Nephi and Jacob both echo Isaiah's metaphor of being covered by "the robe of righteousness." Robes can encircle us and protect us. They can signify our discipleship. And they can represent purity. For all of those reasons, we can, like Nephi, plead with God to cover us in the robe of His righteousness.
Without Money and Without Price
Isaiah taught that God provides His greatest blessings "without money and without price." He urged his people not to waste energy on things of no value but instead to take the actions which will enable them to receive God's salvation: seek Him, call upon His name, return to Him.
He Hath Borne Our Griefs, and Carried Our Sorrows
Isaiah 50-55 appear frequently in the Book of Mormon. Lehi, Jacob, Abinadi, Alma, and Jesus all quote from these chapters. At the end of the book, Moroni again alludes to them, as if to remind the reader that they contain the heart of the Book of Mormon message.
Pride
Principles about pride from Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Book of Mormon: 1. Humility opens the door to God's grace. 2. Pride distorts self-perception. 3. Pride prevents people from receiving correction. 4. Pride causes contention.
Words
Principles about words in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes: 1. Words have great power to heal and to harm. 2. Lying and flattery are destructive. 3. Words can inflame or extinguish contention. 4. We are accountable for our words.
He Shall Direct Thy Paths
The wisdom literature of the Old Testament, specifically the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, focuses on several topics that are also prominent in the Book of Mormon, including disciplining speech and emotions, the corrupting influence of wealth, the dangers of pride, and the importance of family.
Psalm Themes in the Book of Mormon
After three weeks summarizing 150 psalms and finding 67 Book of Mormon connections, I discuss four overarching psalmic themes which also appear in the Book of Mormon: tender mercies, the hazards of pit-digging, the sorrows of death and pains of hell, and the importance of approaching God with broken hearts and contrite spirits.
Psalms 121-130
121. Unto the Hills 122. Let Us Go into the House of the Lord 123. Unto Thee Lift I Up Mine Eyes 124. If It Had Not Been the Lord 125. As the Mountains 126. Turn Again Our Captivity 127. Children Are an Heritage 128. A Happy Household 129. Many a Time 130. De Profundis
How Did Book of Mormon Authors Use Psalms 1-50?
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 11-20
11. Foundation and Tempest 12. Pure Words Like Tried Silver 13. How Long? 14. None that Doeth Good 15. Who Shall Abide in Thy Tabernacle? 16. Thou Wilt Not Leave My Soul in Hell 17. Night Visit 18. The Steel Bow 19. More Precious than Gold, Sweeter than Honey 20. The Lord Hear Thee