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Psalms

Scripture Content Outline	Supplementary Study Sources
Because each psalm is a separate entity and because there are so many of them, a complete content outline of the book of Psalms is not practical here. Instead, some of the major themes of the book of Psalms and several representative psalms have been analyzed.
Psalms 2, 22, 91, 110, 118. Some Psalms Are Messianic Christ, the Messiah, is God’s Only Begotten in the flesh (see Psalm 2). When Christ was crucified, the soldiers pierced his hands and feet and gambled for his robe; he felt forsaken by the Father (see Psalm 22). During his earthly ministry, Christ enjoyed the full protection and safety of his Father’s power (see Psalm 91). Christ, “a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4), shall rule and judge in righteousness (see Psalm 110). Christ, rejected anciently by the house of Israel, is the chief cornerstone in the kingdom of God (see Psalm 118).	Religion 301 student manual, 28-7 through 28-9. John 3:16–17. Why did God the Father send his Only Begotten Son into the world? John 19:22–24. How do these verses fulfill Psalm 22:16–18? (see JC, p. 656). Matthew 27:35, 43, 46. What incidents in Jesus’ life were prophesied in Psalm 22:1, 8, 16–18? Matthew 27:34. How was Psalm 69:21 fulfilled? Hebrews 5:5–6; 6:20. Who appointed Christ as a high priest after the order of Melchizedek? (see also Psalm 110:4). Hebrews 7:19–28. What makes Christ the great High Priest? Jacob 4:14–16. What interpretation did Jacob give of Psalm 118:22? (see also Acts 4:12, Matthew 21:42, Luke 20:9–18).
Psalms 78, 105–6. Some Psalms Are Historical Israel is reminded of their obligation to instruct their children in the ways of truth, and they are told why (see Psalm 78:1–8). Certain doings of the Lord and the children of Israel during their sojourn in the wilderness are called to mind (see Psalm 78:9–72). Israel is reminded that they are a covenant people and that God kept the covenant in every way during Israel’s early history (see Psalm 105:1–22). In Egypt and during Israel’s wanderings, God once again manifested his intention to be true to his covenant (see Psalm 105:23–45). Israel repeatedly provoked the Lord with deeds of wickedness, but God was merciful still (see Psalm 106).	Religion 301 student manual, 28-2 through 28-3; 28-5. Deuteronomy 6:4–25. What things did Moses remind ancient Israel of? Deuteronomy 7:6–9. According to Moses, how did God deal with his covenant children? 1 Nephi 17:23–42. What historical events did Nephi remind his people of? What lessons did he draw from them? Spencer W. Kimball, in CR, Sept./Oct. 1978, pp. 4–5. What is the value of preserving accounts of events in the past? DS, 2:197–98. In what ways does history and its study aid civilization?
Psalms 8, 24, 100, 121, 145–150. Most Psalms Are Hymns of Praise and Thanks unto the Lord Psalm 8 praises God for his creations and the noble position he has given to mankind. Psalm 24 is a hymn of praise in honor of God as the Creator and as King of glory. Psalm 100 reminds us that God is good and worthy and deserving of all praise. Psalm 121 declares that God is the source of our strength, a help in all we do and wherever we go. Psalms 145–50 extol the greatness and the majesty of God.	Religion 301 student manual, 28-4; 28-6. Mosiah 2:20–21. How much praise does the Lord deserve from us? D&C 136:28. In what ways might the Saints praise God? D&C 78:19. How does the Lord respond to our expressions of praise and thanksgiving? MF, pp. 16–17. What is the proper time to give expression to the music that is in us? DBY, p. 18. How did Brigham Young describe the Lord? TPJS, p. 55. What attributes does God possess that enable him to bless our lives? Bruce R. McConkie, in CR, Oct. 1967, pp. 166–69. What is true worship and why do men engage in it?
Psalms 7, 31, 38, 51, 69. Some Psalms Are Pleadings for Forgiveness and Relief from Afflictions In Psalm 7 David prayed for defense against those that persecuted him. In Psalm 31 David expressed confidence in God and pleaded for deliverance from enemies. David sorrowed because of his sins and begged the Lord not to forsake him (see Psalm 38). David pleaded for divine forgiveness and mercy and gave to God a broken heart and a contrite spirit (see Psalm 51). In Psalm 69 David sought relief from afflictions and asked for judgments upon his enemies.	1 Nephi 22:17. Whom will the Lord preserve and protect? 1 John 1:9. What must precede forgiveness? 3 Nephi 9:19–20. When the Savior visited the Nephites, what special offering did he ask from the people instead of their blood sacrifices? MF, pp. 340–43. What hope is there for those who have sinned grievously? MF, pp. 153, 159. What proves true sorrow for sin? What helps to induce a broken heart and a contrite spirit?

Some Suggestions for Presentation

You are not expected to teach everything in the scripture content outline. Select those concepts that you feel will be the most helpful to your students.

A Closer Look at the Psalms (Sections A–D)

The psalms can be classified in several ways. Write on the board the four categories given in the scripture content outline, and read as examples some excerpts from each category.

Messianic psalms. In addition to the psalms cited in the content outline, the following could be used: Psalms 31:5; 34:20; 41:9; 68:18; 69:9, 20–21. Indicate that some psalms speak in general about the Savior and his greatness; others contain prophecies of specific events in his life. Compare and have students cross-reference some of the prophetic passages in Psalms with the record in the New Testament of their fulfillments (see Religion 301 student manual, 28-7; 28-9).

Historical psalms. Point out verses of interest and help to your students. Show students that the three psalms listed in the scripture content outline are an excellent summary of Israel’s history from the time of Abraham to the reigns of the kings of Israel.

Psalms that are hymns of praise. Ask students what role music plays in their lives. Ask how they determine if music is good or bad. Discuss how a hymn sung in church differs from a popular song. Point out that some music soothes and edifies the mind, some music stimulates esthetic feelings, and some music excites and stirs passions and emotion. The psalms are poetic expressions from the heart that were set in ancient times to music. Refer students to Doctrine and Covenants 25:12 and ask what the Lord says about a song of the heart. Ask the class to pay close attention to the words as they sing a hymn, such as “More Holiness Give Me” (Hymns, no. 114), “Sweet Is the Work” (Hymns, no. 168), or “How Gentle God’s Commands” (Hymns, no. 67). Invite comments on how class members feel when the singing is ended. Discuss the importance of seeking to feel the spirit of hymns and of thinking about the message of the words when they sing them. Review Psalms 23 and 24 as examples of psalms that are still sung today. Use Elder Boyd K. Packer’s talk in Conference Report, October 1973, pages 21–25, to teach of the influence music can have, either positive or negative.

Psalms that are pleadings for forgiveness. If you did not use these psalms when you taught the lesson on David and his fall, briefly review them to illustrate how one suffers, as did David, when he breaks God’s eternal laws.