Psalm 1:1-3

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 1:1

Blessed is the man ; literally, blessings are to the man . But the Authorized Version exactly gives the sense (comp. Psalms 2:12 ). That walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly . The margin gives, "or wicked," and this is probably the best rendering of the word used ( רשׁעים ). The righteous man is first described negatively, under three heads. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 1:1-2

The godly man. This psalm nobly fills the place of prologue to the whole Book of Psalms. It reminds us of our Saviour's words when Nathanael drew near: "Behold an Israelite indeed!" With that marvellous, condensed fulness and graphic force which peculiarly mark the Scriptures, it, draws the portrait of the godly man. If we compare the Old Testament picture of an Israelite indeed with the New Testament picture of the true believers" a good man full of the Holy Ghost and of faith, "we find... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 1:1-3

True blessedness. "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," etc. I. THE NATURE OF TRUE BLESSEDNESS . 1 . Vigorous life of the soul. "Like a tree planted," etc. The blessedness of the body is vigorous health. 2 . Productiveness. Bringeth forth his fruit in his season. It must grow before it becomes fruitful. 3 . Perpetuity of life. "His leaf also shall not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 1:1-6

Commentators have generally recognized that this psalm is introductory and prefatory. Jerome says that many called it "the Preface of the Holy Ghost." Some of the Fathers did not even regard it as a psalm at all, but as a mere preface, and so reckoned the second psalm as the first (in many manuscripts of the New Testament, the reading is "first psalm" instead of "second psalm" in Acts 13:33 ). The composition is, as Hengstenberg observes, "a short compendium of tile main subject of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 1:1-6

The title: The Book of Psalms: the Psalms-their variety and value. In the Book of Psalms, or, strictly speaking, in the five Books of Psalms, we have illustrations of most of the varied kinds of documents of which the entire Bible is made up. In their entirety the collection forms the Hebrews' 'Book of Praise,' or, as Professor Cheyne puts it, 'The Praises of Israel.' £ It is probable, however, that very few, in their private devotions, read all the Psalms with equal frequency or... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 1:1-6

The happy man. The word "blessed" means" happy." The phrase used might, indeed, be rendered, "Hail to the man," etc.! The psalm itself may be called "a psalm of congratulations," for the psalmist regards the man whom he here describes as one who has great reason for gladness, and who therefore may be fittingly congratulated. Ages ago the heathen said, "Call no man happy till he is dead." But we have before us the picture of one who is certainly happy even now; who has a joy, of which... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 1:1-6

The blessedness of the true. "God is Love." He must, therefore, seek the happiness of his creatures. Man is the highest of his earthly creatures, and his happiness must be of the highest kind, not only fit for him to receive, but worthy of to bestow. Such is the happiness here depicted. It does not come anyhow, but in accordance with law. It does not depend upon what a man has, but upon what he is. It is inward, not outward. It is of the spirit, not of the flesh. Happiness is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 1:1-6

Character. This psalm supplies us with— I. TEST OF CHARACTER . A man is known by the company he keeps. What doest thou, O my soul? With whom dost thou "walk" and "sit' ( Psalms 119:63 )? II. RULE OF LIFE . What should we do? Surely the right thing is to ask counsel of God, and to submit ourselves to his holy and blessed rule. Let us do this, and we shall not only have life ( Psalms 40:8 ), but food ( John 4:44 ); and not only food, but society ( Matthew 12:50 );... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 1:1-6

Greatness, happiness, prosperity. We learn here the true ides of— I. GREATNESS . It is not mere intellectual power, but moral worth. Greatness is goodness—the being like God. II. HAPPINESS . It is living together with God, doing his will, in the light and joy of his love. III. PROSPERITY . It is of the soul—the true health of the soul ( 3 John 1:2 ). Its measure is personal activity. Deeds carry social influence. The weak and the unfortunate are too often despised, but... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 1:1-6

Blessedness. The word "blessed' might Be rendered "blessings." God's people are blessed ( Numbers 6:24 ; Matthew 5:1 - 10). I. There is the blessing of PEACE . The fruit of righteousness is peace. The heart is right with God. II. The Messing of a TRUE PURPOSE . Not gain, nor pleasure, nor merely to save the soul, but to do God's will. This is the supreme thing. This gives strength to the heart and unity to the life. III. The blessing of the NOBLEST SOCIETY . Into... read more

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