Sunday, April 12, 2020

Psalms in the Book of Mormon, Helaman - Moroni

This post will conclude our series looking at each example of Psalm-language in the Book of Mormon. It's been really interesting looking at each example.  I will post one or two additional posts in the near future illustrating a pattern I've seen in how these Psalms are used.


In truth and uprightness



8 They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. (Psalm 111)



34 And thus we see that the Nephites did begin to dwindle in unbelief, and grow in wickedness and abominations, while the Lamanites began to grow exceedingly in the knowledge of their God; yea, they did begin to keep his statutes and commandments, and to walk in truth and uprightness before him. (Helaman 6)


1 Kings 3:6 contains similar language.




See that the Lord . . . good . . . bless . . . trust in him



8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. (Psalm 34)



1 And thus we can behold how false, and also the unsteadiness of the hearts of the children of men; yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him. (Helaman 12)


Light of . . . countenance


6 There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. (Psalms 4)



3 For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them. (Psalm 44)



15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance. (Psalm 89)



8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. (Psalm 90)



25 And it came to pass that Jesus blessed them as they did pray unto him; and his countenance did smile upon them, and the light of his countenance did shine upon them, and behold they were as white as the countenance and also the garments of Jesus; and behold the whiteness thereof did exceed all the whiteness, yea, even there could be nothing upon earth so white as the whiteness thereof. (3 Nephi 19)


See also Job 29:24, Proverbs 16:15, and D&C 88:56, 58




Counted unto him for righteousness




31 And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore. (Psalm 106)


7 For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness. (Moroni 7)


See also Romans 4:3.



From everlasting to everlasting


2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. (Psalm 90)



17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children; (Psalm 103)



48 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 106)



22 For behold, God knowing all things, being from everlasting to everlasting, behold, he sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing. (Moroni 7)

See also D&C 20:17; 61:1; 109:77; 132:20



None that doeth good . . . no not one


3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one. (Psalms 14)



3 Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. (Psalm 53)


25 And wo be unto the children of men if this be the case; for there shall be none that doeth good among you, no not one. For if there be one among you that doeth good, he shall work by the power and gifts of God. (Moroni 10)

See also Romans 3:12.