Many Bible expositors have labeled Psalm 1 "The Preface Psalm" because it thematically introduces the entire collection of 150 psalms that instruct the reader in the way of living righteously before a holy God while warning us to shun wickedness. In this opening psalm, we are reminded of a familiar O.T. theme: the righteous will ultimately prosper while the wicked will ultimately perish. The author teaches this truth by describing a man we should all seek to become.
Man is "blessed" when he refrains from anything associated with sin. To be "blessed" means to be happy, fortunate (cp. Deut. 33:29). Jesus expressed the similar thought in Mt. 5:3-12. What is most compelling to us in this psalm is how "The Man Of Psalm 1" is blessed. He is blessed because he refuses to get caught up in sin's tangled web. Notice the triune description in v. 1:
w He does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
w He does not stand in the path of sinners
w He does not sit in the sea of scoffers
There seems to be some progression of thought in this verse. He will not live like sinners advise him; he will not follow the example of sinners; nor will he purposely associate with those who scoff or mock a holy God. This does not mean he refuses all contact with sinners (cp. Mt. 5:13-16; Jn. 17:15-19). Rather, it emphasizes where he chooses to spend his time. He knows sin leads from bad to worse.
He has no time for sin because "his delight is in the law of the Lord" (v. 2). It is upon God's will for him that he "meditates" (lit. ponders by talking to himself). The idea is of the beast who chews the cud...over & over again (cp. Phil. 4:8). Such a one is "firmly planted" as a tree by its life-giving source (v. 3). He is unmovable due to God's provisions...and he enjoys it, even relishes in it (cp. 1 Jn. 5:2-3).
Much like what Jesus taught us about 2 paths in Mt. 7:13-14, we see the challenge of 2 ways in Psa. 1. We can be blessed (v. 1) or perish (v. 6). We can seek counsel of the wicked (v. 1) or delight in the law of God (v. 2). We can be fruitful (v. 3) or barren (v. 4).
Are you like "The Man Of Psalm 1" ?
