Temple Themes in the Psalms and in the Book of Mormon

Title

Temple Themes in the Psalms and in the Book of Mormon

Publication Type

Video

Year of Publication

2016

Authors

Larsen, David (Primary)

Publisher

Book of Mormon Central

Place Published

Springville, UT

Citation Key

3373

Abstract

There is much that we can learn about ancient Israelite temple theology and practices from the Old Testament Book of Psalms. Recent research suggests that some of the Book of Mormon prophets, including Nephi, Jacob and Alma, were more influenced by the Psalms than we generally recognize. Furthermore, although the temple is not usually discussed explicitly therein, a number of temple themes that are found in the Psalms can also be found in the Book of Mormon. In psalms such as Psalm 24, we can see references to a ritual ascent to the temple with the goal of seeing the face of God there. Nephi and Alma quote from this psalm and allude to its ritual setting in some of their teachings. There are a number of other examples of how the temple themes found in the Psalms turn up in the Book of Mormon in unique and insightful ways. When these connections to the Psalms become apparent, we can gain a stronger understanding of what the temple meant to the Book of Mormon prophets.

Subject Keywords

Temple

Ritual

Psalms

Alma the Elder

Jacob (Son of Lehi)

Nephi (Son of Lehi)

Bibliographic Citation

Terms of use

Items in the BMC Archive are made publicly available for non-commercial, private use. Inclusion within the BMC Archive does not imply endorsement. Items do not represent the official views of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or of Book of Mormon Central.