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# 1 Although we cannot be sure, it is possible that Ezra compiled the Psalms and wrote Ps. 1 as an “introduction” to the Psalter. Others believe Ps. 1 was written by David or Jeremiah. The Tree of Life
1What delight comes to the one who follows God’s ways! # 1:1 Psalm 1 is the contrast of those who follow God’s ways with those who choose their own path. Read through this psalm with the purpose of learning how to live with God in the first place.
He won’t walk in step with the wicked,
nor share the sinner’s way,
nor be found sitting in the scorner’s seat.
2His passion is to remain true to the Word of “I AM,”
meditating day and night # 1:2 To meditate on the revelation of light day and night means to meditate 24/7 on what is good and delightful. However, day signifies a period of enlightenment (Eph. 1:18) and night signifies a period of obscurity. Both when we have the light of insight and when we seem to be in the dark, meditation is the key to unlock the revelation of God. on the true revelation of light. # 1:2 Or “Torah.” From Ps. 1 we learn that the righteous and the wicked are distinguished by what they delight in.
3He will be standing firm like a flourishing tree
planted # 1:3 Or “transplanted.” That is, God planted our lives from where we were into a place of blessing. See Ps. 92:13–14. by God’s design,
deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss,
bearing fruit in every season of life.
He is never dry, never fainting,
ever blessed, ever prosperous. # 1:3 The metaphors found in this verse can be paraphrased as “No matter what he sets out to do, he brings it to a successful conclusion.”
4But how different are the wicked.
They are like chaff # 1:4 Chaff is lifeless, only a shell without the kernel. Chaff depicts a life without the truth of Christ. See Ps. 35:5–6. blown away by the wind.
5The wicked will not endure the day of judgment,
for God will not defend them.
Nothing they do will succeed or endure for long,
for they have no part with those who walk in truth.
6But how different it is for the righteous!
The Lord embraces their paths as they move forward
while the way of the wicked leads only to doom.