Psalm 1
READ PSALM 1. This first psalm is the introduction to all the psalms. It tells of the contrasting fate of the righteous and the wicked. It is the announcement of joy for all who continually return to the psalms for meditation.
Meditation on God's law strengthens the spirit just as medicine strengthens the body.
Psalm 1 indicates that the person is blessed who does not do three things:
1. walk in step with the wicked
2. stand in the way that sinners take
3. sit in the company of mockers.
The blessed person delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on His law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water that yield its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever this person does prosper.
The wicked person is contrasted. He is like chaff that wind blows away. Therefore, the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
The Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
Psalm 2
READ PSALM 2. The Lord gives universal dominance to His king. This psalm was composed for a coronation for a king of Israel. Therefore, it is a royal psalm. It is an affirmation that the recently anointed king has God's favor. The surrounding nations are moving against the new king, but God mocks them (Verses 4-6). The Lords speaks to the king in Verses 7-9 while Verses 10-12 speak a warning for other kings to cease their rebellion.
Psalm 3
READ PSALM 3. David wrote this lament when he ran away from Absalom his son. This is a prayer for deliverance from personal enemies. The psalmist struggles with the tension between faith and fear. He identifies God as a shield over him, his glory, and the lifter up of his head. David concludes that he would not be afraid of 10,000 enemies that were all around him.
Notice that "Selah" is mentioned 3 times in this short psalm of only 8 verses.
Psalm 4
READ PSALM 4. This is another lament written by David. He cried to God for deliverance from his enemies when they falsely accused him. This psalm is a prayer of deep confidence and trust in God. This is a psalm that people should read when they cannot sleep at night, according to the last verse.
Notice that "Selah" is mentioned 2 times in this short psalm of only 8 verses.
Psalm 5
READ PSALM 5. This is the third consecutive psalm of David for deliverance from his personal enemies. He is concerned about his enemies who are deceitful, flattering, and could not be trusted. This psalm is both a prayer and a meditation that contrasts the righteous with the evildoers. The psalmist prays to be led to do God's will and asks that God's way might be made plain. Notice that this is one of David's morning prayers.
Also, notice that even though David complained about his enemies at the beginning of the psalm, he did something at the end that he did in this and many other psalms. He asked God to "Make all the people happy and make them always sing for joy. Cover them that love your name. Keep them safe. Then they will rejoice in you."
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