Psalm 1 The Foundation Psalm Outline The blessed

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. 5 a – Will not participate with the godly people v. 5 b • 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. 5 a – Will not participate with the godly people v. 5 b • 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: 10 Now 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