Category: Israel

From: John MacArthur Study Bible

1–6 This wisdom psalm basically functions as an introduction to the entire book of Psalms. Its theme is as big as the whole Bible because it tells of people, paths, and ultimate destinations (for a significant parallel see Jer 17:5–8). By two cycles of contrast, Ps 1 separates all people into their respective spiritual categories: 

I. By observation, all people are separated ethically (1:1–4) 

A. A Picture of the Godly (1:1–3) 

B. A Picture of the Ungodly (1:4) 

II. By outcome, all people are separated judicially (1:5, 6) 

A. The Failure of Ungodly People (1:5) 

B. The Fruition of Lifestyles (1:6) 

1. Recognition of the godly (1:6a) 

2. Ruination of the ungodly (1:6b) ‡ 

1:1 blessed. From the perspective of the individual, this is a deep-seated joy and contentment in God; from the perspective of the believing community, it refers to redemptive favor (cf. the blessings and cursings of Dt 27:11–28:6). not walk … Nor stand … Nor sit. The “beatitude” man (cf. Mt 5:3–11) is first described as one who avoids such associations as these which exemplify sin’s sequential downward drag. † 

1:2 his delight … in the law. Switching to a positive description, the spiritually “happy” man is characterized by the consistent contemplation and internalization of God’s Word for ethical direction and obedience. † 

1:3 like a tree. Because of the mostly arid terrain of Israel, a lush tree served as a fitting symbol of blessing in the OT. planted. Lit. “transplanted.” Trees do not plant themselves; neither do sinful people transport themselves into God’s kingdom. Salvation is His marvelous work of grace (cf. Is 61:3; Mt 15:13). Yet, there is genuine responsibility in appropriating the abundant resources of God (cf. Jer 17:8), which lead to eventual productivity. † 

1:4 The wicked are not so. This is an abrupt contrast, lit. “Not so the wicked!” chaff. A frequent OT word picture from harvest time for what is unsubstantial, without value, and worthy only to be discarded. † 

1:5 Therefore … not stand. “Therefore” introduces the strong conclusion that the ungodly will not be approved by God’s judgment. † 

1:6 the LORD knows. This is far more than recognition; the Lord “knows” everything. In this context, the reference is to personal intimacy and involvement with His righteous ones (contra. Mt 7:23; cf. 2Ti 2:19). the way of. The repetition of this phrase picks up on the “path” imagery so characteristic of this psalm. It refers to one’s total course of life, i.e., lifestyle. Here these two courses arrive at the ways of life and death, as in Dt 30:19; Jer 21:8; cf. Mt 7:13, 14. will perish. One day the wicked person’s way will end in ruin; a new order is coming and it will be a righteous order. So Ps 1 begins with the “blessed” and ends with those who “perish” (cf. Pss 9:5, 6; 112:10).

How do you trust God even when life isn’t fair and you suffer for no good reason? Job’s story invites us to consider what it means that God runs the world by wisdom, and how this truth can bring peace in dark times. Job is the last of the three books that explore these themes of biblical wisdom.