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 51-60
51. A Broken and a Contrite Heart 52. A Green Olive Tree 53. None That Doeth Good 54. Mine Helper 55. Cast Thy Burden Upon the Lord 56. I Will Not Fear 57. In the Shadow of Thy Wings 58. Break Their Teeth 59. Slay Them Not 60. Thou Hast Given a Banner
These Sought Their Register
Ezra and Nehemiah describe the use of written registers to determine who was authorized to perform temple duties. The Book of Mormon expands this practice, recording names of people who were willing to keep God's commandments. Alma connected those records with heavenly ones, urging people to ensure their names are in the book of life.
The Musician King
King David expressed his love for God through music. Book of Mormon prophets also emphasized worship through music. Alma associated conversion with "[singing] redeeming love." Singing requires us to overcome our self-consciousness and prioritize our love for God over our concern for what others maythink.
Bread Only
Moses explained that manna taught an important principle: We need more than physical food. Our spirits also need the word of God. Book of Mormon prophets taught the same principle, inviting us to "feast" on the word of God, by hearing, pondering, and acting.
Accounting for Israel
Moses numbered his people so that he could fulfill his responsibility to them. Book of Mormon prophets inherited and extended this practice, including men, women, and children. To be numbered is to be known and to be accountable.
Music as an Expression of Joy
The Lord invites us to express our joy through music. Moroni included singing on a list of worship activities. Unlike preaching, prayer, and supplication, hymn-singing allows the entire congregation to engage in a collective expression of praise and joy.
Speak Often One with Another
Jesus prophesied of the gathering of Israel and instructed church members to meet together often. Those two concepts are more closely connected than we might realize. When we accept the gospel, we become part of a community of saints who strengthen one another by talking often about our faith.
Recorded on Earth and in Heaven
The records we keep may be longer-lasting than we realize. Joseph Smith taught that some of "the books" by which we will be judged are the records we keep on the earth. Wilford Woodruff urged us to write our important experiences, promising that what we record on earth will be recorded in heaven.
Preaching the Gospel by the Spirit
The Lord calls church members to preach the gospel by the Spirit. Moroni said that church meetings should be conducted after the manner of the Spirit. This requires more than having the Spirit with us. It requires that we teach the way the Spirit teaches: providing individualized instruction and inviting others to act for themselves.