Joseph Smith Prophesies from Missouri Captivity: 'Not One of Our Lives Shall Be Taken' — Every Prisoner Survives (November 1838)

On the morning of November 3, 1838, as the LDS prisoners were marched under armed guard toward Independence, Missouri, Joseph Smith spoke quietly and confidently to his companions.

Parley P. Pratt recorded his exact words: 'Be of good cheer, brethren; the word of the Lord came to me last night, that our lives should be given us; and that whatever we may suffer during this captivity, not one of our lives should be taken. Of this prophecy I testify in the name of the Lord.'

What followed was months of extraordinary suffering. The prisoners were chained together in a cold cell. They endured threats, abuse, mock trials, and relentless anguish — and yet the prophecy held.

From Liberty Jail during the winter of 1838-39, Joseph received revelations that would become Doctrine and Covenants sections 121, 122, and 123 — among the most tender and profound passages in all of Restoration scripture. The Lord spoke directly into his suffering: 'Peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment. And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high.'

Joseph was eventually allowed to escape while being transferred. Hyrum, Sidney Rigdon, Parley Pratt (through angelic instruction), and the other prisoners were all released or escaped. Not one life was taken in Missouri captivity — exactly as the word of the Lord had promised.