PSALM 1 THE ARGUMENT This Psalm was put first as a preface to all the rest, as a powerful persuasive to the diligent reading and serious study of the whole book and of the rest of the Holy Scripture, taken from that blessedness which attends upon the study and practice thereof. The godly blessed,... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE LAW, i.e. in the study and practice of it, as appears from the context. The _law_ of God may be here understood of the whole doctrine delivered by God to the church, consisting of doctrines, precepts, promises, and threatening, &c.; as it is taken PSALMS 37:1, PSALMS 58:1 ISAIAH 51:7 1 THESSA... [ Continue Reading ]
AND, or _for_, as this particle is oft used, as PSALMS 60:12 PSALMS 108:13 PROVERBS 4:17; this being the proof of that blessedness of a good man, which he had only asserted, PSALMS 1:1. BY THE RIVERS, i.e. a river; the plural number being put for the singular, as it is JUDGES 12:7 JONAH 1:5, and oft... [ Continue Reading ]
THE UNGODLY ARE NOT SO; their condition is far differing from the former. BUT ARE LIKE THE CHAFF; in regard either, 1. Of their sinful disposition. They are vain and frothy, unprofitable and hurtful, without any root of true and solid goodness, without any certain end or constant course, tossed to... [ Continue Reading ]
THEREFORE, to wit, because they are ungodly; or _because_, as this particle is sometimes used, as GENESIS 38:26 NUMBERS 10:31, NUMBERS 14:43 PSALMS 42:6; for this verse is added to enforce or prove what he said in the former. SHALL NOT STAND, i.e. not subsist or endure the trial; or not be justified... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR; he now gives a reason of this great difference between the righteous and the ungodly, expressed in the foregoing verses. THE LORD KNOWETH; either, 1. Properly and speculatively; he searcheth and knoweth all their hearts and ways or actions; and therefore will preserve, prosper, and bless them;... [ Continue Reading ]