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 1-10
1. The Tree and the Chaff 2. The Begotten Son 3. David's Deliverance from Absalom 4. Gladness in My Heart 5. Morning Prayer 6. Watering the Couch with Tears 7. God Trieth the Hearts and Reins 8. A Little Lower than the Angels 9. Sunk in Their Own Pit 10. Why Standest Thou Afar Off?
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.
My Name Shall Be There
God told Solomon that His name would be in the temple forever. He also warned that if Israel turned away from Him, the temple would be destroyed. How can both be true? The story of King Benjamin clarifies that those who worship in the temple can receive God's name in their hearts forever.
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.
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.
The More They Afflicted Them…
Leadership by compulsion trades long-term loyalty for short-term compliance. Pharaoh oppressed the Israelites, and they multiplied. Noah oppressed his people, and they rebelled against him. In contrast, Benjamin earned his people's trust by serving them. Only leadership by persuasion can yield durable results.
The Heaven and the Earth
Faith in God can begin with a sense of wonder at His creations. Nephi, Benjamin, Ammon and Aaron, Jesus, and Moroni all emphasized the Creation as a basis for belief in God.
We Believe
Collective affirmations of believe can be a powerful unifying experience. King Benjamin's people and the original twelve apostles all began declarations of faith with the words "we believe." Joseph Smith followed the same pattern in writing the Articles of Faith. Our shared convictions unite us and enable us to strengthen one another in our faith.
The Former Sins
The Lord said, "Unto that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return." He wasn't threatening to reinstate a penalty He had erased; He was cautioning against sliding back into harmful habits. Sin brings sorrow, and the Savior can help us not only eliminate sin but also keep it away permanently.