Monday · 2026-08-17

The Psalms are a collection of 150 poetic hymns, prayers, and expressions of praise to the Lord, many attributed to King David. The book was likely compiled after the Babylonian exile and is quoted more often in the New Testament than any other Old Testament book, with the Savior frequently referring to it. The psalms contain prophetic references to the Messiah and allude to events in Jesus's life.

Scripture Reading

• Psalms 1 (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ps/1)
• Psalms 2 (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ps/2)
• Psalms 8 (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/ps/8)

Contextual Notes

Psalms 1 and 2 serve as an introduction to the entire collection, emphasizing covenant faithfulness to the Lord and containing prophetic references to the Messiah. Psalm 1 contrasts the blessedness of the righteous, who delight in and meditate on God's law, with the perishing way of the ungodly. The righteous are likened to a flourishing tree, while the wicked are compared to chaff driven away by the wind. Psalm 2 is a messianic psalm attributed to David, which describes the rage of nations against the Lord's anointed and the ultimate triumph of the Lord's Son. It foretells the coming King (the Messiah) and His role among the nations. Psalm 8, also a psalm of David, expresses awe at God's majesty revealed in creation, asking "What is man, that thou art mindful of him?" despite humanity's significant role and dominion over His creations. This psalm highlights humanity's exalted position, made "a little lower than the angels" and crowned with glory and honor, and is even applied to Jesus Christ in the New Testament, referring to His condescension through the Incarnation.

Reflective Questions

1. Psalm 1 describes the righteous as delighting in and meditating on the law of the Lord day and night. How can I more consistently incorporate a "delight" in God's word into my daily life, moving beyond mere study to a joyful contemplation that nourishes my soul like a tree planted by rivers of water?
2. Considering Psalm 8's declaration of God's glory in creation and His mindfulness of humanity, what specific actions can I take today to more fully acknowledge and appreciate both the divine order of the world around me and the inherent worth and potential God has given to me and to others?

Closing Tying Insight

These opening Psalms lay a foundational understanding of our relationship with God: the path to true blessedness lies in aligning our will with His divine law, recognizing His supreme power over all creation and nations, and understanding our profound, divinely appointed worth and potential. As we contemplate these truths, we are invited to consider the Lord Jesus Christ, the ultimate example of delighting in the Father's will and the embodiment of God's glory and love for humanity. Through His Atonement, He offers us the way to truly flourish and to be sustained by living waters.