INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF PSALMS:

1. The Psalms are Hebrew songs of praise to God often accompanied by harp and other instruments.

2. The Psalms are usually called the Psalms of David because his name appears in more titles than any other does (about one-half). He may be the author of many of the unnamed Psalms.

3. The one hundred fifty Psalms are independent compositions and are difficult to outline as a whole.

4. The Holy Spirit inspired the poetic talents of the writers and used their work as songs for sanctuary worship.

5. The character of the book is devotional, didactic, historical, prophetical and practicable.

6. The doctrinal content deals with God’s nature, attributes, perfection, creation, providence, grace, supremacy, heaven, hell, etc.

7. The subjects of mercy, regeneration, forgiveness, repentance and faith reoccur.

8. The prophetic content deals with Christ coming as King over all His creation.

9.The historical Psalms show Israel in favor with God, in slavery, in Egypt, in Exodus, in the wilderness, in rebellion, in Canaan, in backsliding, and in restoration.

10. Christ is prophetically pictured in His incarnation, humiliation, persecution, death, resurrection, ascension, priesthood and reigning as king.

11. You will want to read the Psalms in times of sorrow, suffering, conflict and triumph.

12. In every Psalm look for: 1) primary association, 2) prophetic anticipation and 3) personal application.

13. The Sons of Korah and Asaph were most likely musicians and choir directors for the temple worship.

14. It is believed that Ezra may have arranged the Psalms as they now appear.

15. The titles of the Psalms credit Moses with 1, David with 72, Solomon with 2, Sons of Korah with 11, Asaph with 12 and Ethan with 1.

16. It is best to read an entire Psalm at one setting. The nature of the Psalms is to go from gloom to glory and you do not want to end with gloom and miss the glory part of the chapter.

17. The style of the poetry used in the Psalms is Hebrew parallelism in which a statement is made, followed by a stronger or, at times, even a contrasting statement. The argument being made is reinforced and restated.

18. Repeating through the Psalms are the themes of man’s helplessness in certain situations and God interacting with grace, mercy, hope for the helpless.

Psalms One: THE HAPPY MAN IS A CONSECRATED PERSON.

I. THE PEOPLE GOD BLESSES 1:1-3

A. ARE THOSE WHO LIVE SEPARATED FROM THE WORLD, 1:1

1. The English word for "blessed" means "one who is marked with blood as one consecrated and set apart for Holy service."

2. Blessed in the Hebrew is "happy" implying the individual is one out of many who lives apart from the unregenerate lifestyle.

3. Happy is the man that does not "walk" in a life ordered by the world.

4. Notice the progression of a life that follows a sinful life that leads to unhappiness: walks, stand and sit in the ways of the ungodly, sinners and those who scorn our Savior. The instruction is not to be at home and get comfortable with that crowd.

5. Fellowship with those who mock our Lord is inconceivable and unconscionable.

6. No believer is to have his life ordered (counseled) by the world. The verse has a negative term rather than a position presentation.

B. ARE THOSE WHO ARE SATURATED WITH THE WORD, 1:2

1. There is a noticeable contrast in the life of one separated from the world – he willingly will walk in the law of the Lord as revealed in Holy Scripture.

2. Delight implies a desire to eagerly study about the truths and conducts that honor God.

3. Meditate implies the action of a person who reexamines a precept and brings it up again for additional appreciation.

4. Compare this text with Colossians 3:16.

5. Notice the contrast with the end of verse one. Verse two ends in a positive tone. Happiness is not found through the world, but rather in the Word.

C. ARE THOSE WHO ARE SITUATED BY THE WATER, 1:3

1. "Trees by water" is a term to picture a stable and healthy person. The tree is not carelessly growing, but is planted in a chosen place.

2. Rivers of water picture a constant never-ending supply of God’s blessings and assistance.

3. A well-watered tree will be deep rooted and enabled to prosper under pressure as will a person daily aided by God.

4. A healthy, happy believer will be known by consistency and productivity.