And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
The happiness of the godly; the unhappiness of the ungodly. Psa 1:1. Blessed is the man- This Psalm is generally supposed to have been designed as a preface to the rest, and as a short luminary of the whole book. The subject of it is, the difference between pious and ungodly men, both in this life and in that which is to come: it was compared either by the collector of this book of Psalms, or by David himself, as Apollinarius and others think. Fenwick, in his introduction to this Psalm, thinks that the subject of it, as of the whole book, is the Messiah; who seems, says he, to be THE Man, (for the Hebrew is emphatical,) whom the prophet here meant to describe as a Blessed One: and so judged St. Augustin. He came to give us an example and to fulfil all righteousness, and is, for that reason, represented as never walking in the counsel of the wicked, but placing his whole delight in the law of the Lord. The character of this Blessed One appears to be drawn here by way of climax. He does not walk after the counsel of the wicked; he does not stand, or even take a step in the way of sinners; he does not even sit in company, so as to have any intimacy or familiar correspondence with such scorners of God and his law, though occasionally, and for their good, he converses with them. Thus, I have not sat with vain persons,-I will not sit with the wicked, Psa 26:4-5 plainly mean, "I will not make them my familiars or chosen companions;" and, thus taken, it seems most naturally to lead to the character of one whose whole delight is in the law of the Lord, and who, for that reason, will be so far from doing evil himself, that he will never enter into any familiarity with evil men. See Fenwick's Psalter in its original form, and Bishop Hare.
Psa 1:3. Like a tree planted by the rivers of water- It is observed by Fleury, in his excellent dissertation concerning this and several other psalms of the like kind, whose subjects are purely moral, that the want of tender expressions and pathetic sentiments is sufficiently compensated by beautiful paintings, fine metaphors, and noble comparisons. The literal sense of the word פלגי palgei rendered rivers, is divisions, which may refer to the custom of conveying water to orchards or gardens by cuts or trenches, from springs or rivers, to be diverted or stopped, or applied in a greater or less plenty to this or that plantation, as the gardener shall direct: and this acceptation of the word is very proper for this place, as referring to an abundantly flourishing fruit-tree. His and he should be rendered in this verse its and it; Whatsoever it doeth; i.e. the metaphor being kept up "Whatsoever this tree bringeth forth, whether bud, blossom, or fruit, it shall prosper."
Psa 1:4. Like the chaff- This comparison is frequently used by the Psalmist, and it receives great illustration and emphasis, when we consider that the people of Judea had their threshing-floors on an eminence; that the method of winnowing their corn was, by throwing it up against the wind with a shovel, and that they chose this lofty situation, that the wind might act with more force, and drive the chaff away more easily. The wicked seem to be here compared to chaff, because, instead of continually meditating, and minding the law of God, they are continually hurried on by their corrupt affections from one wickedness to another, and so rendered unable to abide the judgment of the great day. This seems implied in the words, Therefore they shall not stand in the judgment. See Shaw's Travels, and Fenwick. It should be considered, that, in general, the Psalms were made at a time when God governed the Jews with an equal providence; and, according to the promises and threatenings of the law, gave good things to those who obeyed him, and as surely punished the wicked, even in this world. But with us the case is otherwise. We have clearer and better promises; and it is apparent enough, that there is an unequal distribution of things in this world; so that we must wait for our reward till we enter into the next life, when the Son of God shall render to every man according to his work. We must not, therefore, expect that this, and many other such promises, dispersed throughout the Psalms, should always be literally fulfilled in this world; for we can apply them to ourselves, as Christians, no otherwise than as certain assurances, that they who are entitled to them are undoubtedly in God's favour; and, therefore, if we behave so as to deserve them, according to the literal promise to the Jews, we may humbly hope, that either they will be made good to us here, or else, which is far better, we shall, in the world to come, receive a much greater reward. It is observable, that in 2Co 9:9 where St. Paul quotes Psa 112:9 he breaks off in the middle of the verse; which seems the more extraordinary, because there are but a few words left: He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor; his righteousness remaineth for ever: here he stops; and the reason seems to be, because the remaining part of the verse, his horn shall be exalted with honour, relates rather to the temporal reward, which the Psalmist assured his countrymen, the Jews, that the charitable man should have. and this the Apostle left out, as an improper consideration for his Christian disciples; for whom, as their views were so much more noble, it was a sufficient encouragement to consider, that their righteousness should remain for ever. I here mention this once for all; and, though there are many passages in the Psalms, where the same observation might be proper, I shall presume that it need not to be repeated.
Psa 1:5. Shall not stand in the judgment- That is, "They shall have nothing to allege in their defence, but shall be condemned without remission." The Syriac renders it, They shall not be acquitted.
REFLECTIONS.-1st, This Psalm opens with the description of the holy and truly happy man. Blessed is the man, or, O the blessedness of the man! how great, how unutterable, in time and eternity! His character is strongly marked; and by his fruits he may be known. He walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly; does not take his maxims from the world, which lieth in wickedness, nor fashion his conduct after their destructive ways; nor standeth in the way of sinners, though himself was once such; nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful; however high their pretences to superior wisdom, and however much they affect to treat with contempt the revealed will of God: such children of pride shall not have his ear for a moment; their company he will shun as a plague, and their breath as infectious. But his delight is in the law of the Lord. This sacred clue the man of God with delight follows, and in his law doth he meditate day and light: his Bible is his companion, he wishes no better entertainment; the glorious truths engage his deep meditation, are the matter of his daily converse; and if by night his eyes are kept waking, his thoughts are pleasingly occupied in God's word: in this best course his soul prospers in every divine disposition, and consequently partakes of true and lasting felicity; for holiness and happiness are inseparable. And he shall be, or then shall he be, like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season. When, by divine grace, he is thus enabled to delight and meditate in God's word, the gracious effects of it will be evident; his leaf of profession continues green and flourishing, and his holy fruits of righteousness abound. The Lord, whose planting he is, waters him every moment; conveys to his soul the living streams of divine grace, from Jesus the living fountain; and thus he grows tall as the cedar, and fruitful as the vine: nor is his state fading, his leaves withering, or his fruit blasted like the untimely fig's: no, His leaf also shall not wither. Preserved by Almighty grace, decay shall not tarnish his beauty, nor apostacy lay the axe to the root; but whatsoever he doeth shall prosper; every prayer shall receive an answer of peace; every labour shall be attended with success; every providence be sanctified; and, in short, all things work together for his good. Such is the blessed, holy, happy man. May my soul bear the divine impression, and correspond more to this amiable character!
2nd, The very contrast to those above described, is the character of the ungodly; they are not so; sin is their way; the company they keep is, like themselves, ungodly; their opinions are erroneous, as their practice is perverse. They abide in the paths of wickedness, and sit down content with their own deceivings; negligent of God's word, never consulting it in secret; and if they sit under it, what a weariness is it? Their thoughts, dissipated in pursuits of worldly vanity, or fleshly indulgences, never fix on the sacred volume; nor day nor night are they occupied therein. Like a blasted tree their leaf is withered, and, instead of yielding fruit, is only fit fuel for the flames: the curse of God is upon them in all the labour of their hands, and misery follows them closer than their shadow. They are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Vanity is stamped on all their enjoyments; they are driven before the breath of every temptation; light and despicable, in God's account, as the dust of the balance, and ready to suffer the eternal blasting of the breath of his displeasure; when, with his fan in his hand, he shall thoroughly purge his floor, and the chaff shall be burnt with fire unquenchable. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment: in that dreadful day, when God shall summon to his bar the guilty sons of Adam, to receive their eternal doom, then shall confusion cover them, every plea be silenced, every mouth be stopped. Though, with hypocrisy, perhaps, they once joined in the assembly of God's saints, their place shall be no more found; nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous: an awful, an eternal separation shall be made; these shall go into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal: For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous; they walk by faith in Christ the living way, and they are accounted righteous, as accepted in him; and are really righteous; as they derive a divine nature from him; God knows them, sees and approves the way in which they go, and will soon everlastingly reward them. But the way of the ungodly shall perish: they have chosen their delusions, and must perish in their own deceiving; their way is alway grievous, and the end thereof is misery and death eternal. Lord, shut not up my soul with sinners!
Let the righteous rejoice; let the sinner tremble. In a moment this dread eternity opens, and their everlasting state is determined: oh! that it might awaken the fears of the ungodly, and quicken the diligence of the faithful!
True happiness is the theme of this psalm, whose author is unnamed. The negative side of true happiness is stated (Psa 1:1), and then the positive (Psa 1:2). Its reward follows (Psa 1:3). Its nature and value are emphasized by a sharp contrast. Such a man is godly, his opposite ungodly (Psa 1:4). The first is marked by stability, the second by instability (Psa 1:4). The first has endless fruitfulness and blessing, the second has nothing and worse than nothing (Psa 1:5), for he cannot be acquitted at the judgment day. The secret of it all is found in Jehovah (Psa 1:6). The psalm is a summary of the whole book, and is appropriately placed at the beginning as a sort of preface.
Psalms 2
Is prophetic and Messianic in one (see introductory lesson). It had a partial fulfillment at the first advent of Christ (Act 4:25; Act 13:33), but a complete one is to follow at the second advent, as will be seen in the study of the prophets. The nations will rage and the kings of the earth again set themselves against Jehovah and His Christ, lead by the Antichrist (Psa 2:1-3), but they will be regarded with contempt and terrified by divine judgments (Psa 2:4-5). God’s purpose will not be altered, which is to establish His Son upon His kingdom in the earth at Jerusalem (Psa 2:6).
The Son Himself speaks in verse seven, the last clause of which refers to His inauguration as Mediatorial King, and does not in any way impugn His Deity. The Gentile nations are to be His in that day (Psa 2:8), and although it will be the millennial day, yet its peace and righteousness will be secured through judgments and by the firmness of its Holy Ruler (Psa 2:9). Kings and princes are warned to prepare themselves for its coming (Psa 2:10-12). “Kiss the Son” means submit to His authority.
Psalms 3
As its title indicates, read Psalms 3 in connection with 2 Samuel 15.
In his distress to whom does David appeal (Psa 3:1)? Not only had men turned their backs upon him but it was charged that God had done so. Remember the possible reason for this suspicion in David’s sin with Bathsheba, preceding this rebellion of Absalom. Does David still retain his faith in God’s promises, regardless (Psa 3:3)? What is the ground of his confidence (Psa 3:4), and its expression (Psa 3:5-6)? What is the nature of his further appeal (Psa 3:7)? “Cheek-bone” and “teeth” represent his enemies as wild beasts ready to devour him. By faith he already sees these enemies overcome, and praises God as his deliverer (Psa 3:8).
The word “Selah” at the close of verse two is obscure, and may denote a pause or rest in the singing, or an emphasis to be laid on the particular sentiment expressed.
Psalms 4
This cry of distress may have been composed by David on the same occasion as the last. He is not trusting in his own righteousness, but God’s righteousness (Psa 4:1). The doctrine of imputed righteousness was apprehended by the spiritually enlightened in Old Testament, as well as in New Testament, times. For a further illustration of this in David compare the opening verse of Psalms 32, with Paul’s application of them in Romans 4.
David is encouraged to utter this cry by past mercies “Thou hast enlarged me,” and I trust Thee again. Verse 2 shows the source of his trouble. His “glory” may refer to his kingly dignity now dishonored by exile. But the schemes of his enemies were “vanity,” and brought about by lying and creating delusions.
His confidence was in the divine purpose towards him (Psa 4:3), and they who are against him are cautioned to repent and turn to the Lord (Psa 4:4-5). In
the midst of his afflictions he values the divine favor (Psa 4:6), which brings more experimental joy to him than the husbandman knows at harvest time (Psa 4:7-8).
“To the chief musician on Neginoth,” indicates the purpose for which it was set apart as a musical composition. Neginoth were the stringed instruments used in the Levitical service, and the chief musician was the leader of that part of the choir.
Psalms 5
Is a morning prayer (Psa 5:3). The words “look up” are rendered “keep watch” in the Revised Version. The psalmist would keep watch on himself, that his life and conduct might be such as to insure the answer to his prayer (Psa 5:4-7). The need of the prayer is indicated (Psa 5:8). The enemies referred to are then described (Psa 5:9), and their judgment committed into God’s hands who defends the righteous (Psa 5:11-12). Nehiloth means flutes or wind instruments.
Psalms 6
Represents David in deeper distress of soul than we have seen thus far. Conviction of sin is upon him. Those who have studied 2 Samuel will not need to be reminded of occasions for this experience, though the connection with Bathsheba will first suggest itself. He feels the justness of the divine rebuke (Psa 6:1), but pleads for mercy (Psa 6:2). The time of spiritual darkness has been extensive (Psa 6:3-4). Will it end in death (Psa 6:5)? He is heartbroken (Psa 6:6-7). Enemies are rejoicing in his sorrow, but their glee is short-lived (Psa 6:7-8). Light breaks, the morning dawns, tears are wiped away, for the Lord heard him! Be gone, mine enemies, be ashamed and turn back (Psa 6:9-10)!
Verse 5 need not be interpreted as expressing doubt of a future state, but may be simply a contrast between this scene of life and the unseen world of the dead symbolized by the “grave” (Heb., sheol). Sheminith means the “eighth,” and perhaps this was apt for the eighth key, or the bass of the stringed instruments.
QUESTIONS
1. Memorize Psalms 1.
2. What is an appropriate theme for it?
3. State the twofold application of Psalms 2.
4. Will the millennium represent only peace and cheerful obedience to God and His Son?
5. Did you re-read 2 Samuel 15?
6. On what ground might God have forsaken David according to Psalms 3?
7. What may Selah mean?
8. What great Gospel doctrine finds illustration in the psalms of David?