He is like a tree
Psalm 1:3
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
Psalm 1 sets the stage by highlighting the blessings bestowed upon those who delight in and meditate on God’s instructions, rather than following after the ways of the wicked. In verse three, the Psalmist compares such a person to a verdant tree planted by streams of water. By understanding this imagery, we can gain insights into the importance of our choices for spiritual nourishment.
Purposeful Planting
The word “planted” (שָׁת֪וּל, shatal) in Psalm 1:3 suggests a deliberate act of transplantation (compare its use in Ezekiel 17 and 19). This tree did not happen to find itself by the stream by chance. Instead, it was purposefully positioned there to ensure its growth and flourishing.
The Hebrew word for “stream” (Hebrew peleg) in this verse conveys the idea of a water channel. It literally means a division. (One of Noah’s descendants in Genesis 10:25 is named Peleg, “for in his days the earth was divided”) The idea of division may either invoke dividing waters down different courses to irrigate crops or the channels dividing the land.
Elsewhere we see it as imagery of irrigating canals branching off a main river: “There is a river whose streams (peleg) make glad the city of God” (Psalm 46:4). The imagery of a well-watered garden goes back to Eden in Genesis 2.
In Egypt, the Nile was the lifeblood of the country. Outside the well-watered area of the river, a desolate desert dominates. Since ancient times, Egyptians have dug large canals to expand the arable land. We can even see this depicted in a tomb painting of palm trees growing along a canal.
Choosing Our Source
Just as the quality of water affects the growth of a plant, what we fill ourselves with impacts our spiritual well-being. We must consciously choose to drink from the pure and life-giving waters of God’s Word in order to flourish. By aligning our thoughts, desires, and actions with his teachings, we invite his wisdom and grace to permeate our lives.
If we immerse ourselves in polluted waters, such as the influences of the world, our spiritual growth will be stunted or hindered. How many of the problems in the church are a result of us drinking from worldly waters? Those in the church look a lot like those outside it. Is it any wonder we aren’t having a bigger impact?
To Ponder…
Where has God planted you? Are you intentionally positioning yourself by the streams of God’s Word and his presence? Cultivate a habit of regularly drinking from the pure waters of Scripture, allowing God’s truth to shape your thoughts, actions, and character. As you do so, you will experience spiritual growth, flourishing like a well-watered tree, and positively impacting the world around you.