I've recently purposed to study through the Psalms in a rather slow manner--once a week--so that I can more deeply appreciate this rich resource which is the inspired Jewish hymnal. Also, I have started studying Hebrew in seminary and hope to use what little Hebrew I am learning in my study.
The past week, I have been meditating on Psalm 1. Here are a few comments:
Category: Wisdom Psalm (sounds much like the Proverbs)
Theme: True happiness
Function: To distinguish between the wise and foolish man; Also functions as the opening psalm.
Author: Anonymous/David assumed
The Psalmist begins by revealing the secret of true happiness: delight in the instruction of Yahweh and mind-renewal through His law. The man who lives in such a way stands in stark contrast to the man who follows the advice of the wicked, takes the path of sinners, or joins a group of mockers.
John Trapp observes this of the premise of Psalm 1 - "The Psalmist saith more to the point about true happiness in this short Psalm than any one of the philosophers, or all of them put together; they did but beat the bush, God hath here put the bird into our hand."
This contrast between the man who renews his mind and the man who conforms to wickedness is further illustrated by the imagery of a tree that stands by flowing water and chaff that is blown away from the wheat by the hot desert wind. While the life of the mind-renewed man is characterized by stability and prosperity, the life of the conformed man is marked by instability and ruin.
When one acquaints himself with Yahweh and ponders His Word allowing his mind to be renewed by what he sees, Yahweh acquaints Himself with him (vs. 6).
This is true happiness: Fellowship with the Creator.
Ephesians 4:23; Romans 12:2
Thank you for that post, my Brother. It's very edifying for me. Really the true happiness is in Scriptures of Lord!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for drawing my mind back to a favorite psalm. I frequently think of "blessedness" in terms of nobility of spirit. The truly noble man is...
ReplyDeleteHow is your venture through the Psalms coming along. If you miss a week or so don't be discouraged. You're not under law. :-) What better way to supplement (or bring life to) your Hebrew studies than to explore the rich imagery of the language.
Enjoy.
Thank you for your comments!
ReplyDeleteMr. Comings, My venture through the Psalms could be more consistent, however I have been enjoying the study. I am ready to begin Psalm 5. Thanks for the accountability!