Psalm 1

Introduction

First notice there is not a superscript. Without one we do not know the musical instrument or tune to which it was to be sung. We are not told who is the author.

Many commentators believe this Psalm was purposely written as an introduction to the entire Book of Psalms.

This is a Psalm/hymn of instruction:

It teaches us how to experience God’s blessing.

It emphasizes God’s Word-His Holy Law (torah).

It paints a picture of two men who follow very divergent paths in life, with two very different futures. Warren Wiersbe explains:

The Psalm present two ways-the way of blessing and the way of judgment-which was the choice Israel had to make (Deut. 30:15; 19). Jesus used a similar image (Mt. 7:13-14). Bible history seems to be built around the concept of “two men”; the first Adam and the second Adam (Rom. 5; 1 Cor. 15:45)-Cain and Abel, Ishmael and Isaac, Esau and Jacob, David and Saul-Bible history that culminates in Christ and the Antichrist. Two men, two ways, two destinies.

This thought is continued in the Book of Proverbs ; it discusses the two ways, two men, and the eternal importance of living under God’s instructions.

This Psalm proclaims a vital truth: We can only truly worship God if we have chosen to walk in His way and in the light of His Word.

We could title this Psalm as: How to be happy and Blessed in Life.

Psalm 1:1 KJV 1900

Blessed is the man That walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

Let’s begin by defining a few words:

Blessed-Due to the verb tense we might read this as: Oh, the blessedness! The Hebrew word means happy, but it is more, it is an inward than an outward state; that is we enjoy happiness in our spirit and also in our relationships with others. BUT what must we do to receive God’s favor?

We must not walk; this Hebrew word is often translated as go in the Old Testament; but as used here it applies to our behavior in daily life.

We must not walk in the counsel-in the Hebrew it usually refers to advice or guidance, but it can also refer to purposes, plans, or schemes.

We must not walk in the counsel of the ungodly. The Hebrew word here is usually translated as the opposite of righteousness. It speaks of a person who is guilty of wrongdoing and condemned before God. The root word means loose, here we can say those that have loosed themselves from God.

We must not stand: that is to stand in position; be motionless; stand respectfully.

We must not stand in the way: that’s a road or path. We are not talking about blocking them but joining them. If a Christian returns to that way, they are backsliding.

We must not stand in the way of sinners:those that are guilty of disobedience to God.

We must not sit, the word implies remain sitting, to dwell, to be inhabited.

We must not sit with the scornful: or the mockers. They have no respect for God, mock everything that is holy , and continue their rejection of God.

Did you notice the pattern? Walk, stand, and sit. A path leading us away from God.

Matt. 7:13

King James Version Chapter 7

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

How do we enter the strait gate and narrow way? Because this Psalm is crying out for a decision. What’s it gonna be? Think just the opposite of what we have seen:

We refuse to listen to worldly advice.

We will never depart from the path of obedience to God’s commands.

We will guard ourselves against the tireless efforts of scorners to influence us to question God’s Word. We must stand for what is right. (Mrs. Grantham and rocks).

King James Version Psalm 1

2  But his delight is in the law of the LORD;

And in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,

That bringeth forth his fruit in his season;

His leaf also shall not wither;

And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Instead of following ungodly advice the blessed follow the counsel of God’s inspired word.

Delight may also be translated as pleasure and a longing. Here it speaks of an emotional involvement with God’s Word.

The law stands for all Scripture.

The blessed person has a passion for the Word of God (Hinson)

How can we not love the Word of God if we truly love the God of the Word?

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Meditation

The Hebrew words for meditation primarily were derived from two separate roots. The first (hagah) literally means “to utter in a low sound.” The word is used to denote the growling of a lion (Isa. 31:4) or the cooing of a dove (Isa. 38:14). Therefore it has been suggested that in ancient Hebrew meditation Scripture frequently was recited in a low murmur. The second root word (siach) has the basic meaning of “to be occupied with,” or “concerned about.” Thus meditation is the repetitious going over of a matter in one’s mind because it is the chief concern of life. The constant recollection of God’s past deeds by the hearing of Scripture and repetition of thought produce confidence in God (Pss. 63:6–8; 104:34; 119:15, 23, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148; 143:5).

Through meditation we learn to discern the council of the ungodly and reject it. Meditation also strengthens us to resist temptation and preserves us from developing a scornful attitude.

Through obeying God, we learn to appreciate His commands because God showers His favor (grace) and blessings upon us. Therefore, we become the blessed person of this Psalm.

Verse 3 describes the result of these actions: the blessed individual is compared to a tree, but not just any old tree.

He is like an intentionally planted tree, in a carefully chosen spot. By the river where it receive plenty of water for growth, where it will have every advantage to produce fruit. Here’s a few thoughts

Throughout the Bible God is presented as a husbandman or gardener…diligently cultivating His choice vine-Israel.

Isaiah 61:3c

King James Version Chapter 61

That they might be called trees of righteousness,

The planting of the LORD, rthat he might be glorified.

Is used to describe those coming to the Messiah.

John 15:1

King James Version Chapter 15

15 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

Here the Father’s work in pruning and cultivating is demonstrated.

1 Corinthians 3:7–9 KJV 1900

So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.

This verse depicts the believer as part of a field that is sown and watered; a field in which God produces an increase.

Planted also indicates a strong root system making the tree secure in the midst of the storms of life.

Ephesians 3:17

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love

The tree planted by the water ensures the root system to furnish the tree with abundant water; it will not wilt, die, or lack fruit, Water in Scripture is used a symbol for both the Holy Spirit and for the Word.

Living in obedience to God’s Word protects our fruit from being contaminated, diseased, or destroyed by sin.

Do not confuse the fruit of the believer with the fruit of the Spirit.

King James Version Chapter 5

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, klongsuffering, kgentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

The fruit of the believer is:

Telling others about Jesus (Rom. 1:13-16)

Holiness (Rom. 6:22)

Giving (Phil. 4:17)

Fruit of the Spirit (Christlike character)

Good works (Col. 1:10)

Praise an thanksgiving (Heb. 13:15)

Now contrast this with vs 4: The ungodly are not so: But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away

A planted, tended tree, flourishing, producing fruit is an image of permanence. Chaff on the other had is used in Scripture to describe things that are worthless, temporary, and short lived.

Describe the process of winnowing, chaff Chaff is weightless, worthless, without substance, and easily scatters. Isn’t that a fit description of the ungodly. When tested-gone.

King James Version Psalm 1

5  Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,

Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

Just as an underweight chaff cannot survive the strong winds (winds=a symbol of God’s judgment) neither can the ungodly person.

An aside: have you ever heard someone say they wanted to be baptized by fire?

Matthew 3:12 KJV 1900

Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Picture of heaven and hell.

King James Version Psalm 1

6  For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous:

But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Knoweth in this verse refers to the relationship between God and His children . God is personally insuring that believers will reach their final destination-heaven. Through His power and care, believers can rest assured knowing He will take us to our eternal home.

The wicked, on the other hand, whom God does not know, perish. Only 2 roads and 2 destinations exist

Matthew 7:13–14 KJV 1900

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

There are only 2 ways (2 paths in life). There is the way of the cross, the way that leads by Calvary to glory. And there is the way of the curse, the broad and popular away that leads to a lost eternity.

By nature and by practice our feet are set on the broad way. “We have turned everyone to his own way,” the prophet declares. But, by deliberate choice, we can make the change. We come to Jesus,”the way, the truth, the life,” the one who says, “No man cometh unto the Father but by Me.” We take Him as Savior and become numbered with the Godly…The lost man, on the other hand can no more fight his end than the chaff can fight the gale. “The way of the ungodly shall perish.” That is the Holy Spirit’s sobering, closing word for this first great Hebrew hymn. John Phillips