Psalm 1:1-3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 1:1-6

A contrast. This psalm is introductory to all the rest, perhaps written after the finding of the "book of the Law" in Josiah's time, in an age of revival, when men were roused to consider the conflict between good and evil, and who were the truly Messed, and on what their blessedness was grounded. There is a contrast drawn in it between the righteous and the wicked. I. THE CHARACTER AND PRIVILEGES OF THE RIGHTEOUS . 1 . They have no sympathetic relations with the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 1:2

But his delight is in the Law of the Lord . The righteous man is not described positively, under two heads. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 1:3

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water . The comparison of a man to a. tree is frequent in the Book of Job ( Job 8:16 , Job 8:17 ; Job 14:7-10 ; Job 15:32 , Job 15:33 , etc.), and occurs once in the Pentateuch ( Numbers 24:6 ). We find it again in Psalms 92:12-14 , and frequently in the prophets. The "rivers of water" spoken of ( פַּלְגַ־מָיִם ) are undoubtedly the "streams" (Revised Version) or "canals of irrigation" so common both in Egypt and in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 1:3

He shall be like a tree, etc. Among the costly works in which King Solomon exercised his wisdom and displayed his magnificence were gardens rich in fruit trees and watered by channels and reservoirs ( Ecclesiastes 1:5 , Ecclesiastes 1:6 ). Among these would be citrons and oranges, with their lustrous evergreen leaves and golden fruit; palms also, which love water and soil free from all foul decay and refuse. Some have fancied the similitude taken from the oleanders abounding by the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 1:1

Blessed is the man - That is, his condition is a happy or a desirable one. The word used here, אשׁר 'esher means properly, “happiness” or “blessedness.” It is found, however, only in the plural form and in the construct state, and takes the nature and force of an interjection - “ O the happiness of the man!” or “O happy man!” Deuteronomy 33:29 : “happy art thou, O Israel!” 1 Kings 10:8 : “happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants!” Job 5:17 : “happy is the man whom God correcteth!” Psalms... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 1:2

But his delight - His pleasure; his happiness. Instead of finding his happiness in the society and the occupations of the wicked, he finds it in the truth of God. The law or truth of God is not distasteful to him, but he so delights in it as to desire to become more and more acquainted with it, and to have its truths impressed more and more on his heart.In the law of the Lord - The law of Yahweh - the small capitals in the translation indicating here as elsewhere that the original word is... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 1:3

And he shall be like a tree - A description of the happiness or prosperity of the man who thus avoids the way of sinners, and who delights in the law of God, now follows. This is presented in the form of a very beautiful image - a tree planted where its roots would have abundance of water.Planted by the rivers of water - It is not a tree that springs up spontaneously, but one that is set out in a favorable place, and that is cultivated with care. The word “rivers” does not here quite express... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 1:1

Psalms 1:1. Blessed is the man The Hebrew words are very emphatical: Blessedness belongs to that man; or, O the blessedness of that man! Blessedness here means happiness. And the character of the truly happy man is described in this Psalm both negatively, in his abstaining from sin; and positively, in his practice of a most important duty, introductory to all other duties. It is then illustrated by a beautiful similitude, borrowed from vegetation; and, lastly, contrasted with the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 1:2

Psalms 1:2. But his delight is in the law of the Lord In the study and practice of it, as appears from the context. Having described the character of the truly blessed man negatively, in the preceding verse, he, in this, speaks of it positively. The law of God may be here understood of the whole doctrine delivered by God to his church, consisting of doctrines, precepts, promises, and threatenings, &c.; or more particularly of the preceptive part of it, which is commonly called his... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 1:3

Psalms 1:3. And, or For, he shall be like a tree, &c. This is the proof of that blessedness of a good man which he had only asserted, Psalms 1:1. He shall be fruitful and flourishing. By his meditations on the law of God, his graces and virtues shall be nourished and increased, and he shall be thoroughly furnished for every good word and work. The means of grace are those rivers of water near which the trees of righteousness are planted, and from these they receive supplies of... read more

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