3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That bringeth forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also doth not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest have good success whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 1
Commentary on Psalms 1 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 1
Ps 1:1-6. The character and condition, and the present and future destiny, of the pious and the wicked are described and contrasted, teaching that true piety is the source of ultimate happiness, and sin of misery. As this is a summary of the teachings of the whole book, this Psalm, whether designedly so placed or not, forms a suitable preface.
1. Blessed—literally, "oh, the happiness"—an exclamation of strong emotion, as if resulting from reflecting on the subject. The use of the plural may denote fulness and variety (2Ch 9:7).
counsel … way … seat—With their corresponding verbs, mark gradations of evil, as acting on the principles, cultivating the society, and permanently conforming to the conduct of the wicked, who are described by three terms, of which the last is indicative of the boldest impiety (compare Ps 26:4, 5; Jer 15:17).
2. law—all of God's word then written, especially the books of Moses (compare Ps 119:1, 55, 97, &c.).
3. like a tree—(Jer 17:7, 8).
planted—settled, fast.
by—or, "over."
the rivers—canals for irrigation.
shall prosper—literally, "make prosper," brings to perfection. The basis of this condition and character is given (Ps 32:1).
4. not so—either as to conduct or happiness.
like the chaff—which, by Eastern modes of winnowing against the wind, was utterly blown away.
5. stand in the judgment—be acquitted. They shall be driven from among the good (Mt 25:45, 46).
6. knoweth the way—attends to and provides for them (Ps 101:6; Pr 12:10; Ho 13:5).
way of the wicked—All their plans will end in disappointment and ruin (Ps 37:13; 146:8; Pr 4:19).