Bible Commentaries

Psalm 1:1-6. The character and condition, and the present and future destiny, of the pious and the wicked are described and contrasted, teaching that true piety is the source of ultimate happiness, and sin of misery. As this is a summary of the teachings of the whole book, this Psalm, whether designedly so placed or not, forms a suitable preface.

Blessed — literally, “oh, the happiness” - an exclamation of strong emotion, as if resulting from reflecting on the subject. The use of the plural may denote fullness and variety (2 Chronicles 9:7).

counsel … way … seat — With their corresponding verbs, mark gradations of evil, as acting on the principles, cultivating the society, and permanently conforming to the conduct of the wicked, who are described by three terms, of which the last is indicative of the boldest impiety (compare Psalm 26:4, Psalm 26:5; Jeremiah 15:17).

law — all of God‘s word then written, especially the books of Moses (compare Psalm 119:1, Psalm 119:55, Psalm 119:97, etc.).

like a tree — (Jeremiah 17:7, Jeremiah 17:8).

planted — settled, fast.

by — or, “over.”

the rivers — canals for irrigation.

shall prosper — literally, “make prosper,” brings to perfection. The basis of this condition and character is given (Psalm 32:1).

not so — either as to conduct or happiness.

like the chaff — which, by Eastern modes of winnowing against the wind, was utterly blown away.

stand in the judgment — be acquitted. They shall be driven from among the good (Matthew 25:45, Matthew 25:46).

knoweth the way — attends to and provides for them (Psalm 101:6; Proverbs 12:10; Hosea 13:5).

way of the wicked — All their plans will end in disappointment and ruin (Psalm 37:13; Psalm 146:8; Proverbs 4:19).