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Day 4

"He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water..." Psalm 1:3a

Text: Psalm 1

A PICTURE OF THE MAN BLESSED BY GOD

The psalmist used words skillfully to paint lovely pictures. We have a beautiful description of the man who is truly blessed by the Lord.

“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper”
Psalm 1:3

1. The imagery of “trees”

Trees are often used in Biblical imagery to represent many things.

a) It is used to represent the nation of Israel (Isaiah 5- The grape-vine/vineyard).
b) Some trees were even specifically mentioned.
i) The palm tree (Psalm 92:12a)
ii) The cedar tree (Psalm 92:12b)

These were mentioned because of the strength and nobility they symbolized.

c) Contribution from the prophet Jeremiah

The following text from the writings of Jeremiah highlights the significance of the use of the tree imagery.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
And whose hope is in the LORD.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8

2. The picture of a tree that is well-cared for

The following features stand out most prominently:-

a) Fruitfulness is the most obvious feature.
b) The roots of the righteous are deeply embedded in the Scriptures.
c) Such blessings in life must be traced back to the LORD.