Psalm Category: Torah or Wisdom

Key Word: Law (torah). “Torah” means instruction or teaching. It is important to remember that torah is more than a set of principles or regulations; rather, it is a way of life in God’s kingdom.

Central Thought: Psalm 1 is a psalm of symmetry in which the world is cast in clearly distinguishable and stark categories. There is no gray area here. Psalm 1 informs us that true blessedness can only come from following the path of the righteous.

Psalm 1

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

Like Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken,” Psalm 1 lays before us two paths, that of the righteous and that of the wicked.

Psalm 1 was purposefully placed at the door of the psalter when the psalter took its final form. It is classified as a “Torah” psalm because it calls the believer to a life of obedience according to God’s ordered wisdom. Psalm 1 sets the tone for the entire psalter.

The Way of the Righteous (vv. 1-3). The psalm opens with a blessing. It is important to know that this blessing is not limited to a particular gender. The psalmist informs us that a life ordered according to God’s divine law brings blessing to both male and female.

The second part of verse 1 sets forth the nature of the blessed person by expressing what he does not do. This is accomplished by means of a triplet that reveals a progressive staircase of evil. The blessed man does not “walk in the counsel of the wicked” (does not conform to the thoughts of the world), does not “stand in the way of sinners” (does not act like the world) and does not “sit in the seat of mockers” (does not join those who mock God). The blessed man, be he walking, standing, or sitting, does not conform his mind or actions to those of the godless.

In verse 2 the psalmist displays the nature of the blessed person in a positive manner. The blessed person finds her delight in God’s law (Torah). She finds pleasure in meditating, in musing, over God’s Word, character, and beauty. God called the kings of Israel to this delight (Deut. 17:18-19); He called Joshua to it (Josh. 1:8); and, in Psalm 1, He calls us to it.

In verse 3 the psalmist describes the result of choosing the path of the righteous. The godly person is like a tree planted by waters (he has stability), which yields it fruit in season (he has a life of ordered fruitfulness), and his leaves do not wither (he perseveres). The psalmist closes the verse stating that the righteous will prosper.

Do not overlook the fundamental relationship of tree and water. Our ability to experience the blessings of godliness can only come from our union with Christ who gives us living water.

The Way of the Wicked (v. 4-5). The psalmist turns to the stark contrast between the righteous and the wicked. The wicked are like chaff (Matt. 3:11-12). They are weightless, rootless, and useless. There is no substance to wickedness. The psalmist states in verse 5 that those numbered among the wicked will be unable to stand in the judgment and have no place in the church (Isa. 2:10-21).

The Way of the Lord (v. 6). Verse 6 informs us that God knows and watches over those who follow the path of righteousness, but the wicked do not receive this loving care. The imagery given here of the wicked is that they, without external prodding, proceed down the path of destruction. Does this not bring to mind Jesus’ words regarding the narrow gate and the broad road that leads to destruction? (Matt. 7:13-14).

Psalm 1 summons us to the path of righteousness. We are called to this decision each and every day as we serve Him in our homes, work, and church. Which path will you choose?

Do not forget that we cannot meet the lofty standard of Psalm 1 on our own. Adam could not follow the perfect path of righteousness, nor could Abraham, Moses, David, or you. Only One could walk the path of perfect obedience. Jesus is ultimately the blessed man spoken of in this psalm, for He fulfilled all righteousness. As you meditate on Psalm 1, think about this and then follow Him!

––Anthony T. Selvaggio