Psalms 101-150 include more psalms of David, the longest psalm (119), some important Messianic prophecies (110 and 118), and the longest psalm (119). Also, the songs of ascent, which were sung en route to the temple (120-134) and the closing Hallel (146-150), five psalms of pure joy.
I Will Declare What He Hath Done for My Soul
Last week, I wrote about Psalms 1-50 — 10 psalms per day, M-F. This week, I'm writing about Psalms 51-100. In this presentation from Brigham Young University last October, I discuss how Alma used Psalm 95 in his second Ammonihah sermon. Like Alma, we can incorporate these poetic expressions of devotion into our own worship.
The Lord Is My Shepherd
The book of Psalms demonstrates the language of prayer. These 150 worship songs express a range of emotions, from sorrow to praise. Book of Mormon prophets regularly use similar phraseology, especially in their own psalms. Like them, we can emulate psalmic language in our own prayers.
Yet Will I Trust in Him
Some form of the book of Job was likely on the brass plates. The book is closely paraphrased several times, and Ezekiel helps us understand that Job likely predated Lehi. All of the characters teach some truths, and the Book of Mormon can help us recognize them.
“Thou Art Come … for Such a Time as This”
The quietest person in the room may be the person with the most spiritual strength. Esther didn't feel powerful until she had to exercise her power. Abish was content to nurture her faith in solitude until circumstances compelled her to be more open. Both spoke up courageously when they were needed.
I Am Doing a Great Work
As Ezra and Nehemiah led a rebuilding of Jerusalem, they had to navigate the tensions between two principles taught in the Book of Mormon: God loves all of His children, and not everyone can be trusted. They had to rebuild a covenant people while learning to interact with their new neighbors.
Our Eyes Are Upon Thee
The books of Chronicles cover roughly the same period as 2 Samuel through 2 Kings, but with an emphasis on religious life in the kingdom of Judah, especially temple worship. Like Nephi and Mormon, the Chroniclers selected events that supported their purposes, and we can learn by observing their editorial decisions.
He Trusted in the Lord God of Israel
The Flight of the Prisoners, by Jacques Joseph Tissot "In the ninth year of Hoshea," writes the author of 2 Kings, "the king of Assyria ... carried Israel away into Assyria." Then, in an extended editorial note similar to Helaman 12, the author explains what led to this tragedy. For so it was, that the... Continue Reading →
There Is a Prophet in Israel
Miracles work by faith, and if you exercise faith, you will see miracles. Elisha is a good example of this principle. Not only did he perform many miracles, but some of them parallel the miracles of Jesus. In most cases, we see someone exercising faith before the miracle occurs.
If the Lord Be God, Follow Him
Why weren't the Israelites permanently converted to God after seeing Elijah call down fire from heaven? For the same reason that Elijah didn't find God in the wind, earthquake, or fire. Miracles may show us God's power, but listening to the still small voice brings us closer to Him.