Scripture Helps
Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46
The Psalms are a collection of ancient Israel’s poetic hymns, prayers, and expressions of praise to the Lord. Several prophetic psalms allude to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Other themes in the book of Psalms include the covenantal relationship between the Lord and His people, repentance, trials, and the house of the Lord. Many psalms use rich imagery to describe the Lord and His work.
Resources
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Background and Context
What is the book of Psalms?
The book of Psalms is a collection of 150 poetic hymns, petitions, and expressions of praise. The title “Psalms” comes from the Greek word psalmos, meaning a song that is accompanied by an instrument. While some psalms are anonymous, many are attributed to well-known figures, especially King David. It is unknown exactly when the book of Psalms was compiled, but most scholars agree that it was likely assembled after the Babylonian exile.
The book of Psalms is quoted in the New Testament more often than any other Old Testament book, and the Savior frequently referred to it during His ministry. Several psalms contain prophetic references to the Messiah and allude to events that took place during Jesus’s life. Additionally, many modern hymns were inspired by the psalms.
The book of Psalms is divided into five sections, each ending with a final expression of praise:
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Psalms 1–41: The first two psalms serve as an introduction to the entire collection. Most of the psalms in this section are attributed to David and emphasize covenant faithfulness to the Lord. Several psalms also contain prophetic references to the Messiah.
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Psalms 42–72: Many of these psalms express hope in the Messiah despite opposition and persecution. Several are attributed to David, who pled for mercy, forgiveness, and protection.
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Psalms 73–89: These psalms include a variety of themes. Some describe God as a judge who can rebuke wicked rulers and destroy Israel’s enemies. Others describe hope for the fulfillment of God’s covenant to redeem Israel.
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Psalms 90–106: This section begins with Moses’s prayer for the Lord to have mercy on straying Israel. Many of these psalms describe the millennial day when Israel will find rest under the Messiah’s reign.
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Psalms 107–150: These psalms praise God for delivering Israel through the Messiah.
What are messianic psalms?
Many psalms are considered messianic, meaning they prophetically refer to the life and mission of Jesus Christ. For example, Psalm 2:1–3 describes the kings of the earth setting themselves against the Lord’s anointed. In the New Testament, Peter and John associated these words with the rejection of Jesus Christ.
The following are some other passages from Psalms that prophetically point to the life and mission of the Savior.
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Psalm |
Related New Testament Passage |
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Psalm “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1). | Related New Testament Passage “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). |
Psalm “All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, he trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him” (Psalm 22:7–8). | Related New Testament Passage “If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now” (Matthew 27:42–43). |
Psalm “The assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet” (Psalm 22:16). | Related New Testament Passage “When they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him” (Luke 23:33). |
Psalm “They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture” (Psalm 22:18). | Related New Testament Passage “They … parted his garments, casting lots” (Matthew 27:35). |
Psalm “Into thine hand I commit my spirit” (Psalm 31:5). | Related New Testament Passage “Into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). |
Psalm “He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken” (Psalm 34:20). | Related New Testament Passage “They brake not his legs” (John 19:33). |
Psalm “In my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink” (Psalm 69:21). | Related New Testament Passage “They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall” (Matthew 27:34). |
Psalm “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still” (Psalm 107:29). | Related New Testament Passage “He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39). |
The Crucifixion of Christ, by Louise Parker
What does “selah” mean?
The word selah appears 71 times in the book of Psalms. The exact meaning of this term is uncertain. It may have been a signal to the singer or reader to pause and reflect (like a musical rest).
What does it mean that God made man “a little lower than the angels”?
In the King James Version of the Old Testament, Psalm 8:5 is translated to say that God made man “a little lower than the angels.” However, the Hebrew word translated as “angels” is Elohim, which is a name for God. Therefore, a more accurate translation would be that human beings were made “a little lower than God.”
As children of God, we have the potential to become like Him. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” states: “All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.”
What was meant by the phrase “thou wilt not leave my soul in hell”?
In the Old Testament, the word “hell” is translated from the Hebrew word sheol. This refers to the place where all people go after death, regardless of their moral character. It is also sometimes translated as “grave” or “pit.” Sheol was generally viewed as inescapable.
On the day of Pentecost in the New Testament, Peter testified that David’s psalm was ultimately fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Peter explained that while David was “both dead and buried,” the Savior did not remain in the world of spirits after His death. Instead, Jesus Christ was “raised up” by God.
What is the “valley of the shadow of death”?
The Hebrew word translated as “shadow of death” can also mean “darkness” or “gloom.” The “valley of the shadow of death” represents times of distress or danger. The writer of this psalm testified that because the Lord was with him, he had no reason to fear these moments.
How do the Good Shepherd’s rod and staff provide comfort?
President Jeffrey R. Holland taught:
“In ancient days the only instruments a shepherd carried were a rod and a staff. The rod was a short, stout, club-like weapon used to defend oneself or the flock from an intruder. It was meant to be—and to convey—strength and power in the hand of a strong shepherd who knew how to use it. …
“The staff was a longer, lighter piece, usually with a hook (or crook) on the end used for rescuing a stranded sheep. It, more than the rod, is associated in both art and myth with the shepherd and his vigilant watchcare. … Everything about the staff speaks of safety and care. It is the great scriptural instrument of rescue and redemption.
“In life we need defending and we need rescue. One way or the other, we are vulnerable. Whether it be in threatening confrontations or routine wandering, we are blessed and protected by God’s vigilant care. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
I Shall Not Want, by Yongsung Kim
What does it mean to “ascend into the hill of the Lord” with clean hands and a pure heart?
The Hebrew word translated as “hill” in verse 3 of the King James Version is more commonly rendered as “mountain.” In the Old Testament, the phrase “mountain of the Lord” often refers to the temple. Additionally, the question “Who shall stand in his holy place?” reminds us of the house of the Lord. The holy place was a sacred room in both the ancient tabernacle and temple. Verse 4 makes it clear that only those with clean hands and pure hearts are worthy to enter the house of the Lord and stand in His holy place.
Regarding these requirements of worthiness to enter the temple in our day, Elder David A. Bednar explained:
“It is possible for us to have clean hands but not have a pure heart. Please notice that both clean hands and a pure heart are required to ascend into the hill of the Lord and to stand in His holy place.
“Let me suggest that hands are made clean through the process of putting off the natural man and by overcoming sin and the evil influences in our lives through the Savior’s Atonement. Hearts are purified as we receive His strengthening power to do good and become better. All of our worthy desires and good works, as necessary as they are, can never produce clean hands and a pure heart. It is the Atonement of Jesus Christ that provides both a cleansing and redeeming power that helps us to overcome sin and a sanctifying and strengthening power that helps us to become better than we ever could by relying only upon our own strength. The infinite Atonement is for both the sinner and for the saint in each of us.”
What is the Lord’s loving-kindness?
In many of the psalms, David and other psalmists praised the Lord for His loving-kindness. The Hebrew word translated as “lovingkindness” is hesed, a difficult word to translate because of its complex meaning. Hesed is a characteristic of valued relationships. It is manifest when each person in the relationship demonstrates love and loyalty to the other. The Lord’s loving-kindness is a covenantal theme that runs throughout the entire Old Testament.
President Russell M. Nelson explained:
“All those who have made a covenant with God have access to a special kind of love and mercy. In the Hebrew language, that covenantal love is called hesed (חֶסֶד).
“Hesed has no adequate English equivalent. Translators of the King James Version of the Bible must have struggled with how to render hesed in English. They often chose “lovingkindness.” This captures much but not all the meaning of hesed. Other translations were also rendered, such as “mercy” and “goodness.” Hesed is a unique term describing a covenant relationship in which both parties are bound to be loyal and faithful to each other. …
“Because God has hesed for those who have covenanted with Him, He will love them. He will continue to work with them and offer them opportunities to change. He will forgive them when they repent. And should they stray, He will help them find their way back to Him.
“Once you and I have made a covenant with God, our relationship with Him becomes much closer than before our covenant. Now we are bound together. Because of our covenant with God, He will never tire in His efforts to help us, and we will never exhaust His merciful patience with us. Each of us has a special place in God’s heart. He has high hopes for us.”
How does the Joseph Smith Translation clarify when the Lord “will be exalted among the heathen”?
A central message of Psalm 46 is that “God is our refuge and strength” in the face of any challenge. Though many of the situations in Psalm 46 are described in the present tense, the Prophet Joseph Smith’s inspired translation shifts this psalm to a prophecy of the future. For example, the Joseph Smith Translation of verse 5 reads, “For Zion shall come, and God shall be in the midst of her; she shall not be moved.” These inspired adjustments to this chapter can remind us to seek refuge in the Lord amid the calamities of the last days.
Learn More
Music and worship
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Russell M. Nelson, “The Power and Protection of Worthy Music,” Ensign, Dec. 2009, 13–17
Prophecies of Jesus Christ in Psalms
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“Who Is This King of Glory?,” Ensign, Dec. 2006, 24–27
Clean hands and pure hearts
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David A. Bednar, “Clean Hands and a Pure Heart,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 80–83
Media
Music
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“How Great Thou Art” (Hymns, no. 86)—compare Psalms 8:3–9; 9:1–2
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“The Lord Is My Shepherd” (Hymns, no. 108)—compare Psalm 23
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“My Shepherd Will Supply My Need” (Hymns—For Home and Church)—compare Psalm 23
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“The Lord Is My Light” (Hymns, no. 89)—compare Psalm 27:1
Images
The Crucifixion, by Harry Anderson
The Lord Is My Shepherd, by Simon Dewey