Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Two Prophets Killed in Jerusalem

Jerusalem = the gospel

New Jerusalem = the restored gospel?

In the book of Revelation, chapter 11, we're told that the Gentiles will tread "the holy city" under foot forty and two months. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we've been taught that the holy city refers to Jerusalem. To the point that the heading before the 11th chapter says "In the last days, two prophets will be slain in Jerusalem." It's true, in the 77th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, Joseph Smith, in relation to this chapter, states:

"They are two prophets that are to be raised up to the Jewish nation in the last days, at the time of the restoration, and to prophesy to the Jews after they are gathered and have built the city of Jerusalem in the land of their fathers."

It's obvious where we've gotten the idea, in our faith, that the two witnesses are prophets and that they would be killed in the city of Jerusalem. We usually take everything Joseph Smith said to be the truth, or prophecy. As we should. I tend to believe Joseph Smith first, then if I feel there's anything that could be off about something he said, I consider that. My testimony, my belief, in God, in Jesus Christ, in the Book of Mormon, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are all predicated on a belief in the divine mission of Joseph Smith. What he did during his short life changed my life. And improves my life on a daily basis. So for me to say, I think there's more to this revelation than what Joseph Smith said, which appears in a book or our scriptures, is not just bold, it's kind of stupid or crazy. But as I said in my previous post, I think it's okay, even healthy, to question things when we feel they're a little off.

Let's think a little more broadly and symbolically about this revelation. If the Book of Revelation isn't symbolic it's utter nonsense. We tend to want to believe that the revelations concerning the "last days" will all occur in our lifetime, or very shortly before or after. We all want to be part of something grand. And we are. Here's the first two verses of Revelation, Chapter 11: 

 1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

 2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

We see that the verses don't actually mention Jerusalem. They speak of the "holy city". We can obviously make the connection between Jerusalem and the holy city. (Let me just add here that all the things I'm posting, at least here at the beginning, are fairly new thoughts and ideas to me. They're appearing, changing, evolving, growing. Even my posts here may be somewhat incoherent at times, as I write them as I'm thinking.) But let's consider another option. Can the holy city symbolize the gospel? 

Later in the chapter, we read that the beast of the bottomless pit will finally overcome the two witnesses and that they will be killed and their bodies will be in the streets of "the great city". 

8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

Again, the name Jerusalem is not used. But we've made the connection, through symbolism, that the great city equals Jerusalem. 

Let's think about what's also in that verse. "That great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt." Why would Jerusalem be called Sodom and Egypt? We definitely have to be aware of all the other scriptures having to do with these revelations, which, admittedly, I'm aware of many, but I'm sure not all. But what I believe is even more important is being aware of parallel uses of the same symbolism in the same book. John wrote this book. He has his own style and used his own language, meaning his use of language would be similar throughout the book. John obviously received an expansive, beautiful, literary, revelation. To add to that, he was a wonderful writer. He uses language to create a compelling story. Just seeing something doesn't mean you can describe it effectively or compellingly. John was able to do that. In the book of Revelation, John describes Babylon, not Jerusalem, as the great city a number of times. In 14:8, "...Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city." In 16:19, "And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath." In 17:18, "And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth." In 18:2, "And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen..." In 18:10, "Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come."

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we had two witnesses, who were literally prophets, killed by an angry mob. Joseph and Hyrum Smith were martyred in Carthage Jail, in Carthage, Illinois, June 27, 1844. Joseph Smith fell from the second story window when he was shot and lay in the street. They were not killed in Jerusalem. But they were raised up to the gospel of Jesus Christ, or the holy city, and were killed by angry, wicked men, in Babylon. 

It's kind of obvious why Joseph Smith would not receive a totally accurate revelation concerning his own death. Even if we could, would any of us really want to know our own fate? Would it do us any good? I believe that Joseph and Hyrum Smith were those two witnesses and that prophecy is fulfilled. If that's true, we may have to rethink a lot of the signs of the times.