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Meditating on Psalm 1 (PART 1)

Introduction and Overview

Introduction to Meditating on Psalm 1

In some ways, this study about Psalm 1 is difficult to write. This psalm encourages us to think about what is being said... and the more a person thinks about it, the more he will find in it! As a result, it could be said that this study is incomplete! It is "open ended."

This psalm encourages us to meditate on or delight in the Law of the Lord. It does so, not by command (as Joshua 1:8 does), but by example. It describes what the person is like, who meditates on God's Word. Simply stated, he is blessed. In Joshua we read that if we obey the command to meditate/think on the Word, we will prosper and be successful. Here it simply says that the one who does this does prosper. It's just a fact of life.

The more that a person wants to do what "blessed people" do (described in verses 1-2), the more he will be blessed! The more you learn God's Word and let it influence the way you think and live, the more you will be like the blessed person described here. [Of course, there is also the contrasting principle, for those who do not have such desires (verses 4-5) and it is definitely not a blessing!]

My Translation of Psalm 1

Though this study is patterned after the New International Version, you are encouraged to read Psalm 1 in other translations. Here is my own translation of this psalm:

Psalm 1

Blessed is the person
          who does not follow the advice of the wicked,
                    or choose the way of sinners,
                    or associate with those who mock,
          but who instead delights in the teachings of the Lord,
                    and thinks about those teachings day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water
          - a tree that produces fruit in its season,
                    and whose leaves do not wither.
Everything he does prospers.

Not so for the wicked!
They are like empty grain husks
          that the wind blows away.
So the wicked will not be left standing at the judgment.
          Sinners will not be left standing with the righteous people.

For the Lord watches over the way of righteous people,
          but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

 

An Overview to the Psalm

As you begin, start with the whole psalm. Observe the two types of people, the two ways, and the two results. Observe the primary emphasis: the way God wants us to follow! Then begin looking more closely at the individual sections... and finally at the words and phrases.

This psalm is readily divided into 3 sections:

As you look closer at the sections, focus on the flow of thought, or "thought patterns." (If you have learned about the way Hebrew poetry is structured, you will find it helpful.)

We will first look at the whole passage (summarized) and then take a closer look at the individual parts.

SUMMARY

Here, the psalm is summarized in order that we can quickly see the structure or patterns. The three sections (mentioned above) are numbered. Both of the first two sections can be divided into three parts:

a. A description of who the person is (righteous or wicked).
b. What he is like.
c. The end result of his way of life.

Here is the summary:

1a  BLESSED IS THE MAN... who does not do (the things of v. 1)
                      BUT who does (the things of v.2)
 b  He is like a tree (described in v. 3)
 c        (Therefore): what he does prospers (v. 3b)
2a  NOT SO (the man who is) ...wicked.
 b  He is like chaff (described in v. 4) 
 c        Therefore: he will not stand... (etc. - v. 5)
3   FOR: ... (explaining why the above verses are true - v. 6)
          - the LORD watches over the one 
                            (= the righteous, as defined in v. 1-3)
          - the LORD is against the other 
                            (= the wicked, anyone not described in v. 1-3)

THE DESCRIPTION OF THE "BLESSED" ONE:

Having got this far, seeing the basic flow of thought, we can now proceed to a more in-depth look at the verses.

First, consider the description of the blessed one. (I've joined together the parallel concepts, such as walk/sit/stand, which are found in the separate lines of the verses. They can be examined individually, later.)

1   HE DOES NOT... walk/stand/sit
          in the counsel/way/seat
          of the wicked/sinners/mockers.
2   HE DOES... delight in / meditate on the Law of the Lord... 
          day and night.

As a result of this (because of what he does and what he does not do)...

1   HE IS LIKE: a tree.
2   HOW? Two ways: fruitful 
                   provided for (leaves NOT withering)
3   The final result (or the application of this truth):
              = whatever he does prospers.

 

THE DESCRIPTION OF THE "NOT SO" ONE:

The "not so" person is also described, but the description is much shorter. He is simply described as "wicked."

1   HE IS LIKE: chaff.
2   HOW? One way is described: He will be "blown away."
3   The final result (or the application of this truth ):
              = the wicked/sinners will not stand in the judgment/assembly.

THE REASON OR BASIC PRINCIPLE:

Why will the wicked not stand? For that matter, why also will the blessed one's ways prosper? See verse 6:

1   THE WAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS: the LORD watches (= implying protection and care)
2   THE WAY OF THE WICKED:    perishes

It's just a fact of life: these two things happen this way. (And since we know it, it's up to us to decide which way we are going to follow!)

Some Additional Comments
About the Two Categories of People in Psalm 1

This is a serious issue. Throughout Scripture, people are divided into two categories. There isn't a third category.

Many people want to call themselves "Christian," even though the characteristics of the righteous are absent from their lives. Yet in this psalm, there are people who do meditate on, and delight in, God's Word, and there are people who don't. What other category is there? Either you do or you don't! And if you don't, you are, by definition, wicked.

This doesn't mean you aren't "religious." It doesn't mean you go around murdering people, committing sexual sin, lying, and the rest. Some wicked people will do things like that, but others will look good and morally upright, and perhaps even religious. The problem is that they don't delight in God and his Word - and that is an even greater sin, than murder, adultery, or lying. Why? Because it deals with our primary obligation of loving God with all our heart, soul and mind. Love for neighbor, though important, is secondary, in comparison. (Matthew 22:36-40.)

Remember that some of Jesus' most scathing rebukes were directed not toward the "bad sinners" (adulterers, murders, etc.), but toward the "good, morally upright" people who thought they were better than the "sinners," but who didn't give God the honor and glory that he deserves.

For more about this topic (including the issue of inconsistent living), see the article: The Righteous and the Wicked (Psalm 1).

 

Dennis Hinks © 1996, 2004
040831

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