Psalm 1

The Foundation Psalm

Outline

• The blessed man v.1-3– Does not participate in ungodly ways v.1– Loves God’s word and meditates on it v.2– Like a tree by the water v.3

• The ungodly man v.4-5– Like chaff blown by wind v.4– Will not stand in the judgment v.5a– Will not participate with the godly people v.5b

• Conclusion v.6

Hebrew Poetry

• Based on substance (ideas, content) over style (rhyme, alliteration, meter)

• Chiastic structure (abccba)

Outline Structure

• The blessed man v.1-3– Does not participate in ungodly ways v.1• Loves God’s word and meditates on it v.2–Like a tree by the water v.3

• The ungodly man v.4-5–Like chaff blown by wind v.4

• Will not stand in the judgment v.5a– Will not participate with the godly people v.5b

• Conclusion v.6

Hebrew Poetry

• Based on substance (ideas, content) over style (rhyme, alliteration, meter)

• Chiastic structure (abccba)• Beginning and/or ending often contain the main

idea v.6• Man’s relation to the wicked is not the main

idea (though it is a very important lesson here)• Man’s success is not the main idea• Man’s approval from God is the main idea

Hebrew Poetry

Parallelism– Progressive Parallelism v.1• Walk, Stand, Sit• Counsel, Path, Seat• Ungodly, Sinners, Scornful

– Progression is not only in poetry Romans 1:21-27– Antithetical Parallelism v.6• Lord knows the way of the righteous• Way of the ungodly will perish

– Synonymous Parallelism 2:1-2

Psalm 2:1-2

Why do the nations rage,And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves,And the rulers take counsel together,

Psalm 2:10Now therefore, be wise, O kings;Be instructed, you judges of the earth.

We can learn more

• Lay aside sinful attitudes that prevent study James 1:21

• Practice what you learn James 1:22• Delight in God’s word Psalm 1:2• Meditate on God’s word day and night Ps.

1:2• You will have spiritual life• You will be successful Psalm 37:3-5