the wise) could be formed and shown forth by chance.2
Whether shown forth in the heavens above or on the earth beneath, the signs of the times are designed to reaffirm that these are the last days of decision and that future circumstances—even eternal destinies—will depend upon whether one chooses to stand with the righteous or fall with the wicked. “He that feareth me shall be looking forth for the great day of the Lord to come,” said the Savior, “even for the signs of the coming of the Son of Man” (D&C 45:39). by Matthew B. Brown, adapted from “Prophecies: Signs of the Times, Second Coming, Millennium” | Jun. 15, 2019
1. Orson F. Whitney, Life of Heber C. Kimball (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1967), 15–17.
2. Parley P. Pratt, Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, rev. ed. (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2000), 42.
Learn more in Prophecies: Signs of the Times, Second Coming, Millennium.
Prophecies of the signs of the times, the Second Coming, and the Millennium have been made available to Latter-day Saints in great abundance. They are to be found threaded throughout the scriptures of the Restoration and also in the inspired words of Church leaders. But they are not just to be given a passing thought or a cursory examination. The Lord Jesus Christ has admonished His disciples to be instructed more perfectly “in all things pertaining to the kingdom of God,” which includes “things which must shortly come to pass” (D&C 88:77-79).
On the pages of this intriguing, insightful, and instructive book, readers will learn: The nature of the council to be held at Adam-ondi-Ahman, the governmental structure that will hold sway during the Millennium, signs that are associated with the battle of Armageddon, the purposes behind the scourging of the earth, the identification of the 144,000 high priests on Mount Zion, and much more.
August 3, 1831 – Joseph Smith Jr. Dedicates the Temple Site in Independence, Missouri
Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:1-4. Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, September 22 and 23, 1832.* A revelation of Jesus Christ unto His servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and six elders, as they united their hearts and lifted their voices on high. Yea, the word of the Lord concerning His church, established in the last days for the restoration of His people, as He has spoken by the mouth of His prophets, and for the gathering of His saints to stand upon Mount Zion, which shall be the city
of New Jerusalem. Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, Jun., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased. Verily this is the word of the Lord: “that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the Saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation.” (Emphasis added. *Symbolic date for gathering: see p. xix.) Annotated Book of Mormon Page 485
Page 521 abom
Description of the Hill Cumorah Monument
“The monument was erected on the Hill Cumorah by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to commemorate the delivering of the ancient American record to Joseph the Prophet on September 22, 1827 as an expression of gratitude and recognition to the world of this outstanding event. “The Hill Cumorah Monument has an appearance
of a symbolic pillar of light with upward leading lines so designed as to draw the thought of man towards Heaven and God and give heed to the Gospel plan.
“After President McKay’s remarks the canvas shroud that was covering the [Hill Cumorah] monument was removed and the congregations joined in the song ‘What Was Witnessed in the Heavens.’ In attendance at this session [of the unveiling of the Monument in 1935] was a young Gordon B. Hinckley, on his way home from his mission to England. He later wrote an article for the Deseret News giving these details of that event: ‘On the summit of the hill was a canvas-draped monument. At an appointed signal four trumpeters raised their gleaming instruments. In sharp clear tones ‘An
Angel From On High’ echoed across the placid countryside. The flag—the Stars and Stripes—fluttered in the wind, and it never looked more beautiful than it did over that hill sacred and important to the history of America. Then the canvas shroud fell from the monument, and the figure of Moroni
looked out across the quiet fields which in his day of life had been scenes of carnage and sorrow’” – Cameron J. Packer, “A Study of the Hill Cumorah: A Significant Latter-Day Saint Landmark in Western New York,” BYU Dept of Religious Education, Provo, UT, (2002) p. 118; emphasis added. (http://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/5008/)
Read more about this dedication on my blog here. There was a 2nd flag on that site that day, which will beyond all conjecture tell you that the final battles of the Jaredites and the Nephites happened on that very hill.
Wentworth letter
“I was also informed concerning the aboriginal inhabitants of this country and shown who they were, and from whence they came; a brief sketch of their origin, progress, civilization, laws, governments, of their righteousness and iniquity, and the blessings of God being finally withdrawn from them as a people, was made known unto me; I was also told where were deposited some plates on which were engraven an abridgment of the records of the ancient prophets that had existed on this continent. The angel appeared to me three times the same night and unfolded the same things. After having received many visits from the angels of God, unfolding the majesty and glory of the events that should transpire in the last days, on the morning of the 22nd of September, A.D. 1827, the angel of the Lord
delivered the records into my hands.” Joseph Smith
The Hebrew Calendar Testifies of Latter-day Events
When the Lord revealed to Moses the law designed to prepare Israel to receive the Savior, He also prescribed in detail certain holidays and rituals and ordinances which Christians know symbolized the life, mission, and teachings of Jesus Christ. Those ordinances were to be performed on very specific days on a lunisolar (meaning months aligned with the moon, years aligned with the sun) calendar similar to today’s Hebrew calendar. For example, every year at the full moon of spring, the Passover lamb would be sacrificed. Centuries after Moses, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, was sacrificed along with the Passover lambs (John 19:14). Thus, the calendar included more than symbolic representations. It also predicted the precise timing of the events symbolized.
It might be easy to assume that the Hebrew calendar is no longer important for us since it kept track of rites and events long past. After all, the Savior came and fulfilled the Law of Moses. However, the Savior’s mission is not yet finished and His gospel and church are still rolling forth. There is evidence that the Hebrew calendar is still tracking dates significant to the gospel plan. For instance, there are two great festival seasons on the Hebrew calendar. While the spring festival at the meridian, or midpoint, of the year symbolizes the first coming of Christ at the meridian of time, the larger celebration in the fall apparently symbolizes events pertaining to His second coming. It was opened by the Feast of Trumpets, when 7 priests blew 7 trumpets on the 1st day of the 7th month (Lev. 23:24), apparently symbolic of the 7 angels who will sound the trump at the beginning of the 7th millennium (D&C 88:94-106). Interestingly, the angel Moroni who now sounds the trump atop our temples the world over, delivered the sacred plates to the Prophet Joseph Smith on Saturday, 22 September 1827, the very day of the Hebrew Feast of Trumpets that year.” Source John Pratt
Day-Year Alignment Dates on the Enoch Calendar by John Pratt
Twin Towers: Tue 11 Sep 2001. Looking at this table, which is only part of one 364-year cycle, one might notice that the date Sat 22 Sep 2001 is very near to the date of the destruction of the Twin Towers on Tue 11 Sep 2001. Is that significant? It is tempting to say that it is, because the seven priests associated with the related Feast of Trumpets each give a blast on the trump, apparently symbolizing the seven angels who blow their trump heralding the Millennium (Rev. 8:1-2; D.&C. 88:92-110). And sometimes the trumpet blasts of angels shake the earth and cause things to fall down. For example, the seven priests who blew their trumpets when the walls of Jericho fell down seem to represent those angels and the events of the seventh cycle of time (Joshua 6).[8]
Notwithstanding this symbolism, I don’t think that the Twin Towers event is directly related to the Enoch calendar for two reasons. First, it didn’t occur on the exact day indicated as is usual when the Lord’s hand is involved. Secondly, the Enoch calendar is usually used for priesthood purposes. World events which are caused by the Lord are more often scheduled on other calendars.
The destruction of the Twin Towers is, however, entirely in keeping with the theme of the Feast of Trumpets as a voice of warning, announcing the Judgment Day. It was a significant event which called the United States to repentance and served warning that if they cease to be a Christian nation, they will be judged accordingly (Ether 2:8-12).
Feast of Trumpets, Sun 22 Sep 2002. The next date on the above table is Sun 22 Sep 2002, which occurs next month. It is the fall equivalent of the proposed date of the First Vision, and it might be even more important, because it is the fall festivals which pertain to the latter days, even as the spring festivals pertained to the meridian of time. As established above, I have no ability to predict what might happen on that date, other than to expect it to be a little publicized yet significant religious event relating to the coming judgments of God. But it does seem like an appropriate time to celebrate, because the Feast of Trumpets is all about the angels heralding the Millennium, being the first day of the seventh month (first day of the seventh period of time). Thus, because we are already in the beginning of the seventh thousand years from Adam, which began at the dedication of the Palmyra Temple on Thu 6 Apr 2000 (1 Nisan), this might be the most important occurrence of the Enoch Feast of Trumpets in history. But it is important to understand that the Feast of Trumpets is only a feast. It symbolizes the coming judgments of the world, but the Enoch calendar is ahead of the other calendars which are usually used for world events. It is apparently to warn the saints somewhat ahead of time of judgments that are coming bye and bye, rather than to reveal timing details. Thus, the meaning of this feast is most likely that now is the time to get our lives in order, which is just what the living prophet has told us.
Accordingly, a Millennial Feast of Trumpets celebration will be held in Orem, Utah on the night of Fri 20 Sep 2002, which corresponds to the beginning of the day 0 Aut, the Fall Equinox. Next month’s article will discuss the Feast of Trumpets, with a link to a presentation which might be appropriate for a family celebration.
Another Witness
Let us now look at some other significant milestone dates in Church history, which were holy days on the Enoch calendar, although not day-year alignments. The Enoch calendar provides a second witness to several important dates of the restoration.
Moroni’s Trump: Sat 22 Sep 1827, 0 Aut
Autumn Equinox. Even with this rich symbolism, I have been cautious about claiming too much importance for the delivering of the plates on the Feast of Trumpets because some alignments could occur by chance. The transfer of the plates seemed more closely tied to the autumn equinox because Angel Moroni made a point of returning every year on the date of the equinox (22 Sep). It is important that a pattern emerges which truly testifies of the hand of intelligence. The Lord will always provide a pattern so that we won’t be deceived (D.&C. 52:14). When one checks other dates in Church history, only a few alignments are found with the Hebrew calendar. Fortunately, now that the Enoch calendar is understood, the pattern is becoming clear.
Most dates in Church history which are significant on the Hebrew calendar were also holy days on other sacred calendars.[10] My caution about ascribing too much importance to the dark, early morning on which the golden plates were delivered was partly because Sat 22 Sep 1827 was a sacred day on only one calendar known to me.
Two Witnesses. The Lord apparently always provides at least two witnesses that a date was planned and not just a chance coincidence. Those two witnesses might be a day-year alignment (day and year counting separately), or be holy days on two different calendars, or be any of several other witnesses. Now that the Enoch calendar is understood, we have a second witness to the importance of the date of delivering the plates.
The day Sat 22 Sep 1827 was the Fall Equinox on the Enoch calendar (0 Autumn), the holy day preceding the Feast of Trumpets (1 Autumn). Thus, it was a doubly sacred day, and there are indeed two witnesses of its importance. Moreover, the second witness is tied to the autumn equinox which seemed to be the symbolism Moroni used in his other visits.
