Book of Mormon authors followed the "performances and ordinances" of the law of Moses, but the psalms gave them a language for spiritual life. They used psalmic language to describe their internal spiritual experiences, to preach sermons, to explain events in their narratives, and to express gratitude and joy.
Psalms 21-30
21. The King Trusteth in the Lord 22. Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me? 23. The Lord Is My Shepherd 24. Who Shall Ascend? 25. Teach Me Thy Paths 26. Examine Me 27. The Lord Is My Light 28. My Strength and My Shield 29. The Voice of the Lord 30. Joy Cometh in the Morning
“If Ye Will Not Believe…”
As the king of Judah faced the invading armies of Israel and Syria, Isaiah urged him to hold firm, saying, "If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established." Nephi quoted this story, emphasizing the inseparability of stability from belief. "Believe in Christ, ... for it is by grace that we are saved."
The Compassionate Vulnerability of Prophets
In a rare editorial note, 2 Kings emphasizes that before Israel was conquered, God sent prophets to warn them. Prophets have no way to enforce their words, nor do they try. They can feel lonely, persecuted, and ineffective, but God continues to send them because He loves His children.
The Shema in the Book of Mormon
The Shema — the central prayer of Judaism, from Deuteronomy 6:4-9 — is never quoted in the Book of Mormon, but its influence is pervasive. Echoes of the Shema appear as Nephite prophets teach their children, cultivate a holistic religious practice, and urge people to let God's word sink deep into their hearts.
An Offering for Sin
Lehi and his descendants followed the law of Moses, including offering sacrifices. Book of Mormon prophets used that practice to teach their people about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and to encourage them to live a consecrated life.
Holiness to the Lord
Through Moses, the Lord gave the children of Israel a law. It's a wondrous set of objects, activities, and sacred times all intended to point their hearts to the salvation He would provide them. The Nephites lived this law, recognizing that it pointed their minds forward to Jesus Christ.
Persuasion
God leads by persuasion, not coercion, because His goal is our long-term growth, not immediate compliance. As his disciples, we should lead the same way: sharing truth with clarity and gentleness as we humbly and patiently persuade others to make wise decisions.
Reading to Understand
Communication requires effort on the part of the giver and the receiver. Sometimes, the Savior invites us to do more work as readers or listeners. He often signals those moments with phrases like "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear," or "Whoso readeth, let him understand."
“Who Shall Stand in His Holy Place?”
David asked who can stand in God's holy place. His answer—those with clean hands and a pure heart—was echoed by Nephi and Alma. The Savior invites us to stand in holy places and "not be moved" until His coming. These holy places can include temples, meetinghouses, our homes, and even sacred moments.