View Psalms 1 in the note window.
This psalm was put first as a preface to all the rest, as a powerful
persuasive to the serious study of the whole book, and of the rest of
the holy scripture, taken from that blessedness which attends upon the
study and practice of it.
It shews us, the holiness and happiness of a good man, ver. 1 - 3
The sinfulness and misery of a wicked man, ver. 4, 5.
The ground and reason of both, ver. 6.
1: Blessed - The Hebrew words are very emphatical: O the
blessedness of that man! Counsel - That doth not lead his life
according to their counsel, or manner of living. Standeth - Which
notes a more settled abode in it. Way - In their manner of conversation.
Seat - Which notes a constant and resolved perseverance in their wicked
courses. Scornful - Of those who make a mock of sin, and scoff at
goodness and goodmen. Divers observe a gradation in this verse; the
following clause still exceeding the former, for standing is more than
walking, and sitting more than standing; and sinners in
scripture use, are worse than the ungodly, and the scornful are the
worst of sinners.
2: Day and night - Not seldom and slightly, but diligently, and
constantly.
3: Whither - His happiness is not short and transitory, but, like
those trees which are continually green and flourishing.
4: Ungodly - Their condition is far different. Chaff - They are
restless and unquiet: their seeming felicity, hath no firm foundation,
but quickly vanishes and flees away as chaff before the wind.
5: Not stand - Not endure the trial. Judgment - In the great and
general judgment of the world.
6: Knoweth - He approves, loves, and delights in them, and therefore
will recompence them. Perish - All their designs and courses shall come
to nothing, and they shall perish with them.
