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Song Page for
Psalm 1
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Lyrics
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1 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.
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.
4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the
congregation of the righteous.
6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.1
Bible Commentary
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1 The
Book of Psalms opens with a benediction, even as did the famous
Sermon of our Lord upon the Mount.3 The Hebrew word 'ashre
is sometimes translated in the Psalms as blessed and other times happy.
Happiness comprehends material and spiritual blessings, both which come as a result of
following God's way. The word blessed used in the beatitudes in the Sermon on the
Mount is a translation of the same word. The godly man's life is first described in negatives.
He avoids associating with evildoers, such as those who lack moral fibre and wilfully and
persistently violate God's commands. He will not be found in the company of
those who deliberately choose evil and find pleasure in exercising
their baleful influence on others.2 |
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2 The life of the godly is now
described by positives. The godly man finds constant pleasure in reflecting on God's law.
His study of God's law is habitual and regular; it is not tedious. There is no better way
to fill the hours of a sleepless night than by meditating on God's word.2
3 In the figure of fruit
bearing tree (not merely an ornamental tree) the psalmist shows the results of the
godly life. The godly is blessed in three ways. First he lives a useful life, producing
the fruits of the spirit. Secondly he is perennially fresh and vigorous. And thirdly
he ultimately succeeds in his endeavours. As the tree is rooted in the solid earth and
draws its moisture from the ever-flowing stream, so the godly man sends his roots and
derives sustenance from the water springs of salvation. He is steadfast, fixed and
anchored. Thus, though he may be assailed by trouble and temptation, he stands firm;
and the greater the trial, the deeper the root, and the stronger his hold on God. In
whatever enterprise the good man engages, he prospers. Regardless of the success or
failure of the undertaking, his trust in God empowers him to draw life from the eternal
Source and ultimately to reach his goal.2
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4 In the figure of the chaff, the psalmist shows the result of a life of
wickedness. In contrast to a tree, the chaff has no root, no
fixed place. Dead, dry, helpless, it is at the mercy of the
elements. The ungodly are attached to nothing; they lack
stability and cannot endure. There is a paradox in the use of
the two figures of speech. Outwardly, the tree appears to be
held prisoner; in reality it is free, grows and bears fruit.
Outwardly, the chaff appears to be free; in reality, it is a
slave to environment. The Christian, attached to God, his
source of life and strength, grows and produces fruit; the chaff,
unattached, cut off from its source of strength, produces nothing. It has a freedom not worth possessing. Compare
Jesus' figure of the two houses in Matt. 7:24-27.2 |
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5 In the day of judgment
the wicked will be separated from the righteous at the end of their respective ways.2
6 God concerns Himself with
the righteous. Therefore, they prosper. The last verse of the psalm gives the final reason
for the different endings of the two ways. Since God knows, He discriminates, and He
approves or condemns according to the eternal standards.2
References and notes
1. King James Authorized
Version
2. SDA Bible Commentary Vol. 3 pgs. 630-632
3. Charles H. Spurgeon, "The Treasury of David" - http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries
4. Greg Herrick , Ph.D. Biblical Studies Foundation -
www.bible.org/docs/splife/sm-niv/sm03.htm
Song Reviews for Psalm 1
Soothing Music
Beautiful voice and music is very soothing.
- Lynne S. (Bedford, Texas USA) 11 February 2006
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