Psalm 1 - Like Trees By The Riverbank!
The Psalms are a vitally important part of the Bible. They are written by a range of authors, including King David, King Solomon, Moses, and Asaph (a chief musician of David). All were a mixture of the events and trials common to human existence, and their intersection with a person's faith in Yahweh. Each acts as a signpost of how we can talk to Yahweh honestly, openly - but also do so in a manner that is humble and full of purposeful worship and praise to the Lord. They are songs of praise to the one who deserves all our praise.
In this series we will explore each Psalm in turn - starting from the beginning and moving all the way until the end. Some Psalms - like Psalm 119 - might be explored in two parts.
In this first instalment of the Journey Through the Psalms, we will be looking at Psalm 1. it is a psalm that contains a duality to it. Almost exhibiting a battle between light and dark, good and evil, sin and righteousness - all encapsulated by Yahweh's view of, and reaction to each side.
Personally, I think that Psalm 1 breaks into three distinct statements. The first section explores the characteristics of the righteous - those that do not walk in the ways of evil, but in the ways of the Lord. The second of them deals with those individuals (and perhaps groups of people) who constantly acting in sinfully wicked ways. The last group of scriptures in this psalm refer to the actions of Yahweh towards those that follow Him.
Let's have a good look at each of these sections....
PSALM 1
The Righteous: Verses 1-3 - "Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do."
There is so much to be gained in these first few verses of Psalm 1.
Joy is to be gained by living righteously - that is a novel concept really. many of us struggle with joy, because we see the unrighteous getting everything they ever wanted. Yet this psalm states the opposite can happen. if we reject all that is evil, sinful and wicked - then joy is there to be had. It's something that we all need to check in ourselves from time to time.
In other versions the phrase to start this psalm is "Blessed is...." - joy stems from us being blessed due to our faithfulness to Yahweh and his word.
But there are pre-requisites to receiving these blessing and subsequent joy.
A) Don't follow the advice of the wicked...
B) Don't hang out with and engage with the sinners...
C) Don't engage with those mocking others...
D) You must delight in the Word of God, meditating on it all the time...
If you do not do these things, if you do not soak yourself in the presence of evil people, but you do focus on the true and holy Word of God, then a person will be like a tall, strong tree. A tree that has an eternal source of nourishment, one that bears fruit, and one that blesses others. These are the righteous ones.
If we are constantly hanging out with and engaging with those who are living ungodly lives, then that will always rub off on us - and not in a good way.
However, if we are diving deeply into the Word of God - like the deep roots of a tree - then our hearts and minds will be oriented towards Yahweh, and the things of righteousness - which means we won't want to engage with things that run counter to the will of Yahweh for our lives.
It is also interesting that the psalm proposes that if a person stays connected to the water of life, that is found in a relationship with Yahweh - then its leaves will never wither, meaning that it can undergo times of stress and changes of season, whilst not succumbing to them.
These verses are heavily contrasted by the following couple of verses which speak of the ways of those that choose to live a life that is contrary to the ways of Yahweh. The next two verses are a contrast to the life and abundance imagery that is shown in the preceding verses. Rather they are a warning.
The Wicked: Verses 4-5 - "But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly."
'But not the wicked!' - this statement directly contrasts the blessings which were promised to the righteous - by clearly stating that those that do evil will not receive those blessing - but rather they would instead reap the whirlwind of Yahweh's wrath.
The imagery used in these two verses is tumultuous, stormy and ultimately - lonely.
Firstly, they are like chaff - that fine husk that gets removed from the wheat seed through vigorous beating and casting into the wind. The wind blows away the useless chaff. A vision of being cast aside.
Secondly, comes a statement about the judgement of the sinful, based on their actions and attitudes.
Thirdly, after that condemnation and judgement (by Yahweh, and more specifically Yeshua at the end of the age) - they will be separated from those who are deemed to be righteous, and godly. This is talking about the eternal banishing and separation of the wicked in the final judgement to come. That will indeed be a lonely and terrifying time for those that find themselves amongst the ranks of the wicked.
Now to finish off the psalm, the author (whoever it was) provides the believer, the righteous ones, a promise of hope - and the evil ones a promise of destruction.
The Lord's Path: Verse 6 - "For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction."
If we are following the Word of the Lord, and living righteously - then Yahweh will watch over us. That is a promise that we can hold Him to. It serves as a source of strength and courage for us. For if we face trials and hardships in this physical, mortal life, and we are living in a godly manner - then Yahweh will watch over our path and take care of of us - in both this life and the next.
On the other hand - if people continue to live in all manners of evil, then they are promised destruction - a future judgement of their actions and attitudes by Yahweh at the end of their lives - and they will receive that judgement for eternity.
I pray that Yahweh draws you close to Him, that you hold His son Yeshua close to your heart, mind and soul. May you walk in the light of Yahweh's word. May the Lord watch over each of your steps as you go about His business - and may you bear much fruit for the Kingdom of Heaven.
Written Nov 6th 2022…