whom this would occur. The evidence consisting of the events in connection with Jesus’ death and resurrection was also before the Jews right then, proving clearly that David was speaking prophetically of Christ, a descendant of David. (1 Pet. 1:10-12) This argument had a powerful effect on the Jews listening to Peter’s speech.​—Acts 2:29-36.

In every way the Psalms exalt God and his Son and help us to come to know better those of whom it is said: “This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3) The Psalms describe the trials common to all humankind and show us how to pray in happy and in troublesome times. Whatever problem we may have, there is a psalm to assist us and to offer soothing balm to the heart.

The apostle Paul spoke of needing help in prayer, saying: “What we should pray for as we need to we do not know.” (Rom. 8:26) This is often true of every Christian. Many times from the book of Psalms we can get the needed help to express our innermost thoughts and desires more fully to God.​—Compare Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16.

The Psalms, by touching on the various human emotions, create a warm personal appeal. The reader can see himself and feels that they are speaking to him, or for him. His innermost thoughts and motivations are touched, and his heart is searched. He is moved to make adjustments in his life. In doing so he is enriched, and comes closer to a knowledge of God. Everyone should read the Psalms through from the first to the last. No one can read them without benefit to himself.

Questions From Readers

● Why could the apostle Paul say: “As for me, through law I died toward law”?​—Gal. 2:19.

The apostle’s words form part of an argument showing that a man cannot make himself righteous before God through “works of law.” Paul wrote: “We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners from the nations [that did not have the Mosaic law and that conducted themselves in a lawless way from the standpoint of the Jews], knowing as we do that a man is declared righteous, not due to works of law, but only through faith toward Christ Jesus, even we have put our faith in Christ Jesus, that we may be declared righteous due to faith toward Christ, and not due to works of law, because due to works of law no flesh will be declared righteous.”​—Gal. 2:15, 16.

The Law made Paul aware of the fact that he simply could not keep it perfectly. It condemned him as a sinner who was deserving of death. No matter how scrupulously he might try to observe the requirements of the Law, he would find himself falling short. (Rom. 7:7-11) Thus, “through law I died toward law.” Or, as Today’s English Version words it: “So far as the Law is concerned, however, I am dead​—killed by the Law itself—​in order that I might live for God.” By accepting, in faith, Jehovah’s arrangement for salvation through Christ, Paul was justified by God to live again. Thus he came to life spiritually. As a result of his faith, the apostle came under the influence of the holy spirit, with its fruitage being displayed in his life. That is why Paul added, “that I might become alive toward God.”​—Gal. 2:19.

● Why did Solomon state: “Jehovah himself said he was to reside in the thick gloom”?​—1 Ki. 8:12.

King Solomon made this statement after the priests deposited the sacred Ark in the Most Holy of the temple and when, subsequently thereto, the cloud filled the sanctuary. (1 Ki. 8:6-11) It was this cloud that reminded Solomon of the manner in which Jehovah God had earlier revealed his presence. For example, Moses was told: “Look! I am coming to you in a dark cloud.” (Ex. 19:9) When referring to this on another occasion, Moses stated: “There was darkness, cloud and thick gloom.” (Deut. 4:11) In view of the fact that the Most High associated his presence with a cloud, Solomon could rightly speak of ‘Jehovah’s residing in the thick gloom.’