@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).