Note: Today marks a change from the historical books to the Psalms, part of the poetic books but significant enough to demand its own category. We shall be in the Psalms for seven weeks. In the fourth week, we reach the halfway point in our Bible reading overall.
Psalms 1 and 2 are introductory chapters for the entire Psalter, setting the tone of what God's wisdom (chapter 1) and God's rule (chapter 2) mean for mankind. Indeed, the entire book deals with these two core subjects in a variety of ways. The book of Psalms is generally agreed to be a collection of five books, distinct in tone and style. Book 1 is Psalms 1 to 41 and provides a perspective from David and also provides a segue to the Psalms of others: Asaph, Solomon, the sons of Korah, etc.
Psalm 1 provides the ideal view of a person totally committed to God in contrast with a person who chooses wickedness. The believer delights in the Lord's teachings, lives a life of joy and meditation, as rooted by a continuous source of water (typing the Word) and bear fruit in each season of their life. Their life is prosperous. In contrast, the wicked flounder and are scattered by every wind. Doomed to condemnation they have no hope of glory and are predestined to destruction.
Psalm 2 provides the ideal view of a nation subjected to the rule of the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in contrast with the historical (and present day) condition of nations. Verse 1 asks, "Why are the nations so angry?" Futility, battles, pacts, cartels, and a dismissal and outright denial of God (v. 3). However, the Lord is not concerned with the petty goings on of mankind - He rules with a rod of iron and rebukes kingdoms with His wrath. His plans continue unabated and inexorably towards the Kingdom of God with Jesus. the Son of David, as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In His grace, He warns the rulers to "serve the Lord with reverent fear" (v. 11) or face utterly destruction and annihilation.
May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.
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