With plans for the Kirtland house of the Lord being discussed by church leaders in early 1833, the acquisition of land for the edifice became important. In spring 1833, a parcel owned by Peter French was purchased, whereon the structure would be built. Relying on this revelation, a conference of high priests determined that Bishop Newel K. Whitney should take charge of the French property on behalf of the church. The text also stated that John Johnson should be admitted as a member of the United Firm, which oversaw the church’s financial and mercantile operations.

Chosen as clerk to the presidency of the high priesthood on 6 June 1833, Orson Hyde transcribed this text into Revelation Book 2, probably in mid-1833. It is identified only by date and location, “Kirtland June 4th 1833.” John Whitmer later recorded a copy in Revelation Book 1 as “Revelation given Kirtland, June 4, 1833.” The 1835 Doctrine and Covenants includes this revelation with a date of June 1833 at Kirtland, Ohio.