Psalm 1 uses two metaphors to contrast the lives of “the righteous” and “the wicked.” The first, not fully developed, is the metaphor of people following a road. “Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2). Those who are “happy” don’t follow the road or path or advice of the wicked. The implication – this is the “not fully developed” part – is that they follow the path of goodness, by meditating on the law day and night.

Ancient tradition divides the Hebrew Bible into three parts, the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings; and so the “law of the Lord” might refer specifically to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible. Certainly, at the time of the writing of this psalm, what we now know as the Book of Psalms had not yet been compiled, and many of the books of the prophets were still to come.

Nevertheless, the psalm probably envisions more than just the Torah: there were psalms and histories and prophets available to be read and pondered. By application, we would include all of scripture in this admonition toward day-and-night meditation. And we should note that it is specifically the application that we have to get: it takes more than just talking about being Bible readers. We need to learn to live out a practice that looks more like “meditating on scripture day and night.”

The second metaphor contrasts strong, fruitful, well-watered trees with chaff blown away like dust on the wind (1:3-4). We need to be cautious to see this metaphor as an encouragement toward our own actions, rather than a basis to judge other people’s spirituality. That is, it encourages us to set ourselves to live our lives in accordance with God’s word, but does not tell us to judge that anyone experiencing hard times must be one of the wicked.

* * * * *

Set in us a delight in your word, O Lord: for we have mostly failed to read it, and it has been rare for us to meditate on it day and night. We confess that we are not very righteous: but we pray that you would watch over us, guiding our feet away from the path of sinfulness, so that we may follow you in heartfelt allegiance.

If you find these studies helpful, please Like, Subscribe, Comment, and Share. Thanks!