Psalms 102–103; 110; 116–119; 127–128; 135–139; 146–150

Psalm 103 declares that the Lord’s mercy is “from everlasting to everlasting” to those who “keep his covenant” and “remember his commandments to do them.” The Hebrew word translated as “mercy” in Psalm 103 is hesed, which is often used in the Old Testament in reference to God’s covenantal love.

Speaking of the Lord’s everlasting mercy for His covenant people, President Russell M. Nelson taught:

“When you and I … enter [the covenant] path, we have a new way of life. We thereby create a relationship with God that allows Him to bless and change us. The covenant path leads us back to Him. If we let God prevail in our lives, that covenant will lead us closer and closer to Him. All covenants are intended to be binding. They create a relationship with everlasting ties.

“Once we make a covenant with God, we leave neutral ground forever. God will not abandon His relationship with those who have forged such a bond with Him. In fact, 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).”

See also “Psalm 26:1–3. What is the Lord’s loving-kindness?”

In the King James Version of the Bible, the word “Lord” in small capital letters is typically used in place of the name Jehovah. This follows the Jewish practice of replacing Jehovah with adonai (“my lord” or “my master”) out of respect for the sacred name of God. In Psalm 110, the psalmist wrote about Jehovah (“the Lord”) telling the king (“my Lord”) to sit at Jehovah’s right hand as an appointed ruler. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ cited this passage to teach about His divine status as Jehovah.

Psalm 110 is one of only two passages in the Old Testament that mention Melchizedek, the righteous king and priest of Salem. Most of what we know about him is found in Restoration scripture. Melchizedek is described as the ideal priest-king. Psalm 110 prophesies of a future Davidic king who would be “a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” The book of Hebrews identifies Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of this prophecy.

Although the Savior is the “priest after the order of Melchizedek,” the priesthood Melchizedek held was originally “called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.” Those who hold this priesthood today are “ordained after the order of his Son, … that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption.”

President Russell M. Nelson taught: “The eventual death of your mortal body is essential to God’s great plan of happiness. Why? Because death will allow your spirit to return home to Him. [The Psalmist wrote, ‘Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints’ (Psalm 116:15). Death is precious because it is a ‘homecoming’ for the Saint with the Lord.] From an eternal perspective, death is only premature for those who are not prepared to meet God.”

This verse speaks of a stone that builders once rejected but that eventually became the most essential part of the structure. In the New Testament, the Savior quoted this scripture in reference to Himself. Even though He was rejected by His own people, He was the central figure in God’s plan of salvation. The image may also be a metaphor for Israel, which, although once rejected, was destined to play a central role in God’s redemptive work among humanity.

Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem. The psalm is divided into 22 stanzas, one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of the 22 stanzas has eight verses. And every verse of each stanza begins with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. For example, in the original Hebrew, verses 1–8 all start with aleph, verses 9–16 with beth, and so on. In an age when literature was often memorized and shared orally, this format may have been a valuable aid for memorizing.

This psalm emphasizes the ineffectiveness of relying on human effort alone to build a house or protect a city. Verses 3–5 declare that it is through children—gifts from God—that the Lord establishes a household that can protect the community. In ancient times, having many children was viewed as a symbol of strength.

In our day, “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” reiterates the blessing and responsibility for couples to raise and teach their children. It states: “Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. ‘Children are an heritage of the Lord’ (Psalm 127:3).”

See “Exodus 19:3–6. What promises did the Lord make to the children of Israel if they would keep their covenant with Him?”

The writer of Psalm 139 used the phrase “perfect hatred” to describe his displeasure with those who oppose God. Although this phrase may have been used to express unwavering loyalty to God, we should keep in mind the higher law taught by Jesus Christ. In the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior taught, “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”

A two-edged sword cuts quickly and efficiently, penetrating with every swing. The phrase “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth” is paralleled with “and a twoedged sword in their hand,” suggesting a connection between praise and the sword. The sword in this psalm may represent the penetrating force of words, particularly words of praise. Elsewhere in scripture, the word of the Lord is described as “sharper than a two-edged sword,” emphasizing its ability to pierce the heart and separate truth from error.

• Russell M. Nelson, “The Everlasting Covenant,” Liahona, Oct. 2022, 4–11

• Russell M. Nelson, “Living by Scriptural Guidance,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 16–18

• Neil L. Andersen, “Children,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 28–31

• “Sweet Is the Peace the Gospel Brings” (Hymns, no. 14)—compare Psalm 119:97–104, 165

• “All Creatures of Our God and King” (Hymns, no. 62)—compare Psalm 148

• “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” (Hymns, no. 72)—compare Psalm 150