Tree Planted by the Water Meaning and Meditation

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalm 1:3)

Imagine a tree, tall and strong. Its trunk is wide and sturdy, and its branches are full and flowering. Its fruit is ripe in its season, and creatures of all kinds make their home in and under its shade. This word picture is used frequently throughout the Bible to show what a life can become when it is lived faithfully to God.

#1 Contrasting Good and Evil

The verses of this first psalm contrast the ways of the good person and the evil person. First, it pronounces a blessing upon those who avoid the ways of wickedness and sin (Psalm 1:1) and justifies the desires of those who find their hope in God’s Word. (Psalm 1:2) Then, verse 3 paints a picture of the godly person as a strong tree that thrives and prospers, before condemning the sinful person to perish forever. (Psalm 1:4-6)

#2 From David to Jeremiah

Many of the psalms were written by David during the height of Israel’s power and influence. The hand of God’s favor was upon them because they remained faithful to His covenant. However, as the centuries passed and as more idol worship and pagan influence entered from the surrounding nations, the people turned their backs on God.

Jeremiah was one of the many prophets sent by God to turn the hearts of the people back to Him. In his judgment on the wicked ways of Israel, Jeremiah uses this same picture of a tree planted by the waters (Jeremiah 17:7-8) to show that if the people would repent and trust God with their hearts and lives again, He would forgive their sins and reestablish them under His loving care. He also contrasts the image of a well-watered, healthy tree with a scorched desert (Jeremiah 17:5-6), showing that a life apart from God will only lead to death.

#3 Water as the Source of Life

Everyone knows that life on earth cannot survive without water. You can look outside after weeks of no rain to see how the lack of water can affect plant life: leaves become shriveled and brown, the grass becomes coarse and thin, and once-proud trees start to look sickly and withered. This is a clear analogy, presented throughout Scripture, of what our lives would be like apart from the Lord’s saving power.

By our nature, our souls yearn for God-like springs of water. (Psalm 42:2) Other prophets looked ahead to brighter days for Israel, when their thirst for God would be satisfied. (Isaiah 12:3, 49:10) And when the people did not return to God, their desire for a favorable word from the Lord is compared to the thirst of a dying person. (Amos 8:11-13)

The dichotomy of good and evil is a central theme throughout the Bible. All throughout its pages, we see how sinful mankind has set itself against God and His holiness and goodness. The resolution to the story, and the remedy for the dire predicament of our souls, is presented in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Jesus often used the image of water to signify His power to give life. When He spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well, He offered her a drink from springs of living water that would renew her soul. (John 4:6-29) He proclaimed to many crowds that they could drink from His goodness. (John 7:37) And when God remakes the heavens and earth and we are made new to live forever with Him, we are invited to “take the water of life without cost” (Revelation 21:6, 22:17) from the presence of the Lord Himself.

#4 The Strong Faith of the Believer

Our faith can be made strong through the saving love of God. And it is personified throughout the Bible as a tree that is watered and cared for. In another psalm calling for God’s protection and provision, the psalmist asks that God would make his children like strong pillars and thriving trees. (Psalm 144:12) Furthermore, Jesus Himself said that even if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, God will grow that faith into a mighty tree that provides shelter for others. (Matthew 13:31-32)

Conclusion

Shouldn’t we all strive to have a well-watered, well-rooted faith? If your soul is feeling dry and parched, come to the waters of the Lord and find peace. (Psalm 23:2) Let God restore your soul, and let your roots take hold of His healing touch on your heart. When you do that, and continually return to His presence through prayer and time in His Word, you will become a tree planted by fresh waters that grows under the watchful care of the Father.