Psalms 1:1-6

This Ps. forms an appropriate introduction to the whole Psalter. In some Hebrew MSS it is not numbered with the Psalms, but stands before them as a prologue, and in others it is combined with Psalms 2. It is one of the ’orphan’ psalms, and the want of a title indicates that it did not originally belong to the Davidic collection, 3-41. The subject of the Ps. is the blessedness of the righteous man who studies the Law of Jehovah, as contrasted with the unhappy end of the ungodly. It consists of two strophes, Psalms 1:1-3 and Psalms 1:4-6, the former describing the character and destiny of the righteous, and the latter the character and destiny of the wicked.

1. Blessed] EM ’happy.’ The first of the Old Testament beatitudes. Walketh not] There seems a gradual progression intended in the three clauses of the v.: walk, stand, sit, and wicked, sinner, scoffer.

2. Law] the whole revelation of God’s will as made known in the sacred writings, especially the Pentateuch.

Doth.. meditate] lit. ’crooneth over,’ repeats again and again in a low tone.

3. And he shall be] better, ’for he becomes,’ i.e. in consequence of his constant study of God’s law. Like a tree, etc.] cp. Jeremiah 17:7-8, where the illustration is more fully developed, and the character of the wicked is similarly illustrated (Psalms 17:5-6); and Ezekiel 47:12. And whatsoever, etc.] The illustration is dropped at this stage, and the words apply to the righteous man. Shall prosper] the simple faith of the pious Israelite, which no adversity was able wholly to overcome: cp. Psalms 112 and see Psalms 37, where the problem of the suffering of the righteous perplexes another Psalmist.

4. Chaff] A common OT. type of the wicked: cp Psalms 35:5. Threshing-floors were usually on high ground, where the wind would easily catch the chaff when it was beaten from the corn and drive it away (Isaiah 17:13). Driveth away] PBY adds, ’from the face of the earth,’ following LXX and “Vulgate. 5. The judgment] every visitation of God’s providence, or perhaps the final judgment. Congregation] the faithful people of Israel.