Psalm 1

Psalm 1 is the gateway to psalms - a book of 150 sacred Jewish songs. (Although most where intended for singing, there is no musical notation to indicate how they should be performed. However, some psalms cite the names of melodies to use, and list instrumentation). Psalm 1 is a wisdom Psalm (there are also Psalms of thanksgiving, praise, lament, and enthronement). There is no acredited author to this Psalm.

Psalm 1 introduces us to one of the main themes of the book of psalms - the way of wisdom. There are two life choices for us: the first is one of blessedness and fruitfulness (verse 3), the second is a life of destruction and unhappiness (verse 6). The one who trusts in God and follows in His ways (verse 2) will enter into a life of blessing. However, there is a warning to the believer. Sin can all to easily entangle life, and is a subtle and gradually process. It begins as "walking" (going along with) evil advice ("counsel", verse 1) which may then become a perminant feature of the believers character ("stand in the path etc" - a more fixed position). Finally, if this not dealt with, the believer "sits" with evil. To "sit" in Hebrew means to dwell and abide.

However, there are promises for those who shun evil and meditate on God and his ways. They will be like trees planted near fresh streams. Trees are not easily moved or uprooted - and the one who follows the Lord will be stable and secure. He or she will also benefit from the "streams of water" (verse 3) that Jesus speaks of in John 4:10-14., the promise of new life in the Holy Spirit.

The first section in this website is devoted to commentaries on Psalm 1 from various widely respected biblical theologians. The first one is by French Protestant reformer John Calvin (1509-1564). Calvin summaries the Psalm as follows: those who seek after and apply heavenly wisdom will enjoy a happy life, those who do not may enjoy fleeting happiness but will meet with a miserable end. The commentary has been divided into four sections: Commentary on Psalm 1:1-2, Psalm 1:3, Psalm 1:4 and Psalm 1:5-6. The next biblical scholar listed in this section is the English Presbyterian minister Matthew Henry (1662 – 1714). In this commentary of Psalm 1, Henry considers the "Happy Man" and contrasts this with the fate of the "Ungodly". Alexander Maclaren uncovers the meaning of Psalm 1 by comparing the first verse of the Psalms with the last one - Psalm 150:6. Maclaren develops this exegesis by observing that although the believer may have many trials in life, he can always know the "the joy of the Lord" in his heart.

There are also bible notes on Psalm 1 by Christian Theologian John Wesley (1703 – 1791), and a sermon on Psalm 1 by Charles Spurgeon (1834 – 1892).

1. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of scoffers:  

2. But his delight is in the law of Jehovah; And on his law doth he meditate day and night.  

3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That bringeth forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also doth not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.  

4. The wicked are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.  

5. Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

(Psalm 1 - taken from the American Standard Version)

There's a number of versions of psalm 1 available to read on this site, ranging from the traditional King James Version, to a modern, contemporary version of Psalm 1 from "The Message". There's also the words from the Webster's Bible, and the text of Psalm 1 from Young's Literal Translation. Also available is a Catholic version of Psalm 1 in Latin, and the American Standard Version.

If you enjoyed this site, you may also want to visit psalm 8 biblical commentary. Another similar site devoted to the investigation of God's word is John's Gospel commentary, again featuring biblical analysis and various research resources.