1
Psalm 1:1–6 :Exegesis Research Paper – Part 1
RTCH-500
2
Part 1 – Introduction and Context of the Passage
The text Psalm 1:1–6 is rich in emotions, attitude, feelings and interest that each and every
individual experience in his course of life. The attributes of a righteous individual have
been captured in the text. The Lord or Jesus is most righteous who tries to do the right
thing in spite of facing numerous hurdles that come across his way
1
. The fundamental
objective of the paper is to highlight the fact that blessings are bestowed on righteous
beings
2
.
In life, people come across various kinds of situations. But they have only two ways to
respond to them. The first way is to adopt the right path and the other option is to select the
wicked path. The text states that the journey of the righteous people could be quite
challenging in nature, but they are ultimately blessed by the almighty. Similarly, the ones
that choose the wicked path open the doors to misery and nothing else. The contest of the
test is applicable to all kinds of human experiences. Thus, the decisions that humans make
paves the future path for themselves.
Genre
The genres that can be found in Psalm 1:1–6 is meditative in nature. It has been written
from the individual point of view and it highlights the concept relating to blessing. It plays
a vital role to establish the theoretical foundation of the sacred song. Here the psalmist is
basically expressing his opinions and views about life experiences
3
. The text that has been
selected is mainly dominated by the concept of ‘blessing’ that is bestowed on people who
1
"Psalm 1: Two Ways Of Life -- A Psalm Of Wisdom". 2018. Bible.Org. https://bible.org/article/psalm-1-two-ways-life-psalm-
wisdom.
2
"English Standard Version". 2018. Biblia. https://biblia.com/books/esv/Ps1.3
3
Lioy, Dan. "A comparative analysis of Psalm 1 and the Beatitudes in Matthew 5: 3-12." Conspectus: The Journal of the South
African Theological Seminary 22, no. 09 (2016): 141-182.
3
follow the righteous path. At the same time, it highlights how the people following the
ungodly path suffer
4
.
Godly and ungodly deeds
The person who adopts the Godly approach opens the path to get blessed. It can help him to
lead a happy and content life. The individuals who choose the wicked path while making
decisions in life are bound to be unhappy because of the chosen path. The text is relevant
for the entire mankind. During the entire life, people come across numerous situations and
instances when they have to choose between the right and the wrong. People can get
blessings from God if they apply the Word of God while leading their life
5
.
The text highlights how the individuals who live their life by having faith in God and
trusting the relationship with the Almighty are happy and blessed. There are a number of
things that have the ability to destroy and corrupt. c Similarly, there are other things that can
strengthen, develop and make life more fruitful in nature. The passage highlights how
righteous behaviour can enhance the bond and relationship with the Almighty. This is the
core message that has been presented in Psalm 1:1–6. Mankind needs to avoid wicked and
negative things so that he can get closer to God and he can be blessed
6
. The ungodly
behaviour moves a person towards a wrecked state.
4
"Psalm 1 Genre". 2018. Explaining The Book. https://www.explainingthebook.com/psalm-1-genre/.
5
"Psalm 1: Two Ways Of Life -- A Psalm Of Wisdom". 2018. Bible.Org. https://bible.org/article/psalm-1-two-ways-life-psalm-
wisdom.
6
Lioy, Dan. "A comparative analysis of Psalm 1 and the Beatitudes in Matthew 5: 3-12." Conspectus: The Journal of the South
African Theological Seminary 22, no. 09 (2016): 141-182.
