This group of psalms has more references to the temple than any other group. References to the temple in these psalms are individual and personal. Temple worship was also important in the Book of Mormon. Nephi’s people built a temple after the manner of Solomon (2 Nephi 5:16), Jacob and Benjamin both taught their people at the temple (Jacob 1:17; Mosiah 2:5-7). And the resurrected Savior appeared to the Nephites and Lamanites at the temple in Bountiful (3 Nephi 11:1-11).
Psalm 21: The King Trusteth in the Lord
The people thank God for blessing the king, including giving him long life and salvation. They express confidence that God will continue to bless him, including thwarting his enemies.
Psalm 22: Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?
David laments the persecution he has experienced, using prophetic imagery of Christ’s crucifixion: “All they that see me laugh me to scorn.” “They pierced my hands and my feet.” “They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.” But the outcome of this suffering will be extraordinarily good: “They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.”
Psalm 23: The Lord Is My Shepherd
David rejoices that God leads, restores, and protects him, just like a shepherd tends his sheep. He closes with the anticipation that he will “dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
Book of Mormon connection:
- Alma urges the people of Zarahemla to “hearken unto the voice of the good shepherd,” who will watch over and protect them. He identifies the good shepherd as Christ (Alma 5:37-42, 57-60).
Psalm 24: Who Shall Ascend?
David lists qualifications to enter God’s holy place, including clean hands and a pure heart (compare Psalm 15). He shouts to the gates to lift up their heads so that the King of glory can enter.
Book of Mormon connection:
- Nephi says that God will restore the children of Israel when they “believe in Christ, and worship the Father in his name, with pure hearts and clean hands” (2 Nephi 25:16).
- Alma asks the people of Zarahemla if they are prepared to stand before the tribunal of God: “Can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands?” (Alma 5:19).
Psalm 25: Teach Me Thy Paths
David lifts up his soul to God and says, “Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.”
Book of Mormon connection:
- Nephi quotes the following passage from Isaiah about the purpose of the temple in the last days: “He will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths” (2 Nephi 12:2; compare Isaiah 2:2).
Psalm 26: Examine Me
David declares that he has walked and will continue to walk in integrity. He invites God to examine and prove him. He says, “I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth” (compare Hymn 247, “We Love Thy House, O God“).
Psalm 27: The Lord Is My Light
A psalm of joy and confidence: God is David’s light, salvation, and strength. David desires to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life.
Book of Mormon connection:
- Ammon calls God “my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo” (Alma 26:36).
- Nephi quotes a psalm of Isaiah which says, “the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation” (2 Nephi 22:2).
Psalm 28: My Strength and My Shield
David rejoices in God’s protection: “He is the saving strength of his anointed.”
Psalm 29: The Voice of the Lord
God’s voice is powerful, thundering upon the waters, breaking cedars, dividing flames, shaking the wilderness, and blessing His people with peace.
Psalm 30: Joy Cometh in the Morning
David testifies, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” He thanks God for turning mourning into dancing.
Today I will express gratitude for the temple and a desire to be there.
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