Equality
In vs.1 the Lord addresses Emma Smith (Joseph's wife) as his "daughter", which is meaningful and unique. Then He says "for verily I say unto you, all those who receive my gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom." All is an encompassing word and shows the Lord's willingness to adopt all people into the Family of Christ, where each is saved through the Atonement. This revelation shows in other instances the equality of women, empowering Emma and others who liken the revelation to themselves to be actors, not acted upon. Actors in the family, in the church, and in society. For example, in vs. 2 the Lord inherently gives Emma the power of choice when He says "...if thou are faithful [then promises blessings]" because "if" leaves the outcome up to her. She is not chained to any one destiny, though the Lord's will is made clear and He provides power and knowledge concerning the best path available. During this time period (around 1830) women had a very low legal status. Men could beat women for any reason. Women didn't vote, they didn't hold office, nor any type of leadership. If they couldn't bear children, they weren't an asset because children worked on the farm. Even in vs. 4 when the Lord tells Emma to stop murmuring, He implies that she is responsible and in control of her life. In vs. 6 and vs. 7 the Lord gives radical roles for Emma (considering the historical context where women had only one role in the home): as a scribe for Joseph while Oliver Cowdery is called elsewhere and as one who can expound scripture and exhort the Church, ordained under Joseph's hands. These are significant roles! Along with asserting her role as a supportive wife, the Lord gives her a variety of responsibility. Today we may not be surprised to see women at the pulpit giving sermons and testimonies, but in that day it was novel. Emma wasn't to be told by Joseph or some other man what to say, either. Just like the men, she would be given "according as it shall be given thee by my Spirit." (vs. 7) So, though her role as a mother/wife in a nuclear family is reinforced (vs. 5) the Lord doesn't limit Emma to that. Lastly in vs.11 she is given the responsibility for creating a sacred book of hymns. This is not a lesser responsibility. Consider the impact of hymns: Hymns are considered prayers unto the Lord followed by blessings from Him (vs. 12); hymns are sung at every church meeting (while sometimes you may not hear verses from the Bible, Book of Mormon, or D&C); hymns invite change and attract the Spirit powerfully and teach the doctrine for the first time to many...especially children!
As vs. 13 states, "Wherefore lift up thy heart and rejoice,” this revelation truly helps restore women to their proper role and status in the home, church, and society. It is worth noting that the first woman to vote in America was a LDS woman in SLC, the first woman to fun for legislative office was a LDS woman, and the first woman to serve as a mayor in America was a LDS woman.
All of God's children have unique roles, so equality doesn't mean you have to be doing the exact same thing. But the power of choice should be preserved in all people, and the fulness of the Gospel makes it clear that the fulness of God's blessings are equally open to all.
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