Psalm 1 Study Notes

1:5 In this context, stand up has the idea of being able to remain (or survive) during the time of judgment. Some have argued that this only refers to the final judgment of God because it is definite (the judgment). However, it seems better to understand this as God’s judgment whether in this life or in the future. Since sinners are not among the righteous, they are judged and removed from the scene.

’Ashrey, an interjection especially frequent in Psalms, means happy (Ps 1:1) and implies blessed (Ec 10:17) and happy (Dn 12:12). It is similar to baruk (“blessed”) but probably more secular. ’Ashrey is never used of or by God. Though it announces a happy condition (2Ch 9:7), it often requires that people do things like waiting (Dn 12:12), obeying divine decrees (Ps 119:2), or showing kindness (Pr 14:21). ’Ashrey may have produced the verb ’ashar (10x), which would mean to “say ’ashrey” to someone. ’Ashar in intensive forms signifies consider or declare fortunate (Sg 6:9; Mal 3:12), and call blessed (Ps 72:17). It can be bless (Jb 29:11). The passive is be blessed (Ps 41:2), the passive participle indicates happy (Pr 3:18). Scholars disagree whether it is the same verb as the ’ashar meaning “proceed” (7x: Pr 4:14). The noun ’osher (Gn 30:13) and interjection ’esher (Pr 29:18) are translated as happy.

1:6 The final summary shows what is anticipated for those who follow the two ways: God’s protection for the righteous and disaster (or ruin) for the wicked.