Divine Guidance and Symbolic Naming of the Pontiac Division Camps

Samuel Bent traveled as a member of the Pontiac, Michigan branch division led by Hyrum Smith and Lyman Wight. During their march to join the main body of Zion's Camp, the group experienced specific instances of divine guidance and symbolic naming of their campsites. For example, on May 9, after a night of heavy rain and the loss of horses, Hyrum Smith dubbed the camp 'Ai' (meaning ruin) to reflect their trials. Other sites were given biblical names like 'Engedi' and 'Epah' to reflect the spiritual sentiments of the day. This division successfully navigated the 900-mile journey to join the main camp at Salt River on June 8, 1834, without loss of life.