Psalms 1 & 2

Psalms 1 and 2 introduce the book, bigger picture. They are anonymously authored (as opposed to many in Book 1 that bear David’s name: Psalm 3, for example).

Psalm 1 celebrates the blessed person. In this context blessed carries them meaning of being spectacularly happy and content. How are we blessed?

“…he finds pleasure in obeying the LORD’s commands; 

he meditates on his commands day and night.”

(Psalm 1.2)

Simply, the blessed person is one who has the commands of the Lord, the Torah in their heart. Not necessarily the first five books of the Old Testament, rather, the big picture teachings of Scripture and God’s Word. I recently read that

“The book of Psalms is being offered as a new Torah that will teach God’s people about the lifelong practice of prayer as they strive to obey the commands of the first Torah.”

Psalm 2 reminds the reader that God has promised more. There is more than that which we see around us. There is more blessing available to you. God has more for us than the daily disappointments of living in a fallen and fallible world. The more is His Messiah.

Psalm 2 then finishes with the same thought that Psalm 1 opens with:

“How blessed is the one who does not follow the advice of the wicked, 

or stand in the pathway with sinners, 

or sit in the assembly of scoffers.”

(Psalm 1.1)

“How blessed are all who take shelter in him!”

(from Psalm 2.12)

Overall for you and for me, the Psalms is being introduced here as a book to be prayed and paused through, a book for us to think on, a book to take to heart, a book of poems, songs, praises, and laments that will draw us closer to the heart of God as we seek to live a life that honours and pleases Him.

It is a book, simply, to bless us.