Psalm one is the introductory Psalm of the entire book. It is to Psalms what Genesis is to the rest of the Bible. Psalms one sets the tone for all 150 Psalms as it contains 2,461 verses, averaging 16 verses per Psalm.
This Psalm of six verses makes a three verse by three verse comparison/contrast between the righteous and the ungodly. It covers the blessings of the righteous man and the ruin of the ungodly man. This theme is interwoven throughout the entire book of Psalms as it is viewed through the life experiences of the writers of the book, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God.
The great majority of the Psalms were recorded by David, the sweet Psalmist of Israel, both before and during his reign as King of Israel.
This article will only cover the first three verses of this Psalm dealing with the character and blessings of the righteous and next week the final three in relation to the ungodly.
In the first two verses of Psalm one, the righteous man is identified by his walk, his stand and his sitting.
1. He refuses to walk in the counsel of the ungodly. He knows that the counsel of the ungodly will be ungodly. Just simply means that it leaves God out of the decisions and activities of life.
2. He will not stand with, nor stand up for sinners in support of their sin.
3. He will not sit silent while scoffers scoff and mockers mock Gods word and work.
Verse two covers two positive activities that he practices daily.
1. He delights in the law of the LORD. This means he takes pleasure in the study of the scriptures. He memorizes it. It helps keep him right. 'Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.' Psalm 119:11.
2. He meditates in Gods word day and night. Meditate means to think deeply and carefully on certain truths that have been read.
And now, today's final thought. Verse three gives the blessing attached to living out verse one and two.
'He shall be like a tree planted.' This speaks of strength and stability through all the storms, struggles and dangers that life unleashes. In those times, he hears a familiar voice saying, 'It is I, be not afraid.' When your roots run deep in the water of the word and you are anchored to the Rock that Jesus is, you will thrive in famine and produce fruit in due season.
Until next time!