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Nephi's Psalm: 2 Nephi 4:16–35 in the Light of Form-Critical Analysis

TitleNephi's Psalm: 2 Nephi 4:16–35 in the Light of Form-Critical Analysis
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1997
AuthorsNickerson, Matthew
JournalJournal of Book of Mormon Studies
Volume6
Issue2
Pagination26-42
KeywordsHope; Lament; Literature; Nephi (Son of Lehi); Poetry; Psalm of Nephi
Abstract

Identifying the poetic forms in the Book of Mormon enables readers to appreciate its beautiful literary style and gain a better understanding of its message. This article uses the form-critical analysis of psalms, first outlined by Hermann Gunkel in 1926, to demonstrate sharp similarities between Nephi’s psalm and similar psalms in the Old Testament. Nephi’s psalm plainly follows the format and substance of the individual lament as described by Gunkel and elaborated by numerous subsequent scholars. As in other instances of Hebrew poetic forms in the Book of Mormon, understanding and appreciating the psalm, more particularly the personal lament, can offer new insights into 2 Nephi 4:16–35 and make its message of hope and trust more powerful and personal.

URLhttps://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jbms/vol6/iss2/3

Scripture Reference

2 Nephi 4:16-35