Psalm 1

The Man Blessed

External signs of an inward delight

Progressive nature of corruption: Wicked nature, sinful behavior, scoffing at righteousness (compare Romans 1:32)

The Blessed Man is described both negatively (what He is not) and positively (what He is)

“Man”- Isn’t meant to be patriarchal or misogynistic. It’s describing a “one” who does these things. Heb. ish, denotes generic humanity. However, it is notable that this generic representative word could be applied retroactively to one man who indeed walked in the counsel of the wicked, stood in the way of sinners and sat in the seat of scoffers when he partook of the fruit of the tree of knowledge rather than the tree of life. Likewise, there is a future, eschatological Man who would not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinner, nor sit in the seat of scoffers. Both men were federal heads, representing humanity. Only one provides life, as verses 3-4 will go on.

The Tree Planted

Redemptive historical significance of tree planted by streams of water. Seen in Genesis 2 with the Tree of Life. Psalm 1 also informs our interpretation of Revelation 22:1-5. The Tree of Life is a Person, not a literal tree. Who is this Tree of Life but Christ Himself, whose fruit heals the nations in due season? All that Christ has done has been rewarded with full prosperity, and it is in His hope that we trust.

The Judgement Stood

It is only through the Blessed Man that we will stand in the judgement.

Juxtaposition of the wicked being unable to stand in the judgement or the congregation of the righteous. It is impossible, whereas seemingly unwise for the righteous to stand with the wicked.