Psalm 1 — A Wisdom Psalm

PSALM OverviewThe Psalms are 5 volumes of a Jewish Songbook. They were written first of all to be sung. The 5 books are carefully arranged so that they mirror the story of Israel from the period of David until after the exile into Babylon. Although the Psalms can be read and sung as an individual, they are also to be considered with an awareness that the individual is part of the people of God. They are filled with affirmations of the writers and singers about God as well as expressing the breadth of human emotions that are experienced in the course of daily life. There is a rawness and honesty that is both disturbing and encouraging. Week 1: A wisdom Psalm Psalm 1 is a wisdom Psalm and introduces the whole of the collection of Psalms. Right up front it sets out an understanding of God upon which everything else rests, namely, that God blesses those who delight in his word and commit to his ways. The alternative is a sobering reality. This week Andrew Bawden will introduce the Psalms and help us explore how to live wisely.