131. As a Child 132. Promises Between David and God 133. Aaron's Beard 134. Lift Up Your Hands 135. Whatsoever the Lord Pleased 136. For His Mercy Endureth 137. By the Rivers of Babylon 138. When I Cried 139. Search Me, O God 140. Sharpened Tongues
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 41-50
41. Consider the Poor 42 & 43. Why Art Thou Cast Down? 44. Why Sleepest Thou? 45. Thy Throne, O God 46. Be Still 47. O Clap Your Hands 48. The City of Our God 49. The Power of the Grave 50. If I Were Hungry
The Unhelpful Wisdom of Eliphaz
Job's friend Eliphaz taught true principles, including the law of the harvest, the impossibility of outsmarting God, and the need to submit to His correction. All true, and all echoed favorably in other scriptural passages. But none were helpful to Job because they were delivered judgmentally instead of empathetically.
Elijah’s Mantle and Prophetic Succession
When Elijah ascended into heaven, he left behind his mantle (cloak). Elisha used it to perform a miracle, and his fellow believers recognized that Elijah's authority now rested on Elisha's shoulders. As Alma later taught his people, we should exercise our agency to learn for ourselves whom God has called to teach and lead us.
Ruth’s Pledge
Ruth's pledge to Naomi has parallels in the Book of Mormon. Like Nephi, she swears an oath referencing both God and her own life. Like Alma's people, she accepts a new relationship with God and with a covenant community. Like King Benjamin's people, she commits to it for the rest of her life.
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.
Holy Convocations
God specified eight holy days as part of the law of Moses. He called all of them "holy convocations," or times for formal gatherings. He also instructed the people to set aside "servile work," or everyday labors. On holy days, we set aside our daily cares and focus on worshipping together.
Jethro and Mosiah on Collaborative Leadership
Jethro counseled Moses to share the burden of leadership, warning him that he was burning himself out. Mosiah explained the same principle to his people: don't expect the leader to do all the work. The bad news is the leader can't do it all; the good news is they don't have to.
One Heart and One Mind: Welcoming New Church Members
In Enoch's city, there were "no poor." Everyone was valued as a contributing member of the community, regardless of background or capabilities. Members of the Savior's church are invited to follow their example, welcoming new church members with a spirit of unity and love.