Victoria Free Presbyterian Church

PSALM 1 – BLESSING AND CURSE

This Psalm, as an introductory Psalm, gives an inscription to the Psalter similar to that which John gave to the reader of the Revelation, “Blessed is he that readeth…” Revelation 1:3.

1. THE BLESSED MAN ESTABLISHED IN THE LAW OF GOD (1-3)

“Blessed,” (“oh the blessings of…” or “enviable is the situation of…”). The emphasis of the phrase is on the blessedness, and indicates ‘complete happiness.’

“The Law of the Lord” stands in contrast and opposition to the “counsel of the wicked” (:1). The theme of the Law of the Lord runs through and is the basis of the life, i.e. that which shapes the life (:3).

The “delight” of the godly is in the law, it is not grudging study of the word or attendance at the means of grace but a willing (Proverbs 31:13) attendance, it is his desire and longing.

“In his season” indicates the quiet growth of the individual. The tree is no mere channel carrying water from one place to another, but a living organism. The tree absorbs and uses the water, and from it produces fruit. Continued “prosperity” (imperfect verb) throughout both wet and dry seasons is dependant on the continued source of life, (See Jeremiah 17:8).

2. THE WICKED MAN CONFOUNDED IN HIMSELF (4-6)

This Psalm parallels Jeremiah 17:5-8. Here there is a very clear contrast also between the blessed man and the wicked man.

“Chaff” that which is useless, lifeless and rootless in contrast to the tree in (:3). Men in themselves are “blown about” (cf. Eph. 4:14), but the man of God is rooted, he is able then to “give an answer…of the hope that is within you” (I Peter 3:15). “Therefore” stresses the reason of his doom…it lies in who and what he is.

“The Lord Knoweth” this word means more than to be informed of the facts, it includes a care for (Psalm 31:7) and an identity with (Proverbs 3:6).

The “way” of the worldling is one of ruin; he is on a course of life that leads to ruin…his end is to destruction, i.e. “perish”.

Here we see the two ways of humanity; there is no third alternative. In the end these two ways part forever!