FRAMEWORKS:
Psa 1
(The
objective of these ‘Frameworks' is to provide an easy-to-read
layout of the text in order then to use these individual verses
for meditation. To focus each verse we have also added in italic
a description of what is happening)
Comment:
The Psalms open with this short, sharp contrast
between the righteous and the unrighteous, their activity and
the consequences of that activity. Both a warning and an encouragement.
v.1
Blessed is the one who
does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that
sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,
v.1
Blessing from God comes on the one who avoids the life of
evil
v.2
but
whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates
on his law day and night.
v.2
Blessing comes on the one whose heart delights in God's design,
His law, His will, who has it on hos heart so yearns after it
day and night
v.3
That
person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which
yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever
they do prospers.
v.3
they will know a life-bringing supply that results in a most
fruitful life, never succumbing in the tough times and simply
doing well all the time.
v.4
Not
so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows
away.
v.4
the wicked, by contrast will get blown away, they will not
stand
v.5 Therefore
the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in
the assembly of the righteous.
v.5
such people will not be able to face God on Judgment Day,
for they have no place among God's righteous people
v.6
For
the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way
of the wicked leads to destruction.
v.6
the contrast is clear: God guards the righteous in their walk
with Him, to keep them for eternity, but the path the wicked takes
will bring destruction down on them.
Comment:
This brief
psalm contrasts what it describes as ‘the righteous', the person
who seeks to follow God's way and God's will, and what it describes
as ‘the wicked', the ones who don't but who go after their own
desires regardless of the effects they have on others. Although
‘the wicked' may appear to ‘get away with it' for a while, God
decrees judgment on them, either in their time on earth, or on
Judgement Day. On the positive side blessing is promised for the
person who follows after God, blessing that v.3 shows is resourcing
and fruit-bringing, a life of achievement and fulfilment.