These verses have been called “the Psalm of Nephi.” The tone and content of these verses is similar to the style seen in the book of Psalms. A psalm is a poetic prayer set to music. The Bible Dictionary explains, “The Psalms collectively are called in Hebrew Tehillim or ’Praises,’ but the word mizmor, which denotes a composition set to music, is found in the titles of many of them.” Some themes common to Nephi’s psalm and to the psalms of David are:
- a) Reliance on God, my God hath been my support (2 Nephi 2:20)
- b) The suffering and afflictions of life, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (Ps 23:4)
- c) The importance of trusting in the Lord, O Lord…I will trust in thee forever (2 Nephi 4:34)
- d) The relationship to one’s enemies, let not mine enemies triumph over me (Ps 25:1)
- e) Supplications to the Lord for divine help, O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy righteousness! (2 Nephi 4:33)
- f) A broken heart and a contrite spirit, The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (Ps 51:17)
- g) Rejoice and praise, Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever (2 Nephi 4:30)
- h) The redemption of the soul, he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities (Ps 130:8)
