BOOK I. Psalms 1 has generally been regarded as a kind of preface or introduction to the rest of the Psalter. The absence of an inscription favours this view, since this absence is rare in the first book. (See _General Introduction._) It is still further favoured by the traditional arrangement which... [ Continue Reading ]
BLESSED. — The Hebrew word is a plural noun, from the root meaning to be “straight,” or “right.” Literally, _Blessings to the man who,_ &c. WALKETH... STANDETH... SITTETH. — Better, _went, stood, sat._ The good man is first described on the negative side. In the short summary of evil from which he h... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT. — The Hebrew is an elliptical expression implying a strong contrast, “nay but,” “on the contrary.” The positive side of a good man’s character is now described according to the standard which prevailed when the written law first came truly into force. IN THE LAW OF JEHOVAH IS HIS DELIGHT. — O... [ Continue Reading ]
AND HE. — Better, _So is he._ For the image so forcible in an Eastern clime, where vegetation depends on proximity to a stream, comp. Psalms 52:8; Psalms 92:12; Isaiah 44:4; and its development in Jeremiah 17:7. The full moral bearing of the image appears in our Lord’s parabolic saying, “a good tree... [ Continue Reading ]
THE UNGODLY. — Better, _Not so the ungodly._ BUT ARE LIKE. — They shall be winnowed out of the society of the true Israel by the fan of God’s judgment. The image is a striking one, although so frequent as almost to have become a poetical commonplace (Habakkuk 3:12; Joel 3:14; Jeremiah 51:33; Isaiah... [ Continue Reading ]
THEREFORE. — Notice contrast with Psalms 1:1. Those who had deliberately chosen the assembly of the scornful will have no place in that of the good. SHALL NOT STAND. — Properly, _shall not rise._ Probably like our phrase, “shall not hold up his head.” Will be self-convicted, and shrink away before... [ Continue Reading ]
KNOWETH — _i.e., recogniseth with discriminative discernment and appreciation._ (Comp. Psalms 31:7; Psalms 144:3; Exodus 2:25; also John 10:14. So Shakespeare, _As You Like It:_ “I know you are my eldest brother, and in the gentle condition of blood you should so _know_ me.”) THE WAY OF THE UNGODLY... [ Continue Reading ]