June 1, 2025 - Psalm 1
Introduction to Psalms
1. The book of Psalms is also known as The Psalter.
2. The Hebrew title of the Book of Psalms is Tehillim, “Praises.” C. Hassell Bullock
3. “Each Psalm can be classified into one of seven categories.” Argile Smith
Hymn – A call for praising God.
Lament – Describes the dark times of the soul, asking God for deliverance.
Thanksgiving – Gratitude for what the Lord has done.
Royal – Celebrates the rule of Israel’s earthly king.
Enthronement – God is the universal ruler, king over all creation, and worthy of worship.
Wisdom song – Practical guidelines for godly living.
Penitential – Expressions of contrition and repentance.
4. There are five divisions in the book of Psalms.
Book 1: Chapters 1-41. Reflect the history of Israel’s united monarchy during the reigns of David and Solomon.
Book 2: Chapters 42-72. Were probably collected three centuries after book one by King Hezekiah. He sought to call God’s people back to Him by recalling King David’s spiritual leadership.
Book 3: Chapters 73-89. These psalms helped the people of Israel recognize the holiness of God’s name and His sanctuary.
Book 4: Chapters 90-106. Written after Israel’s return to Jerusalem following the nation’s exile in Babylon.
Book 5: Chapters 107-150. These psalms were added to the collection approximately six hundred years after the psalms in Book One were compiled. Ezra’s ministry also provides the context of this section. The lyrics of these psalms draw attention to the power of God’s Word and the need to praise Him for His presence.
5. In the overarching picture of the Psalter, the man after God’s own heart (King David) will be the picture of the blessed righteous one when he follows the Lord and torah. Francis X. Kimmitt
6. The Psalms were written by David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, Heman, Ethan, and others.
7. The Psalms were written over a period of 900 to 1,000 years.
June 1, 2025
Psalm 1
Lessons Learned
by Wayne Gaeddert
1. Psalm 1 encourages obedience to God.
2. Two paths are presented as a way to live; the way of the righteous (obedient) and the way of the wicked (rebellious).
3. Questions that you need to answer in relation to verse two.
What brings delight into my life?
What thoughts fill my mind day and night?
Do my answers indicate that I need to make adjustments?
4. Delight means that which gives you great pleasure.
5. Meditate means you focus your attention on the Word so that it becomes part of you.
6. The blessed (happy) person is the one who:
Is not drawn into rebellion against God.
Seeks after a loving relationship with God through Jesus.
7. Verse one does not mean that we cannot have contact with unbelievers, but rather, do not adopt their sinful habits.
8. The promise of being prosperous does not guarantee wealth, health, and a life without problems. But you can expect God’s mercy and grace as you face life's difficulties.
9. The wicked will face God’s judgment.
10. The wicked will be separated from the righteous.
11. The wicked will perish.
12. The righteous are fruitful because they are nourished by God’s Word.
13. God’s eye is watching over the way of the righteous.
14. The path you chose to follow is critical. One path leads to blessing, but at the end of the other path, you perish.
15. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov. 14:12
16. “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
17. Application:
This Psalm presents two lifestyles, each with its own reward, giving you the opportunity to make a wise choice.
Delighting in and meditating on God’s Word allows the Holy Spirit to incorporate the Word into your daily living.
Question: Do I need to spend more time with God in this way?