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PSALM

INTRODUCTION

God's plan of the Bible, revealed and descending through the ages is immaculate. Just as we learn that it is sin to question God's Divine Sovereignty, we learn that it is right to be obedient to His Word.

The book of Psalm is a collection of songs and prayers. Psalm 90 is probably the oldest. It is the prayer of Moses. And Psalm 137 is probably the newest since it was obviously written during the Babylonian captivity.

These songs and prayers represent the life and times of Israel. They are also very theological in nature and show the sovereignty, love, mercy, grace and judgment of Almighty God.

David is thought to have authored 73 of these songs. Two were written by Solomon, and many were written by the "sons of Asaph," who was the chief musician during David's kingdom (1Chronicles 15:16-19). His family ("sons of Asaph") became responsible for music during worship times of Israel. One hundred twenty-eight of that family returned from Babylonian captivity and continued in that service.

Songs, as a general rule, are poetical expressions of experiences. The emotions of humanity are expressed in songs. Songs are also a method of teaching. Little children learn valuable principals and truths from songs. I remember first learning my "A,B,C's" by rhythmic song.

Therefore, we should expect to LEARN from reading these songs.

CHAPTER 1

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

The first song begins with a very important word: "Blessed." The Hebrew word here reflects the term "HOW HAPPY!"

It is very interesting indeed that this song should form the transition from the book of Job and begin the book of songs. Job's "friends" had been scornful, sinful and ungodly in their presentation of a "works-salvation," and a "prosperity gospel." But Job would not listen to their talk. Instead he relied upon the revealed knowledge God had given him. God is GOOD, ALL the time!

The more we "meditate" upon God's Word, the more we learn about Him. The more we learn about God, the HAPPIER we will become!

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

A tree, when it is planted by a river, will have deep roots, and will be able to endure dry weather and even drought. Strong roots are imperative for a tree to endure.

It is also imperative that we be "rooted and grounded in love" (Ephesians 3:17). Particularly, we should be rooted and grounded in the love of Christ revealed in His Holy Word.

When we are indeed studious in the Word of God, we are ROOTED in His eternal principals and truths. Therefore, we shall bear the "fruit," or evidence of our salvation at every season. AND, the beauty of His grace and mercy will ALWAYS be seen in us.

Now let me approach the last phrase of this verse with concern for the proper context of the Scripture. I am quite concerned, because many would try and interpret this phrase to mean that the person would "prosper" according to worldly standards. But we must remember that God's standards are "other-worldly!"

According to God, His WORD will NEVER cease to accomplish its purpose (Isaiah 55:11). The purpose for which God SENT the Word WILL BE accomplished.

Therefore the context of this statement is this: If a believer is constantly studying God's Word to learn, then that believer will ALWAYS prosper according to GOD'S standards. Those standards are that we should BELIEVE God, and that we should PRAISE His Name.

Now, THAT, my friend is "blissful happiness!" HOW HAPPY is the man that doesn't abide by worldly standards, but delights in God's standards!

4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

The "ungodly" do not have that "blissful happiness." They are constantly driven about by the "winds" of change in humanity. They are constantly trying to abide by the standards that other PEOPLE set. Therefore they cannot be happy, because the standards humans set are subject to change at every whim.

And since they are not "rooted and grounded in love," then they will not be able to stand at the final judgment day. Without Christ, they will face eternal, Almighty and Holy God with NO ROOT!

Those who are not ROOTED in Christ will have no part in the eternal glory of the "congregation" of believers.

6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

God KNOWS the spiritual condition of EACH heart! It is HE Who shall determine the eternal destiny of each individual. God will one day determine that the "way" of the ungodly shall perish. All the ungodly will be placed in a confined eternal punishment and shall no longer co-exist with the righteous. Therefore, their "way" of unrighteousness shall be non-existent to the "way" of believers.

This is a very important song. That is why it is at the BEGINNING of the book. God's plan for the Bible is IMMACULATE!!

In this study "Through the Bible in Three Years," we will not be able to give as much attention to every song as we have this one. Tomorrow we will attempt to cover Psalm 2, 3, and 4.

Please continue in Bible Study with us.