A commentary on Psalm 1. This first chapter serves as a fitting introduction to the entire Book of Psalms. It presents a contrast between two ways of living. One leads to blessing and prosperity, and the other leads to destruction.
In just six verses, the psalmist outlines the characteristics of the godly and the wicked. He provides readers with a clear picture of the kind of life that pleases God.
Psalm 1 is a psalm of wisdom, offering guidance on how to live a life that is pleasing to God. It is a call to choose the right path, to walk in the way of righteousness, and to shun the way of the wicked.
This message is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. We, too, choose which path to take in life.
This commentary on Psalm 1 will explore its themes and insights, highlighting scripture’s timeless wisdom and its relevance for our lives today.
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A Commentary On Psalm 1
Introduction (Verses 1-2)
1. Blessed is the person 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 on His Law he meditates day and night.
Psalms 1:1-2 NASB
The Blueprint For Blessing
Psalm 1 opens with a contrast between the blessed person and the wicked person. It presents a clear picture of the kind of life that pleases God and leads to true happiness and prosperity.
The psalm begins with the word “blessed,” which in Hebrew is ‘ešer. ‘Blessed’ is also translated as “happy,” “fortunate,” or “privileged.” The psalmist conveys the idea that every aspect of a person’s life is truly blessed when they follow God’s ways.
Scripture goes on to describe the blessed (or happy) person as one who delights in the law of the Lord. Not only does he find happiness in the scriptures, but he also meditates on them continually.
The word “delight” (ḥēp̄eṣ in Hebrew) implies not just obedience, but a deep love and affection for God’s Word. It is happiness to the heart of the joyful person, who finds great pleasure in reading, studying, and applying it.
Additionally, the word “meditate” (hāḡâ) means to think deeply, to reflect, and to ponder. The blessed person is not content with a surface-level understanding of God’s Word. But instead, seeks to delve deeply into its truths, allowing them to shape and transform their life.
Psalm 1:1-2 provides a blueprint for a blessed life, showing the importance of delighting in God’s Word and meditating on it day and night. Following this path causes us to be spiritual trees planted by the stream of living water! As a result, we will produce spiritual fruits and live prosperous lives.
The Progression Of Ungodliness
Notice in verse 1 that there is a natural progression. We see walking, standing, and sitting. All of which are connected to ungodly people or actions.
Basically, there is a way that a godly person will not go. There are things they refuse to say, do, and participate in. Some paths he will refuse to walk. Others in which he will refuse to stand. And another still that he refuses to sit in.
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Instead of walking, standing, and sitting, we may use the words thinking, acting, and fitting in. Let me explain…
The blessed and ungodly men have fundamentally different convictions. They will differ in the way they think, act, and the crowd they associate with.
It seems that one easily leads to another.
According to commentator Adam Clarke, “He who acts by bad counsel may soon do evil deeds. And he who abandons himself to evil doings may end his life in total apostasy from God.”
In other words, if you’re okay with taking ungodly advice and thinking in the same manner as someone who has yet to surrender to Christ, then you will probably also be okay with acting the way they act.
This is dangerous ground! A Christian should never be guilty of living like an unsaved person. Ultimately, it will yield a lifestyle that comfortably fits in with the world. A Christian who becomes comfortable in the world risks backsliding and turning away from God, and should therefore promptly correct and repent of this lifestyle.
Contrasting The Godly And the Wicked (Verses 3-4)
3. He will be like a tree 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 blows away.
Psalms 1:3-4 NASB
The Godly
In our commentary on Psalm 1, verses 3-4 present a vivid contrast between the godly and the wicked. The psalmist compares the blessed person to a fruitful tree.
The godly person, like a tree planted by streams of water, is rooted in God’s Word and bears fruit in season. The tree’s roots reach deep into the soil, drawing nourishment and life-giving water from the stream.
In the same way, the blessed person’s spiritual roots reach deep into the Word of God, drawing nourishment and strength from it. As a result, they produce fruit in season, which may be spiritual growth, good works, or a positive impact on others.
A tree planted by the water naturally produces fruit with ease. Why? It is abiding in a life source. Likewise, spiritual fruit comes naturally for believers. When we live in the life source (aka, the Spirit of God) we cannot help but produce the kinds of characteristics that make us more like Christ.
Jesus spoke of bearing fruit in John 15:5. He said that He is the vine and we are the branches. You will produce spiritual fruit when you are connected to His life-giving Spirit. He is the source of life. If there is no fruit, you can expect a bad connection!
The Wicked
In contrast, the wicked person is like chaff that the wind blows away. Chaff is the inedible part of the wheat that is separated from the grain and discarded. It has no substance, no value, and no stability.
In the same way, the wicked person has no foundation, no substance, and no lasting value. Their life is characterized by emptiness, futility, and meaninglessness.
Psalm 1:3-4 reminds us that our choices have consequences. The godly person, who delights in God’s Word and follows His ways, will prosper and bear fruit. The wicked person, who rejects God and His ways, will be like chaff, blown away by the wind and ultimately facing judgment and destruction.
Their Ultimate Fate (Verses 5-6)
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.
Psalms 1:5-6 NASB
God Judges The Wicked
Verses 5-6 conclude our commentary on Psalm 1 with a warning about the fate of the wicked. The psalmist declares that they will not stand in the judgment, nor will they be found among the company of the righteous.
The psalmist emphasizes that the wicked will not stand in the judgment or be among the righteous. To be clear, they will stand in judgment, but not the same judgment as believers. The Bible speaks of one judgment for believers and a different one for the ungodly. Their ultimate fate is destruction, while the blessed person’s ultimate destiny is eternal life with God.
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The word “stand” in this context implies not only survival but also vindication and acceptance. In the final judgment, the wicked are not forgiven or justified but are condemned for their rejection of God and His law. They will have no defense, no excuses, and no hope.
The opportunity to repent and turn to God only exists here, on this earth. Once the soul leaves earth, either by death or rapture, there is no second chance for repentance.
God Watches Over The Righteous
The fate of the wicked is contrasted with the destiny of the righteous, who will be known and accepted by God. The Lord watches over the way of the righteous, protecting them and guiding them on the path of life.
In the final verse, the psalmist summarizes the message of the psalm: “For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” This statement underscores the importance of following God’s ways and living a life that is pleasing to Him.
Psalm 1:5-6 serves as a warning to those who would reject God and His law. But on the other hand, it’s an encouragement to those who follow Him wholeheartedly.
The fate of the wicked is destruction, but the destiny of the righteous is eternal life with God. It is a reminder that our choices have eternal consequences and that we must choose wisely.
Commentary On Psalm 1: Closing Summaries
In conclusion, the first chapter of Psalms is a powerful and insightful passage that serves as a call to live a life pleasing to God. The psalm presents a stark contrast between the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked and provides a clear picture of the consequences of each.
Summary Of The Godly
The psalm begins by declaring the blessedness of the person who follows God’s ways, delights in his Word, and meditates on it day and night. This person is like a fruitful tree, deeply rooted in the Word of God and producing good fruit in every season.
The psalmist reminds us that this blessedness is not contingent on external circumstances or fleeting pleasures but is a result of our relationship with God and our obedience to His Word.
Summary Of The Wicked
In contrast, the wicked have no foundation or lasting value. They are blown away like chaff in the wind, with no hope of survival or vindication in the final judgment. The psalmist warns us of the dangers of following the way of the wicked and encourages us to choose the way of the righteous, which leads to life and blessing.
Psalm 1 invites to examine our own lives and to choose the way of the righteous. We are to delight in God’s Word, follow His ways, and produce good fruit in our lives. Our choices have eternal consequences and we must choose wisely.
This is a timeless psalm that continues to speak to us today. It reminds us that God’s Word is a source of life and blessing. Our relationship with Him is the foundation of our lives. It encourages us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and to trust Him for all our needs.
May we heed the psalmist’s call and find true blessing in following God’s ways, both now and forevermore.
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