This set of psalms contains both personal pleas from King David (61-64, 69-70) and more global expressions of awe at God’s power in the world, among the nations, and within the house of Israel.
Psalm 61: The Rock that Is Higher
David pleads with God to lead him to “the rock that is higher than I,” declaring that God has been a shelter for him. He promises, “I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever.”
Psalm 62: My Rock and My Salvation
David affirms twice that God is his rock and his salvation. He encourages everyone to trust God at all times. They should not trust oppression nor robbery, and “if riches increase, set not your heart upon them,” because power and mercy belong to God.
Book of Mormon connection:
- An angel shares with Nephi the testimony of the Savior that the Book of Mormon will contain “my gospel, … and my rock and my salvation” (1 Nephi 13:36).
- Jacob counsels, “Before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted” (Jacob 2:18-19).
Psalm 63: Early and Late
David says, “Thou art my God; early will I seek thee.” He also remembers God upon his bed, and meditates on Him “in the night watches.”
Psalm 64: Arrows
David laments the wicked who shoot “arrows” at good people, “even bitter words,” apparently with impunity. But, he declares, “God shall shoot at them with an arrow,” so that they make their own tongue fall upon themselves.
Psalm 65: Clothed Pastures, Covered Valleys
David marvels at God’s power over the earth. He says that people from distant places are afraid at God’s “tokens,” but the examples of God’s power that he gives are all positive: stilling the seas, watering the earth, crowning the year with goodness. He concludes with “little hills” rejoicing on every side and pastures and valleys that have been clothed by God shouting for joy and singing.
Book of Mormon connection:
- In His Sermon at the temple in Bountiful, Jesus encourages us to observe God’s care for nature and recognize it as evidence that He will care for us. “Consider the lilies of the field how they grow,” He says. “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, … even so will he clothe you, if ye are not of little faith” (3 Nephi 13:28-30; compare Matthew 6:28-30).
Psalm 66: Come and See; Come and Hear
The psalmist invites his listeners to “come and see the works of God.” He lists the crossing of the Red Sea and other less specific miracles as examples of God’s deliverance. He also invites listeners to “come and hear” his personal testimony. He cried unto God, and “verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.”
Psalm 67: Let the Nations Be Glad
The psalmist begins by echoing the Priestly Blessing (Numbers 6:22-27). Then, he discusses the happy effects of those blessings. God’s ways (his “saving health”) will be known among all nations, and all nations will sing for joy.
Book of Mormon connection:
- Alma declares to the people of Ammonihah, “The voice of the Lord, by the mouth of angels, doth declare [the day of salvation] unto all nations; yea, doth declare it, that they may have glad tidings of great joy” (Alma 13:22).
Psalm 68: Sinai, Bashan, and Jerusalem
David remembers Mount Sinai, where the earth shook and the heavens dropped at God’s presence. He remembers the great hill of Bashan, but he contrasts it with the hill where God chooses to dwell, the “temple at Jerusalem.”
Psalm 69: The Zeal of Thine House
David pleads for deliverance as he is flooded with persecution. He says, “The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.” In other words, he is bearing the brunt of people’s attacks on God. He cries, “Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up. … Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it.” He says that his enemies gave him gall and vinegar when he was hungry and thirsty. But he testifies, “God will save Zion.”
Psalm 70: Make Haste
David pleads with God to “make haste” to deliver him. He says, “I am poor and needy,” and pleads, “make no tarrying.”
Today I will “come and see” what God has done for all people, and “come and hear” what God has done for individuals.
Leave a Reply