The first psalm has no title prefixed to it, which is the case, also, with many others, Psalms 10; Psalms 116; Psalms 117:1, and others. It is now in vain to attempt to search for the cause of this omission. On the origin and authority of the titles prefixed to the Psalms, see the introduction, Sect... [ Continue Reading ]
BLESSED IS THE MAN - That is, his condition is a happy or a desirable one. The word used here, אשׁר _'esher_ means properly, “happiness” or “blessedness.” It is found, however, only in the plural form and in the construct state, and takes the nature and force of an interjection - “ O the happiness o... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT HIS DELIGHT - His pleasure; his happiness. Instead of finding his happiness in the society and the occupations of the wicked, he finds it in the truth of God. The law or truth of God is not distasteful to him, but he so delights in it as to desire to become more and more acquainted with it, and... [ Continue Reading ]
AND HE SHALL BE LIKE A TREE - A description of the happiness or prosperity of the man who thus avoids the way of sinners, and who delights in the law of God, now follows. This is presented in the form of a very beautiful image - a tree planted where its roots would have abundance of water. PLANTED B... [ Continue Reading ]
THE UNGODLY ARE NOT SO - literally, “Not thus the wicked.” For the word ungodly, see the notes at Psalms 1:1. The statement that the “wicked are not so,” is a general statement applicable alike to their character and destiny, though the mind of the author of the psalm is fixed immediately and partic... [ Continue Reading ]
THEREFORE - Because they are thus worthless. THE UNGODLY - See the notes at Psalms 1:1. The wicked in general; the wicked of any kind or degree. SHALL NOT STAND - Compare the notes at Psalms 1:1. The idea is, that they will not be found among those who are acquitted by the Judge, and approved by h... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THE LORD KNOWETH THE WAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS - This is given as a reason why the wicked would not stand in the judgment with the righteous. The reason is, that the Lord, the great Judge, fully understands the character of those who are his friends, and can discriminate between them and all others,... [ Continue Reading ]