Psalm 1
Notes
Transcript
Jewish traditions teaches the Ezra arranged the Psalms in the order we have now and he divided them into 5 books or sections that mirror the Pentateuch.
Book 1: Psalm 1-41.
Book 2: Psalm 42-72.
Book 3: Psalm 73-89.
Book 4: Psalm 90-106.
Book 5: Psalm 107—150.
Point being, in addition to the clear inspiration of the Holy Spirit regarding the content of the Psalms, there was also some very serious intentionality on the part the scribes in their arrangement. And so, Psalm 1 is what was put at the beginning for a reason.
Calvin’s begins his commentary on the Psalms by saying this about the first Psalm,
“This Psalm may be regarded as a brief summary of the whole doctrine contained in the Psalms. As such, it serves as the introduction to the whole book.”
It reads more like a Proverbs that a Psalm, and indeed, that’s what it is. Psalm 1 is a proverb in song.
It contrasts the righteous and the wicked, their character and consequences, and also reminds us that God knows which one we are.
1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish.
Bible Study Questions:
What are some examples of “the counsel of the wicked”?
What does in mean “stand in the path of sinners”?
How does one sit in the seat of a scoffer?
Why is it important to meditate on God’s word multiple times a day?
How does God’s word make us a like a tree planted by streams of water?
In what ways should we be bearing “fruit in its season”?
What are some areas of your life that need more fruit production?
Why doesn’t the leaf wither on the tree? How are your leaves?
What do you think verse five is talking about?
In what ways does knowing God knows change how you want to live?
