PSALMS 1

STROPHE DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS*

NASB	NKJV	NRSV	TEV	NJB
The Righteous and the Wicked Contrasted No MT Intro	The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly	The Contrasting Fate of the Righteous and the Wicked (A Wisdom Psalm)	True Happiness	The Two Paths
1:1-3	1:1-3	1:1-3	1:1-3	1:1-2
				1:3-4a
1:4-6	1:4-6	1:4-6	1:4-6
				1:4b-6

* Although they are not inspired, paragraph divisions
are the key to understanding and following the original author’s intent. Each
modern translation has divided and summarized the paragraphs. Every paragraph
has one central topic, truth, or thought. Each version encapsulates that topic
in its own distinct way. As you read the text, ask yourself which translation
fits your understanding of the subject and verse divisions.
In every chapter we must read the Bible first and try to identify its subjects
(paragraphs), then compare our understanding with the modern versions. Only when
we understand the original author’s intent by following his logic and
presentation can we truly understand the Bible. Only the original author is
inspired—readers have no right to change or modify the message. Bible readers do
have the responsibility of applying the inspired truth to their day and their
lives.
Note that all technical terms and abbreviations are explained fully in the
following documents: Hebrew
Grammatical Tems, Textual
Criticism, and Glossary.

READING CYCLE THREE(see “Guide to
Good Bible Reading“)

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR’S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH
LEVEL

This is a study guide
commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of
the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the
Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a
commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects
(reading cycle #3). Compare your subject divisions with the five translations
above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original
author’s intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one
and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.

CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS

A. This is a general introduction to the Psalter. Kyle
Yates, in his wonderful book Preaching From the Psalms, pp. 115-124, says
this psalm describes “the kingdom man.”

1. his character

2. his influence

3. his conduct

4. his destiny

B. This Psalm expresses the traditional Jewish teaching that
in this life the righteous will be blessed and the wicked punished (i.e., the
two ways, cf. Deut. 30:1,15-20). There are types of people who are similarly
described in Jer. 17:5-8.

C. Jesus apparently used Psalm 1 as a basic outline for His
Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7.

In this context these words are not addressed to all
humans, but to the covenant people, people who know YHWH’s revelation but have
chosen to ignore it. It seems that Matt. 7:13-14 is also based on this same
crucial aspect of faith. Below are the notes from my commentary on Matthew. You
can see the entire commentary at www.freebiblecommentary.org.

MATTHEW 7

Matt. 7:13 Does this verse imply (1) entering a
gate and then walking on a path; or (2) walking on a path which leads to a gate;
or (3) is it an example of Hebrew parallelism? The fact that the gate appears
first and then a way implies that this is referring to one’s coming to know God
in a personal way through Jesus’ teachings and then living a new kingdom life.
Some of the confusion here can be attributed to the threefold aspect of biblical
salvation: (1) initial faith and repentance; (2) lifestyle Christlikeness; and
(3) eschatological culmination. This parable is paralleled in Luke 13:23-27. See Special Topic: Use
of “Door” in the NT.

▣ “the narrow gate” This
type of proverbial truth has traditionally been known as “the two ways” (cf.
Deut. 30:15, 19; Ps. 1; Pro. 4:10-19; Isa. 1:19-20 and Jer. 21:8). It is hard to
identify to whom Jesus was speaking: (1) to disciples, (2) to Pharisees, or (3)
to the crowd. The general context would imply that the verse relates to Matt.
5:20 and Matt. 5:48. If so, then this would imply that the restricted nature of
the gate was not rules, like Pharisaic legalism, but lifestyle love flowing out
of a relationship with Christ. Christ does have rules (cf. Matt. 11:29-30), but
they flow from a changed heart! If we place this verse in relation to a
Jewish-Gentile context (cf. Ps. 6:7, 32), then it relates to belief in Jesus as
Savior (gate) and Lord (way).

Starting with Matt. 7:13-27 there is a series of contrasts
related to religious people.

1.the two ways of performing religious duties (Matt.
7:13-14)

2.the two types of religious leaders (Matt. 7:15-23)

3.the two foundations of a religious life (Matt. 7:24-27)

The question is not to which group of religious people Jesus referred, but to
how religious people respond to their understanding of God’s will. Some use
religion as a guise to gain immediate praise and rewards from men. It is a “me”
and “now” focused lifestyle (cf. Isa. 29:13; Col. 2:16-23). True disciples order
their lives in light of Jesus’ words about the present and coming Kingdom of
God.

▣ “for the gate is wide and the
way is broad that leads to destruction” “Way” can be (1) a metaphor for
lifestyle and (2) the earliest title of the church (cf. Acts 9:2; 19:9,23; 22:4;
24:14,22; 18:25-26). This verse implies that salvation is not an easy decision
which fits in with the mainstream of culture, but a decisive change of life
which issues in obedience to the principles of God. The fact that one way leads
to destruction shows the ultimate outcome of those who live lives independent of
God. Often they seem very religious (cf. Isa. 29:13; Matt. 7:21-23; Col. 2:23)!

This phrase has a typical Greek manuscript variable. In
the first of the verse it says, “enter by the narrow gate,” but in the second
half “the gate” is omitted in the uncial manuscript א^*, some old
Latin manuscripts, some Vulgate manuscripts, the Diatessaron, and the Greek
texts used by Clement and Eusebius. It is present in the uncials אi¹,
B, C, L, W, and some old Latin, Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic manuscripts. So the
question is, “Was it inserted for balance” or “fell out by accident?” The UBS⁴
gives the longer text (i.e., its inclusion) a “B” rating (almost certain).
However, its inclusion or exclusion does not change the meaning of the text.
This is true of the vast majority of the NT variations in the 5,300 Greek New
Testaments in existence today! See Bruce Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the
Greek New Testament, p. 19.

Matt. 7:14 In a day of
“easy-believeism” this is a needed balance! This is not saying that Christianity
is dependent on human effort, but rather that the life of faith will be filled
with persecution. “Narrow” in this verse shares the same root word as
“tribulation” or “persecution” in other NT passages. This emphasis is the exact
opposite of Matt. 11:29-30. These two verses could be characterized as the
“gate” and the “way.” We come to God through Jesus as a free gift of God (cf.
Rom. 3:24; 5:15-17; 6:23; Eph. 2:8-9), but once we know Him, it is the pearl of
great price for which we sell all that we have to follow Him. Salvation is
absolutely free, but it costs everything that we are and have.

The phrase “few they are that find it” should be
compared with Matt. 7:13 and Luke 13:23-24. The question is “are more going to
be lost than saved?” Is the verse teaching this numerical distinction?

D.The rabbis combine Psalm 1 and 2 into one psalm. This may
be confirmed in

1. Acts 13:33, which calls Psalm 2 “the first psalm” (MS D
and Old Latin)

2. the use of “blessed” in Ps. 1:1 and 2:12 may be a
literary technique called inclusio

3. surprisingly neither Psalm 1 nor Psalm 2 has an
introductory phrase in the MT

WORD AND PHRASE STUDY

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: PSALM 1:1-3
¹How blessed is the man who
does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
²But his delight is in the law
of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and
night.
³He will be like a tree
firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.

1:1-3 There seems to be
a progression of time elements in these opening verses. Hebrew
verbs do not express time, only context. It is possible that

1. the perfect verbs of Ps. 1:1
denote past time (i.e., how that person lived)

2. the imperfect verb of Ps. 1:2
denotes current time (i.e., way the person lives every day)

3. verse 3 starts out with a perfect
verb with a waw (see

Special Topic: Hebrew Grammar) which could denote a future condition like
blessedness (i.e., expected fruitfulness)

1:1 The word “blessed”
is plural
but the object is singular,
“the man.” This could be explained by

1. the plural is a Hebrew way to
denote all the blessings of God

2. “the man” is a singular plural
denoting all men who know and obey God (i.e., James 1:2-23). This is how the
term “a tree” is used in Ps. 1:3a.

This word (“blessed,” BDB 80) means “happy,”
“honored,” or “well off” (cf. Matt. 5:3-12).

No human can be “happy” apart from God. We were created
by Him and for Him (cf. Gen. 1:26-27; 3:8). Until our relationship with our
Creator is vibrant, all other areas of physical life cannot bring true, lasting
happiness! This relationship has observable characteristics!

SPECIAL TOPIC:
BLESSING (OT)

▣ Notice the three
Qal perfect verbs which denote characteristic actions and attitude
(i.e., settled character).

1. does not walk in the counsel of the wicked

2. does not stand in the way of sinners

3. does not sit in the seat of scoffers

The “blessed” faithful follower is described by negations in Ps. 1:1 and by
their actions in Ps. 1:2.

▣ “walk in the counsel of the
wicked” This speaks of one’s lifestyle associates. This emphasis on
lifestyle is reinforced by the use of the verbs “walk. . .stand. . .sit.” We are affected by the group to
which we belong, our peers (cf. 1 Cor. 15:33).

The term “wicked” (BDB 957) refers not only to active
law breakers (i.e., commission and omission) but also to those who leave God out
of their lives (i.e., practical atheist).

▣ “Lord“ This is
the covenant name for Israel’s Deity, YHWH.

SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY

▣ “path of sinners” In the root meaning of the
word “path” is “way” (cf. Ps. 1:6 [twice]) and is another term used for
lifestyle. NT faithful followers were first described as people of “the Way”
(cf. Acts 9:2; 19:9,23; 22:4; 24:14,22). This implies that biblical faith is
more than assent to a doctrine or the participation in a ritual, but also
lifestyle obedience and personal relationship (i.e., “walk,” cf. Eph. 4:1,17;
5:2,15).

▣ “the seat of scoffers” We all have
presuppositions about life. “Scoffers” (BDB 539, KB 529, Qal
participle) represents the stereotype of an irreligious pessimist (i.e.,
Isa. 5:19; Jer. 17:15; Ezek. 12:22,27; Mal. 2:17; 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 2
Pet. 3:3-4; Jude Ps. 1:18).

1:2 “his delight is in the law of the
Lord“ The term “law” (BDB 435) means “teaching.” In the Psalms
“the law” always refers to the general teachings of God (cf. Psalm 119), not
just the writings of Moses. The law was not a burden to the OT believer (cf. Ps.
19:7-13), but the very revelation of YHWH for longevity, peace, security, joy,
and abundance.

SPECIAL TOPIC: Terms for God’s Revelation (Using Deuteronomy and Psalms)

▣ “he meditates day and night”
This verb (BDB 211, KB 237, Qal imperfect)
denotes a “soft reading” of YHWH-revealed truths. The ancients did not read
silently, so it must refer to quiet reading.

Notice how this verb is used.

1. meditating on YHWH’s teachings – Ps. 1:2; Jos. 1:8

2. meditating on YHWH Himself – Ps. 63:6

3. meditating on YHWH’s deeds – Ps. 77:12; 143:5

4. meditating on terror – Isa. 33:18

What do you meditate on?

Our thought life is the seed bed for our actions (cf.
Pro. 23:7). This verse emphasizes the principle of continually (i.e., day and
night) keeping God and His will in our consciousness. This was the original
purpose symbolized in Deut. 6:8-9. I have included the comment from these verses
here.

Deuteronomy 6

Deut. 6:8 “you shall bind them as a sign on your hand
and they shall be as frontals on your forehead” Originally this phrase
seems to be used as a metaphor (cf. LXX). The context is lifestyle-teaching
opportunities for God’s word. However, the rabbis took this verse very literally
and they began to wrap a leather strap around their left hand with a small box (tefillin)
attached which contained selected Scriptures from the Torah. The same kind of
box was also strapped to their forehead. These “phylacteries” or “frontals” (BDB
377) are also mentioned in Deut. 11:18 and Matt. 23:5.

Deut. 6:9 “And you shall write
them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates” This again is a
symbolic gesture that God is to have a part, not only in our home life, but in
our social life (i.e., gate, cf. Deut. 21:19; 22:15,24). As the threshold (BDB
265) of the home was often seen as the place of the demonic in the Greek and
Roman worlds, in the Jewish world it represented the presence of God (i.e., the
place where the blood of the Passover was placed, cf. Exod. 12:7,22,23).

“Your gates” (BDB 1044) may refer to the place
of social meeting and justice (i.e., like the city gates). Usually, these small
boxes and door markers (mezuza) contained several set passages of
Scripture: Deut. 6:4-9; 11:13-21 and Exod. 13:1-10,11-16.

1:3 “like a tree” There is a striking metaphor
of this in Jer. 17:5-8. For a desert community, the fruitful tree was a symbol
of strength and prosperity.

▣ The
verb (BDB 1060, KB 1670, firmly planted,” Qal
passive participle) means “transplanted” (cf. Ps. 92:14; Jer. 17:8; Ezek.
17:10,22; 19:10,13; Hos. 9:13). This implies that this person, like all people,
was not originally a fruitful believer. Maturity takes time, effort, and
especially the grace of God. Paul uses a litany of OT texts to illustrate the
initial evil of humans after the Fall (cf. Rom. 3:10-18).

All of us are “transplanted” from rebellion into blessedness!

▣ “streams of water” This is
plural and speaks of an elaborate irrigation system.

▣ “yields its fruit in its season” This is a
biblical metaphor to describe a mature spiritual life (cf. Matt. 7:15-27). The
goal of faith is faithfulness! This same imagery has an eschatological setting
in Revelation 22.

▣ “its leaf does not wither” This is an
eschatological theme (cf. Ezek. 47:12; Rev. 22:2). Agricultural metaphors were
very powerful for farmers and herders in semi-arid areas.

1:3-4 “whatever he does, he
prospers. . .the wicked are not so”
This is the OT view that temporal blessings and cursings were based on one’s
spiritual life (cf. Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28 and 30).

However, this must be balanced with the life of Job,
Psalm 37 and 73, and also NT revelation. The OT is a performance-based covenant
but the NT is a grace-based covenant (cf. Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:22-38; Eph.
2:8-10). Both were meant to produce godly followers who demonstrate the
character of YHWH.

NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: PSALM 1:4-6
⁴The wicked are not so,
But they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
⁵Therefore the wicked will not
stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
⁶For the
Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the wicked will perish.

1:4 “like chaff” This is
a common biblical metaphor for that which is transitory, temporary, or fleeting
(cf. Ps. 35:5; 83:13; Job 21:18; Isa. 17:13; 29:5; 40:24; 41:15-16; Jer. 13:24;
Hos. 13:3).

There are two ways to look at the judgment of the wicked.

1. temporal — no joy, no prosperity, early death (cf.
Matthew 7)

2. eschatological — end-time judgment scene, where one’s
eternal destiny is revealed (cf. Matthew 25; Revelation 20)

1:5 “stand” This
verb (BDB 763, KB 840) has the connotation of a legal setting (cf. Pro.
19:21; Isa. 14:24; note Rom. 8:31-38). Sinners/wicked will have

1. no right to present their case

2. no right to even be present in court

3. no possible excuses

4. no hope for a positive judgment

▣ “the judgment”
This implies that individuals are responsible for their actions and will one day
give an account to God (cf. Matt. 25:31-46; 1 Cor. 3:10-15; Rev. 20:11-15). In
the OT this truth is gradually developed (cf. Job 19:25-27; Dan. 12:2).

▣ “the wicked. . .sinners”
There are several descriptive titles given to those who do not “walk/stand/sit.”

1. the wicked, Ps. 1:1, 5, 6 (BDB 957)

2. sinners, Ps. 1:1, 5 (BDB 308)

3. scoffers, Ps. 1:1 (BDB 539)

The NIDOTTE, vol. 3, p. 1202, lists the different
Hebrew terms that describe those who do not know and follow YHWH (i.e., the
righteous).

1. workers of iniquity – Ps. 28:3; 92:7; 101:8; 141:9

2. evildoers – Ps. 26:5; 37:9; Pro. 24:19

3. evil men – Ps. 10:15; Pro. 4:14; 14:19; 24:20

4. ruthless men – Job 15:20; 27:13; Isa. 13:11

5. sinners – Ps. 1:1,5; 104:35

6. scorners – Ps. 1:1; Pro. 9:7

7. liars – Ps. 58:3

8. transgressors – Pro. 2:22; 21:18; Jer. 12:1; Hab. 1:13

9. the enemy – Job 27:7; Ps. 3:7; 17:9; 55:3

▣ “in the assembly of the
righteous” Notice the parallelism between this phrase and “in the
judgment.” These phrases must refer to a gathering of true, faithful followers
where the wicked are not recognized or able to speak.

The “assembly” can refer to

1. gathered worship (i.e., Ps. 22:25; 35:18; 40:9-10)

2. a title for the people of God (i.e., Exod. 12:3,6,19,47;
16:1,2,9,10,22)

SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS

1:6 “the Lord knows”
The term “know” means “intimate personal relationship” (cf. Gen. 4:1; Jer. 1:5).

SPECIAL TOPIC: KNOW (USING MOSTLY DEUTERONOMY AS A PARADIGM)

▣ “the way of the wicked will
perish” The theological question is what does “perish” (BDB 1, KB 2)
mean?

1. total non-existence (i.e., annihilation)

2. will not last on earth (i.e., death)

The issue has become acute in the modern discussion of an eternal hell. Some
evangelical scholars (i.e., John Stott) advocate a period of judgment, then
non-existence for sinners instead of an eternal punishment. My problem is that
the same word, “eternal,” used in Matt. 25:46, describes both “punishment” and
“eschatological life.” I cannot see how an inspired writer can use them with
differing senses in the same verse.

SPECIAL TOPIC: Where Are the Dead?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide
commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of
the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the
Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a
commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you
think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be
thought provoking, not definitive.

1. What does the phrase “the two ways” mean?

2. Describe the difference between the righteous man and the
wicked man from this Psalm.

3. Explain the use of the metaphors:

a. walk. . .way

b. tree

c. chaff

4. Does this Psalm teach an eschatological judgment or
temporal judgment?

5. How does this Psalm relate to Job, or Psalm 37 and 73?

6. Why is this Psalm considered an introduction to the whole
Psalter?

Old Testament Studies

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