Psalms: Volume 1 E-Book

Dr. Brian J. Bailey

• Herausgeber: Zion Christian Publishers
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2014

Beschreibung

Psalms – Book One is a verse by verse commentary on Psalms 1-50, containing timeless truths which grant direction and encouragement to believers from all walks of life. Through the Spirit of inspiration, Dr. Bailey confronts the most profound problems inherent within the heart of man, bringing us, like the Psalmists of old, to a new expression of praise and adoration towards our God.

Leseprobe

PSALMS

Book One

CHAPTERS 1 - 50

Version 1.1

“Psalms One”

© 1996 Brian J. Bailey

All Rights Reserved

Front Cover design

© 2009 Zion Fellowship Inc.

All Rights Reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in articles or reviews.

All Scripture quotations in this book are taken from the

King James Version Bible unless otherwise stated.

Published by Zion Christian Publishers

Version 1.1

Published as an e-book on December 2020

in the United States of America

E-book ISBN 1-59665-146-6

For more information, please contact:

Zion Christian Publishers

A Zion Fellowship ® Ministry

P.O. Box 70

Waverly, New York 14892

Phone: [phone]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We wish to extend our thanks to all the following:

To Brian Alarid - for his excellent assistance in the editing and formatting of the original manuscript of this book.

Mary Humphreys and Lois Kropf - for their excellent assistance in the editing of the grammer of this book.

Betsy Caram, Sharon Miller, Leslie Sigsby, Judy Danielson, Suzette Erb and Kevin Womack - for their superb “final touches” in the proof reading of this book.

To Mercy Pineda - for the beautifully drawing of the original front cover.

To Joseph Cilluffo - for the vivid colorization of the original front cover.

To the rest of the editorial staff: Carla Borges, Justin and Sarah Kropf (for the updating of the formatting and cover of the book), Caroline Tham, Suzanne Ying, .

We wish to extend our thanks to these dear ones for without their many hours of invaluable assistance this book would not have been possible.

PREFACE

The Psalms have been called the hymnal of Israel and of the Church. In times of revival, the Holy Spirit has inspired God’s people to set the Psalms to music, greatly aiding the devotional and spiritual lives of believers everywhere. Flowing through the Psalms is a strong spirit of prophecy which is creative. Thus they bring forth love, joy, hope and trust within the hearts of those who meditate upon them and sing them.

When I have faced seemingly impossible situations, I have found that a psalm set to music has often sprung up within my heart. One such time was on the occasion of the funeral of my own dear wife. The verses of Psalm 30:10-11 bubbled up from deep within my heart, and all mourning and sadness literally disappeared. I was filled with unspeakable joy and happiness.

The Psalms are basically devotional in character, dealing with the emotional life of the believer—his fears, sufferings, distresses, persecutions, joys and hopes. Their purpose is to develop a deep sense of trust and confidence in a loving Heavenly Father who hears and cares when we pray to Him in our afflictions. The Psalms portray a God who delivers His people from the storms of life by bringing them to their desired haven, and giving them an expected end.

The Psalms cause us to realize that the Lord uses these distresses to enlarge us, to teach us His ways, and to bring us into fellowship with our Heavenly Father and His Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Psalms bring comfort, consolation, and courage to the weary pilgrim along life’s journey from earth to heaven.

Brian J. Bailey

INTRODUCTION

The Lord Jesus divided the Old Testament into three sections: the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms (Lk.24:44). The Jews have divided the Psalms into five sections, corresponding to the five books of Moses.

1.)  Psalm 1-41  Genesis

2.)  Psalm 42-72  Exodus

3.)  Psalm 73-89  Leviticus

4.)  Psalm 90-106  Numbers

5.)  Psalm 107-150  Deuteronomy

The word psalm comes from the Greek word Psalmoi used by the translators of the Septuagint Old Testament. This Greek word corresponds to the Hebrew word Mizmoi—meaning an ode or song whose singing is accompanied by an instrument.

The Psalms fall into two principal categories:

1.)  Didactic - meaning teaching

2.)  Lyrical - meaning poetical

Hebrew poetry cultivated the recurrence of a thought, which is called parallelism. The Jews had a tendency to say everything twice. The second form of expression is a repetition, an amplification, or explanation of the first. Almost all the verses of the Psalms have a division in the middle. The second half of the verse repeats or amplifies the first half.

Many of the Psalms are Messianic, meaning that they prophesied or foreshadowed the coming Messiah, the Lord Jesus. The Lord Himself testified in Luke 24:44, “These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” Everything that was prophesied of the Lord in the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.

The New Testament writers quoted from the Psalms more than any other Old Testament book, except the book of Isaiah.

The majority of the Psalms were written during three specific periods in the history of Israel:

1.)  During the time of David

2.)  During the reign of Hezekiah

3.)  During and after the Babylonian captivity

* One or two Psalms were written earlier and possibly a few later.

Each Psalm is best understood and interpreted by a careful examination and study of that particular Psalm. Occasionally, however, it is necessary to look at the historical circumstances through which the Psalms were birthed by the Holy Spirit in the life of the author who penned them.

We trust that this little book will be a personal blessing to you. We have recommended to our students throughout the world that they read five psalms a day. This has proven to be of great benefit to their devotional life as well as their prophetic flow.

SUMMARY OF THE PSALMS 1-50

Now we have provided for you a brief summary of each psalm. A key verse or key thought from the psalm is given to help summarize the overall tenor of the Psalms.

PSALM 1 - The keys to fruitfulness and prosperity are considered, as well as the importance of who our companions are, and how we should meditate in the Word of God continually.

PSALM 2 - The rebellion of the heathen against the Son and His ultimate vindication and rulership over the ends of the earth are portrayed in very descriptive terms.

PSALM 3 - David, in distress, flees from his son Absalom, cries out to the Lord, is heard, and receives the assurance of salvation from the Lord.

PSALM 4 - David speaks of an enlargement in his distress and an ensuing gladness of heart—laying down to sleep in peace. This psalm is linked to Psalm 3.

PSALM 5 - The destruction of the wicked who are unfaithful is contrasted with the assurance the Lord gave David that he would enter into the house of the Lord in mercy, and worship the Lord in holy reverence.

PSALM 6 - While upon his bed of suffering, David prays for healing, and the Lord assures him that He has received his supplication.

PSALM 7 - David calls upon the Lord to deliver him from his enemies, who shall fall into the pit they have dug.

PSALM 8 - The Lord Jesus is pictured as the Son of Man. Parts of this psalm are quoted in Matthew 11:25 and Hebrew 2:6-10.

PSALM 9 - The memorial of the wicked and all nations that forget God shall perish, but the Lord shall be a refuge for the oppressed and the poor.

PSALM 10 - The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor, but the Lord is the helper of the fatherless.

PSALM 11 - David refuses to flee from the wicked, for his confidence is in the Lord. To flee would mean that the foundations would be destroyed. The Lord tries the righteous, but upon the wicked He rains snares, brimstone, and tempest.

PSALM 12 - David cries for help because of double-hearted men who boast with their lips that they will prevail against him. By contrast, the words of the Lord are pure, tried in the furnace, and they stand the test of time.

PSALM 13 - David cries to the Lord lest his enemies prevail against him. David’s trust is in the Lord who will deal bountifully with him.

PSALM 14 - The fool says that there is no God, and does abominable things. However, he will be in great terror when God visits His afflicted people, who shall rejoice greatly in Him.

PSALM 15 - The eleven qualifications to abide in the tabernacle of the Lord in Mount Zion, His holy hill, are expounded upon.

PSALM 16 - Christ was preserved by God from experiencing the corruption of the grave and then lifted up to be seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Portions of this psalm were quoted by Peter on the day of Pentecost to prove the deity of Jesus (Acts 2:25-28).

PSALM 17 - David cries for his sentence to come forth from the presence of the Lord, and for the Lord to keep him as the apple of His eye. David expresses his satisfaction at awaking in God’s likeness. He contrasts this with the men of this world whose lot and portion is in this life only, and who leave their substance to their children.

PSALM 18 - David depicts the Lord as his fortress and high tower, his Saviour and Deliverer. The Lord’s gentleness made David great and He caused David to triumph over all his enemies.

PSALM 19 - The heavens, the law, and the statutes of the Lord warn us and give us instruction. Great rewards await those who regard them.

PSALM 20 - Those who trust in chariots are brought down, but those who remember the name of the Lord are risen and stand upright.

PSALM 21 - The first half of this psalm depicts Christ the King enjoying His heart’s desire, even length of days forevermore. The second half reveals Christ’s awesome judgments upon His enemies.

PSALM 22 - The agony of Christ upon the cross and the triumph of Him as the Resurrected One are depicted.

PSALM 23 - The Lord is seen as our Shepherd who comforts everyone who is in distress and in the valley of the shadow of death.

PSALM 24 - Four conditions for ascending the hill of the Lord and standing in His holy place are given. This psalm should be read with Psalm 15.

PSALM 25 - David prays that he might be shown the Lord’s ways. The response is given that the Lord guides the meek in judgment and teaches the meek His ways.

PSALM 26 - David cries from the depths of his soul for the Lord to judge him, prove him, try him, and not be condemned with other sinners.

PSALM 27 - David’s singleness of heart is revealed. He longs only to dwell in the house of the Lord, to behold His beauty, and to inquire in His temple. Because his heart was totally focused on the Lord, he did not fear when opposing armies came against him.

PSALM 28 - The silence of the Lord makes David feel like one who has gone down into the pit, but because his heart trusted in the Lord he can say he is helped.

PSALM 29 - We are enjoined to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness because of His greatness which is manifested through the wonders that come forth through His voice.

PSALM 30 - David joyfully declares that when he cried unto the Lord, He healed him and turned his mourning into dancing.

PSALM 31 - David declares his trust in the Lord, which culminates with the ultimate commitment in the words of Christ upon the cross, “Into thy hand I commit My spirit.”

PSALM 32 - This is one of the great instructional psalms concerning repentance and forgiveness. The only way to receive pardon for our sins and freedom from guilt is to acknowledge and confess our sins to the Lord. When we do, the Lord completely wipes away our sin, and we experience the tremendous joy of a criminal who has been pardoned.

PSALM 33 - The righteous are exhorted to rejoice in the Lord and to praise Him for all of His goodness. All those who fear the Lord and rejoice in His mercy will be delivered from famine and death.

PSALM 34 - Wonderful victory is ours, for the Lord hears the cries of the righteous and delivers them from all their fears.

PSALM 35 - David cries to the Lord to plead his cause. He mourned for his enemies when they were in distress, yet in his adversity they rejoiced. But David confidently says that those who favour his righteous cause will say, “Let the Lord be magnified which hath pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”

PSALM 36 - The wicked do not fear the Lord, and as a result they shall fall and not rise again. The righteous, on the other hand, find that in the Lord’s light they shall see light, and they shall drink from the fountain of life.

PSALM 37 - The primary theme of this psalm is the seeming prosperity of the wicked in contrast to the obvious affliction of the righteous. This is an issue that has plagued the righteous since the beginning of time and caused endless frustration. Biblical answers are given to this paradox. Also, several keys are given for obtaining our inheritance.

PSALM 38 - Written after his sin with Bathsheba, David is suffering from a terrible disease that is eating away his flesh. Many were persecuting David during this time, but he did not seek to vindicate or defend himself.

PSALM 39 - David was silent before the wicked and left his defense to the Lord, and cried out to the Lord to cause him to know his end.

PSALM 40 - David patiently waits on the Lord until he brings him out of a horrible pit. The Lord completely restored David after his sin with Bathsheba because there was true repentance in his life. Then God lifted him to even greater heights in Him—giving him a revelation of the new covenant in verses 6-8.

PSALM 41 - Several blessings that come upon those who help the poor are given. David’s enemies were hoping he would die, and even his close friend Ahithophel betrayed him. But the Lord defended David, and sovereignly placed him before His face forever.

PSALM 42 - As David is fleeing from Saul, his heart is becoming more and more intensely hungry and thirsty for the presence of God. He is in distress and his soul is cast down, but he takes control over his emotions and tells his soul to hope in the Lord. The differences between being soulish and spiritual are considered.

PSALM 43 - This psalm speaks of God’s divine order. First the Lord judges us and puts things right in our lives, and afterwards He breaks the power of our enemies. He then brings us to Zion where we are united with the Lord who is our exceeding joy.

PSALM 44 - Remembering God’s past mercies to Israel and how He had given them their land, the psalmist now cries out because the Lord has cast them off. He pleads with the Lord to arise and redeem them.

PSALM 45 - The theme and subject of this psalm is the majesty of Christ and the beauty of His Bride the Church, who is all glorious within. Truth, meekness and righteousness are the keys to prosperity.

PSALM 46 - God is our refuge in the time of trouble. The river of God will make the city of God glad, and the Lord will be exalted among the heathen in the Millennium when wars shall cease.

PSALM 47 - This is a psalm of rejoicing and victory. God will choose our inheritance, and He will reign over the heathen as the King of Kings.

PSALM 48 - This psalm describes Mount Zion, the mountain of God’s holiness. In the description of this city, however, is also a description of its inhabitants—who are holy and blameless before the Lord.

PSALM 49 - The psalmist speaks about wisdom. The fools call their lands after their own names, but they will not abide. The upright will have the ascendancy over them.

PSALM 50 - This psalm portrays the sacrifices that are pleasing to the Lord and the way to glorify Him.

CONDENSED OUTLINE OF THE HISTORY OF ISRAEL

Because some Psalms were written at different epochs in the history of the children of Israel, the following outline is provided to aid you as a quick and ready reference to events mentioned in individual Psalms.

•  The Descent into Egypt under Joseph

•  The Period of 400 years in Egyptian Exile

•  The Exodus under Moses

•  The Wilderness Journey

•  The Entry into the Land of Promise under Joshua

•  The Period of the Judges until Samuel

•  The United Kingdom Under Saul

•  David persecuted by Saul

•  David Ascends the Throne at the Death of Saul 

•  The Reign of Solomon

•  The Divided Kingdom comprising the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah

•  The Assyrian Invasion

•  The Babylonian Captivity

•  The Restoration Era

•  The Birth, Ministry and Death of Christ

•  The Church Age

•  The Millennial Reign of Christ for 1000 years

•  The New Heavens and the New Earth

BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF THE LIFE OF DAVID

About seventy-three Psalms are directly attributed to David. Because they were written at crucial times during his life, an understanding of David’s life helps us to appreciate more fully the spiritual implications of those psalms.

A.  EARLY LIFE OF DAVID

1.  Birth at Bethlehem – 1 Samuel 17:12

2.  Son of Jesse – Ruth 4:17, 22

3.  Genealogy – 1 Chronicles 2:3-15

4.  Member of the tribe of Judah – 1 Chronicles 28:4

5.  Youngest son of Jesse –  1 Samuel 16:10-13

6.  Handsome lad – 1 Samuel 17:42

7.  Shepherd – 1 Samuel 16:11

8.  His strength – 1 Samuel 17:34-36

9.  God’s chosen – 1 Samuel 16:1, 13

B.  HIS LIFE UNDER KING SAUL

1.  Royal harpist – 1 Samuel 16:14-23

2.  Armourbearer – 1 Samuel 16:21

3.  Giant killer – 1 Samuel 17:4-49

4.  Conqueror of Philistines – 1 Samuel 17:32 54

5.  Jonathan’s friend – 1 Samuel 18:1-4

6.  Wise behaviour – 1 Samuel 18:5-30

7.  Psalm writer – Psalm 59 (Title)

C.  THE FUGITIVE HERO

1.  Flees from Saul – 1 Samuel 19:1-18

2.  Takes refuge with Samuel – 1 Samuel 19:20 24

3.  Makes covenant with Jonathan – 1 Samuel 20:1-42

4.  Eats shewbread – Matthew 12:3-4

5.  Feigns insanity in Gath – 1 Samuel 21:10-15

6.  Dwells in cave – 1 Samuel 22:1-8

7.  Saves Keilah – 1 Samuel 23:1-13

8.  Experiences God’s deliverance –1 Samuel 23:14-15

9.  His second covenant with Jonathan –1 Samuel 23:16-18

10.  Is betrayed but saved – 1 Samuel 23:19-29

11.  Writes a Psalm – Psalm 54 (Title)

12.  Spares Saul’s life – 1 Samuel 24:1-22

13.  Is scorned by Nabal – 1 Samuel 25:1-38

14.  Marries Nabal’s widow – 1 Samuel 25:39-42

15.  Again spares Saul’s life – 1 Samuel 26:1-25

16.  Dwells in Ziklag – 1 Samuel 27:5-7

17.  Rejected by Philistines – 1 Samuel 29:1-11

18.  Smites the Amalekites – 1 Samuel 30:1-31

19.  Kills Saul’s murderer – 2 Samuel 1:1-16

20.  Laments Saul’s death – 2 Samuel 1:17-27

D.  KING OVER JUDAH

1.  Anointing at Hebron – 2 Samuel 2:1-4, 11

2.  List of supporters – 1 Chronicles 12:23-40

3.  Long war with Saul’s house – 2 Samuel 3:1

4.  Abner’s covenant with David – 2 Samuel 3:6 21

5.  Mourning of Abner’s death – 2 Samuel 3:28 29

6.  Punishment of Ishbosheth’s murderers – 2 Samuel 4:1-12

E.  KING OVER ALL ISRAEL

1.  Is recognized as king – 2 Samuel 5:1-5

2.  Takes Zion from the Jebusites – 2 Samuel 5:6 10

3.  Builds a house – 2 Samuel 5:11

4.  Strengthens the kingdom – 2 Samuel 5:11-16

5.  Strikes down the Philistines – 2 Samuel 5:17 25

6.  Escorts the ark to Jerusalem – 2 Samuel 6:1 16

7.  Organizes worship – 1 Chronicles 15:1-29

8.  Organizes musicians – 1 Chronicles 25:1-31

9.  Blesses the people – 2 Samuel 6:17-19

10.  Is upbraided by Michal – 2 Samuel 6:20-23

11.  Receives an eternal covenant – 2 Samuel 7:1 29

12.  Subdues many nations – 2 Samuel 8:1-18; 10:1-19

13.  Commits adultery – 2 Samuel 11:1-27

14.  Is rebuked by Nathan – 2 Samuel 12:1-14

15.  Repents – Psalm 32:1-11; Psalm 51:1-19

16.  Experiences subsequent afflictions – 2 Samuel 12:15-23

17.  Has family strife – 2 Samuel 13:1-39

18.  Is betrayed by Absalom – 2 Samuel 15:1-31

19.  Flees from Jerusalem – 2 Samuel 15:13-37

20.  Mourns Absalom’s death – 2 Samuel 19:1-10

21.  Returns to Jerusalem – 2 Samuel 19:15-43

22.  Learns of Sheba’s conspiracy – 2 Samuel 20:1 26

23.  Atones for Saul’s crime – 2 Samuel 21:1-14

24.  Has further conflicts – 2 Samuel 21:15-22

25.  Sings song of deliverance – 2 Samuel 22:1-51

26.  Says his last words – 2 Samuel 23:1-7

27.  His mighty men listed – 2 Samuel 23:8-39

28.  Sins by numbering the people – 2 Samuel 24:1-17

29.  Buys Araunah’s threshing floor – 2 Samuel 24:18-25

30.  Secures Solomon’s succession – 1 Kings 1:5-53

31.  Gives a dying charge to Solomon – 1 Kings 2:1-11

32.  Reigns forty years – 1 Kings 2:11

F.  SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF DAVID’S LIFE

1.  Prophet – Acts 2:29-30

2.  Musician – 2 Samuel 23:1

3.  Inspired man – Matthew 22:43

4.  Type of Christ – Jeremiah 23:5-6

5.  Name of David designates Christ – Ez. 34:23-24

6.  Christ, the son of David – Matthew 1:1

7.  “Kingdom of David” – Mark 11:10

8.  “Throne of David” – Luke 1:32

9.  “Tabernacle of David” – Acts 15:16

10.  “Key of David” – Isaiah 22:22

11.  Faith – Hebrews 11:32-33

12.  Covenant of David – 2 Samuel 7:4-17 (or the sure mercies of David - Isaiah 55:3)

THE BOOK OF PSALMS

EXEGESIS OF BOOK ONE

PSALMS 1 – 50

PSALM 1

The theme of this great teaching Psalm is the way to fruitfulness and prosperity. It is written in the style of the book of Proverbs, placing before us the paths of the righteous and of the wicked. King Solomon wrote Psalm 1 while he was on a trip north to Lebanon. He saw a tree planted by a river bringing forth fruit, and broke forth into prophetic utterance. The Psalm which resulted could be termed the Psalm of introduction to the Book of Psalms, as it defines in just six short verses the key to triumphant living in Christ.

1:1 -“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” “Blessed” signifies being filled with the contentment and satisfaction of God Himself through partaking of His joyful serenity. “Is the man” refers to a particular man, one in ten thousand (cf. 1 Cor. 4:15), who fulfills two basic requirements, which are the keys to fruitfulness:

1.)  He completely separates from all sinful counsel and from fellowship with the wicked.

2.)  He meditates day and night with great delight in the Word of God.

If we examine this psalm in detail we see that there are three sets of three’s:

Three Degrees of Position for the Ungodly

1.) Walk (in the counsel) - means to receive guidance and direction in spiritual matters from those who are not godly or who use methods that are worldly.

2.) Stand (in the way) - means to take one’s stand and openly advocate a sinner’s principles. It means that this person will be in the path (the broad way leading to destruction) and will fellowship with those who openly practice habitual sin, such as homosexuals and adulterers.

3.) Sit (in the seat) - means to take a permanent position of wickedness and scorn. This is the ultimate decline. It is a constant abode because sitting implies immobility or an unchanging mood.

Three Degrees of Fellowship with the Ungodly

1.) Counsel - means to permit our lives to be guided by others, through the wisdom of this world rather than by God and His ministers.

2.) Way - means to be on the same path as those who grievously and habitually sin. The Lord Himself expressed this thought in Matthew 7:13-14: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

3.) Seat - means that one holds the same views as the scorners. This seat also speaks of the authority of the Wicked One (see Rev. 2:13 - Satan’s seat in Pergamos).

Three Degrees of Evil

1.) Ungodly - means passionate or restless, striving for that which is not theirs. It is the thought of being covetous. The prophet Isaiah declares, “The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt” (Isa. 57:20).

2.) Sinner - means an active, habitual practicer of iniquity. Genesis 13:13 says that the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly. Also, we read in Romans 1:28 that when men and women do not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gives them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient. (Please see Romans 1:28-32.)

3.) Scornful - refers to those who ridicule and scoff at spiritual things, and even at God Himself. Proverbs 19:28-29 warns that “an ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity. Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.”

It is an awesome fact that the companions we choose to walk with will determine our earthly and eternal destiny. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says in the NIV, “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” A man is known by his friends. As the little proverb says, “Birds of a feather flock together.” However, those who walk with the wise will become wise. Proverbs 13:20 makes this truth very clear: “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”

1:2 - “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” There are two aspects of fruitfulness, epitomized by the Levitical Law which divides animals into two classes of clean and unclean. The difference is stated in Leviticus 11:1-8. There are two characteristics that constitute a clean animal according to the law: they must chew the cud and have a divided (or separated) hoof. There are certain animals that chew the cud but do not have a separated hoof. This makes them unclean. And there are other animals that have a separated hoof but do not chew the cud. They also are unclean by God’s standards.

This has a great spiritual significance for us as Christians. Spiritually, we must chew the cud, which means to meditate over and over again on the law of the Lord and His Word. Also, we must have a divided walk, being separate from sinners. Unless we do these two things, we will not be accepted by the Lord, and we will not be fruitful to any large extent. Therefore, all those who want a fruitful and prosperous life are required to have a separated life, delighting and continually meditating in the Word of the Lord (see Josh.1:8, Deut.17:18 19).

Delight signifies putting the Word of God first in our life above all other pleasures, even the necessities of life. Job said, “I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). Delighting in the law of the Lord is having a deep inward warmth and glow that comes from studying and highly esteeming God’s Word. As we do this and as we fast from literature that is unprofitable and unnecessary, an insatiable thirst and hunger is developed in our hearts for the living Word.

Personally, I have found it such a blessing to no longer own a television, and I would commend such a step to Christians everywhere. However, I do realize that some shut-ins do find watching Christian programming a blessing. Yet even this can be overdone to the detriment of our personal devotional life with the Lord.

Meditation can be illustrated by the rumination of a cow, which rests and regurgitates after it has eaten copiously for several hours. She brings the food up again and chews it about fifty-five times. Incidentally, it is estimated that when you have used a new word thirty-five times it becomes part of your vocabulary. Thus meditating is to recall to our minds a passage that we have read or a word that the Lord has given to us during the day or the night hours.

In Psalm 119:148 the Psalmist says, “Mine eyes [anticipate] the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.” When we constantly meditate in God’s Word, it will keep us from evil throughout the whole day—when we arise in the morning, as we go about our day, and when we go to sleep (Prov. 6:20 23). Memorizing the Scriptures places those verses in our hearts and minds. From such a storehouse the Holy Spirit can readily bring them to our remembrance in time of need.

1:3 - “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”Thus the Christian who diligently adheres to verses 1-2 will become like a tree planted by the rivers of water bringing forth his fruit in due season, and everything he does shall prosper. This is true of both spiritual and natural prosperity. It is the place to which the Lord desires to bring all of His children. He desires that we all bring forth fruit, more fruit, and much fruit, and that our fruit abides and stands the test of time (Jn.15:2, 5, 16).

“His leaf shall not wither” signifies that the believer who obeys the preceding verses will never dry up spiritually as do many Christians because they do not follow these prescribed maxims (see Jer. 17:7-8).

1:4 - “The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.” There will be a separation between the godly and the ungodly. Whatever is not born of God will be blown away like the chaff. John the Baptist made it very clear that the ministry of Jesus was that of a refiner, saying, “Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Mt. 3:12).

A separation will come, as stated by Christ in Matthew 13:30: “Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”

1:5 -“Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.” Like Judas and those who sought to take Jesus (Jn.18:6), the ungodly shall fall backward and not be able to stand when the Lord rises up to judge His people. The sinners, not only in the world, but also in the Church will be terrified in that hour.

Isaiah 33:14-15 says: “The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil.”