Psalm 1:1-6 & Psalm 2:1-12
Q.1. Psalm 1:1-16…. In what do the righteous delight? What promises are made to those who meditate on God? What kinds of people will a righteous person avoid? – (Ps.1:1-3)
‘The Law of the Lord’ gives God’s commands and directions by which to live. It is the Word of God (see Ps.1:2). The righteous are those who follow God’s ways and are declared right in the sight of God (see Ps.1:5&6). The righteous – … delight in the law of the Lord and meditate in His law, day, and night (Ps.1:2). There are times and seasons … some on the mountain top and some in the dark valleys. The righteous are likened to a tree – … firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers (Ps.1:3). The Psalmist said that such a person is blessed and to be envied. However, he was not speaking theoretically, and spelt out the sacrifices such a person will need to make. He needs to be willing to risk unpopularity, and – … does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers! (Ps.1:1). The righteous can be identified by the company he keeps and avoids, and the heroes the admires.
Q.2. How do the righteous, sinners, and the wicked differ? What characterizes the wicked and sinners? What is the destiny of the righteous and the wicked? – (Ps.1:4-6)
The Bible often highlights the difference between the destiny of the righteous, and that of the wicked. The wicked disregard the Law of the Lord. They may be popular, famous, and wealthy, or they may struggle in society. They are unrepentant sinners (as opposed to penitent sinners). They make no time or regard for God. The Psalmist described them as chaff (i.e. the useless husks separated by winnowing that lack nourishment). God declared – 5 the wicked will not stand in the judgment, or sinners in the assembly of the righteous … 6 the way of the wicked will perish (Ps.1:5-6). How different is the future for the righteous. Even as they have regard to God, He will approve of them throughout time and eternity – For the Lord knows the way of the righteous (Ps.1:6).
Q.3 Psalm 2:1-12 …What is the dominant attitude of the nations toward God? Is God intimidated by ungodly rulers? Which ruler has God singled out for His blessing? Why? – (Ps.2:1-6)
The Psalmist who wrote this some three thousand years ago could be describing the world today – 1 Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed (Ps.2:1-2). The more the nations and their leaders reject God, the more foolish and futile are the decisions they make. They vainly plot the future, while casting off all the moral restraints decreed by a holy God. People pay a high price for such arrogance, and – He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them (Ps.2:4). By contrast, God supports His appointed King – But as for Me, I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain (Ps.2:6).
Q.4. What place has God given to His Son? What is the meaning of His inheritance? Why is it wise for the rulers of the earth to acknowledge Him? – (Ps.2:7-12 c.f. Heb.1:2-13)
For thousands of years, God’s people have longed for the fulfilment of His plans to triumph over evil, and reign supreme – 7 “I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, `You are My Son, today I have begotten You. 8 `Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession (Ps.2:7-8). The writer of the Hebrews drew attention to the superiority of the Messiah because He is the Son spoken of in Psalm 1, Who will reign supreme (see Ps.2:7-9 c.f. Heb.1:7-12). From the opening chapter of the Bible, we learn that the triune God desired a family. Though vast populations of people have dismissed Him, many have received Him, and will be the inheritance of the Lord Jesus (see Jn.1:10-13). Since this is the final destiny of humanity, the Psalmist appealed for the nations and their rulers to acknowledge God and His plan … or face the dire consequences – 11 Worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling. 12 Do homage to the Son that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him! (Ps.2:11-12).