Psalm 1:2

 

But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 1:2 Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
 
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Psalm 1:2 King James Bible (KJV)
 
Instead he finds pleasure in obeying the LORD's commands; he meditates on his commands day and night.
Psalm 1:2 New English Translation (NET)
 
But his delight
The Hebrew word for "delight" is "חֵפֶץ" (chephets), which conveys a sense of pleasure, desire, or longing. In the context of Psalm 1:2, it suggests a deep, abiding joy and satisfaction found in the object of delight. This word indicates that the righteous person finds genuine pleasure in the law of the Lord, contrasting with the fleeting pleasures of the wicked. Historically, this delight is not merely an emotional response but a committed choice to find joy in God's instructions, reflecting a heart aligned with divine will.
 
is in the law of the LORD
The term "law" here is "תּוֹרָה" (torah), which can be understood as instruction or teaching. It encompasses more than just legalistic commands; it includes the entire body of divine guidance given to Israel. The "LORD" is the covenant name of God, "יהוה" (Yahweh), emphasizing a personal relationship with the divine. In ancient Israel, the Torah was central to life and worship, serving as a guide for righteous living. The psalmist highlights that the righteous person not only obeys but cherishes God's teachings, seeing them as a source of wisdom and life.
 
and on His law
Reiterating the focus on God's law, this phrase underscores the importance of continuous engagement with divine instruction. The repetition emphasizes the centrality of God's word in the life of the believer. In the historical context, the law was read and meditated upon regularly, forming the foundation of spiritual and communal life. This ongoing interaction with the law signifies a commitment to understanding and applying God's will in every aspect of life.
 
he meditates
The Hebrew word "הָגָה" (hagah) means to murmur, ponder, or reflect deeply. Meditation in this sense is an active, intentional process of engaging with the text, allowing it to permeate one's thoughts and actions. Unlike Eastern meditation, which often seeks to empty the mind, biblical meditation involves filling the mind with God's truth. Historically, this practice was integral to Jewish spirituality, involving recitation and reflection on scripture to internalize its teachings.
 
day and night
This phrase signifies constancy and dedication, indicating that meditation on God's law is not a sporadic activity but a continual practice. "Day and night" suggests an all-encompassing devotion, where the believer's life is saturated with God's word. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this would mean integrating the law into daily routines and decisions, ensuring that one's life is consistently aligned with divine principles. This perpetual meditation reflects a life wholly devoted to God, seeking His guidance and wisdom at all times.
 
Berean Study Bible
 
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Delight in the Law of the LORD: This part of the verse speaks to the emotional and spiritual state of the person described. "Delight" suggests a deep joy or pleasure found in God's law. The "law of the LORD" refers not just to the legalistic rules but to the Torah or teachings of God, encompassing His guidance, wisdom, and commandments. This delight is indicative of a profound relationship with God where His teachings are cherished rather than seen as burdensome.
 
Meditates Day and Night: This phrase underscores the practice of continuous reflection and contemplation on God's laws. Meditating day and night suggests an ongoing, habitual engagement with scripture. It's not just about reading or memorizing but about pondering, internalizing, and allowing these teachings to shape one's life, decisions, and actions. This meditation is both a discipline and a source of nourishment for spiritual life, leading to wisdom, righteousness, and a closer walk with God.
 
In the broader context of Psalm 1, this verse contrasts with the lifestyle of the wicked, illustrating the blessedness of the one who lives according to God's ways. This person is likened to a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season and with leaves that do not wither, symbolizing stability, prosperity, and enduring life in spiritual terms.
 
This verse encourages believers to find joy in studying and reflecting on God's word, suggesting that such practice leads to a fruitful and resilient life in both spiritual and practical dimensions.
 
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But his delight is in the law of the Lord,.... Not the law of nature, which was inscribed on Adam's heart in innocence, but now greatly impaired by sin, and become very imperfect and very insufficient to make men happy, or to lead them to true felicity; nor the law of Moses, which is a fiery law, and works wrath, accuses of sin, pronounces guilty, curses and condemns to death; and therefore cannot be delighted in by a sensible sinner, unless as it is in the hands of Christ, and as fulfilled by him, who is the end of it; and as it is written on the heart of a regenerate man, who, so far as it is, delights in it after the inward man, and serves it with his spirit: but rather the Scriptures, as much and as many parts of them as were written in David's time; particularly the five books of Moses, which are called the Law and the Testimony of the Lord; which being inspired by God, were profitable and delightful to read, and to hear explained; and as they were David's delight, and the men of his council, Psa_119:24; so they were the delight of every good man, there being many things in them concerning the Messiah, his grace and kingdom; see Luk_24:44. Moreover the word תורה, here used, signifies "doctrine", and may intend the evangelic doctrine, as it does in Psa_19:7; which is a psalm concerning the doctrine of the apostles that went into all the world; and in like sense is the word used in Isa_2:3; of the doctrine of the Messiah, that is, the Gospel; and is the same with the law, or doctrine of faith, in Rom_3:27. And this may be called the doctrine of the Lord, because he is the author of it; it came by him, he revealed it; and because he is the subject of it; it is concerning him, his person, office, grace, and righteousness; and so far as it was published in the times of David, it was a joyful sound, good news and glad tidings, and the delight of good men;
 
and in his law doth he meditate day and night; as Joshua was directed to do, and David did, Jos_1:8. This is to be understood of a diligent reading and serious consideration of it; and of the employment of the thoughts, and of deep study upon it, in order to find out the sense and meaning of it; and which is to be done constantly, every day, as often as there is leisure and opportunity for it; or, as Kimchi on the place observes, whenever a man is free from the business of life; unless this should be taken figuratively, of the day of prosperity and night of adversity, whether in things temporal or spiritual, which are each of them proper seasons to meditate in, upon the word of God and Gospel of Christ.
 
John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible