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Psalms 1:3

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

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.

Psalms 1:3 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 1:3

Theological / Devotional

Like a tree. In the figure of a fruit-bearing tree (not merely an ornamental tree) the psalmist shows the results of the godly life. Similar imagery is found in Jer. 17:8.

Planted. The figure suggests purposefulness. The tree is set in a favorable place and carefully cultivated.

Rivers. Heb. pelagim, indicating irrigation ditches, artificial watercourses, further suggesting the care bestowed on the tree (see Eze. 31:3, 4).

Bringeth forth. The imperfect tense of the Hebrew verb implies repeated action.

Shall not wither. There are three blessings vouchsafed the godly man as a result of his devotion to God’s Word: (1) he lives a useful life, producing the fruits of the Spirit (see Gal. 5:22, 23; Heb. 12:11); (2) he is perennially fresh and vigorous (Ps. 92:12, 13); (3) he ultimately succeeds in his endeavors. As the tree is rooted in the solid earth and draws its moisture from the ever-flowing stream, so the godly man sends his roots and derives sustenance from the water springs of salvation. He is steadfast, fixed, anchored. Thus, though he may be assailed by trouble and temptation, he stands firm; and the greater the trial, the deeper the root, and the stronger his hold on God.

Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Or, “In all that he doeth he shall prosper.” In whatever enterprise the good man engages, he prospers. Regardless of the success or failure of the undertaking, his trust in God empowers him to draw life from the eternal Source and ultimately to reach his goal.

By SdaBc