Psalms 1 Footnotes

Ps 1 This psalm, which introduces the entire collection in the book of Psalms by describing the type of person who reads and uses them, belongs more to the category of “wisdom” than to that of the hymns and prayers that make up most of the book. Wisdom literature is concerned with the conflicting lifestyles of believers and unbelievers, emphasizing that only divine judgment will end the inequity of life and bring reward to the righteous.

1:1 The word “happy” (Hb ’ashrei, “blessedness of”) refers to the joy and satisfaction that comes from knowing that one is right with God, even though at times conflict with the world may bring difficulties. Such blessedness is the opposite of the “curse” (Ex 19:8; 24:3,7; Dt 28:1-68; see notes on Lv 26:14-39; Dt 11:26) that takes effect as a result of disobedience to the Lord’s commands. The use of “one” in biblical literature refers to persons in general, here any believer who is trying to live in obedience to God. The “advice” of unbelievers may be necessary in matters of commerce, law, medicine or other technical fields, but chap. 1 is concerned with spiritual matters such as ethics, morality, and faithfulness to the Lord in daily life.

1:4 The word translated “wicked” in Psalms (rasha‘) is a general term for an unbeliever (10:2,4,13 and many other places), someone who is not a member of the covenant and not living in obedience to God. Although perhaps appearing to be a good person, such a one is capable of great evil (50:16-20) through his lack of regard for the Lord. Imagery from the harvest is common in contexts of judgment. Chaff, the dried husks surrounding the kernels, has to be separated from the grain by winnowing so it can blow away (35:5; Is 17:13; Mt 3:12). The comparison of those who ignore or rebel against God with chaff indicates that their life is worthless and will be removed in the judgment.

1:5 The word translated “righteous” in the OT (tsaddiq) refers to a member of the covenant who seeks to live righteously; it is a description of the true believer. The righteous are not sinless, but they seek to maintain a right relationship with the Lord.