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Psalm 1:1–6 :Exegesis Research Paper – Part 1
Harold Hanson
RTCH-500
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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
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. The fundamental objective of the paper is to highlight the fact that blessings
are bestowed on righteous beings
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.
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
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. The text that has been selected is mainly dominated by the concept of
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"Psalm 1: Two Ways Of Life -- A Psalm Of Wisdom". 2018. Bible.Org. https://bible.org/article/psalm-1-two-ways-life-
psalm-wisdom.
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"English Standard Version". 2018. Biblia. https://biblia.com/books/esv/Ps1.3
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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.
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‘blessing’ that is bestowed on people who follow the righteous path. At the same
time, it highlights how the people following the ungodly path suffer
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.
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
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.
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. 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
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. The ungodly behaviour moves a person towards a wrecked
state.
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"Psalm 1 Genre". 2018. Explaining The Book. https://www.explainingthebook.com/psalm-1-genre/.
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"Psalm 1: Two Ways Of Life -- A Psalm Of Wisdom". 2018. Bible.Org. https://bible.org/article/psalm-1-two-ways-life-
psalm-wisdom.
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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.
