Psalms101

David declares his commitment to sing of God's mercy and judgment, resolving to live a blameless life. He vows to govern his household and kingdom with integrity, rejecting all forms of wickedness and deceit. His aim is to surround himself with the faithful and purge the land of evildoers.
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The King’s Vow of Justice and Mercy

1
A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. ​

Integrity in the King's House

2
I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. ​
3
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. ​
4
A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. ​

Standards for Officials and Citizens

5
Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. ​
6
Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. ​
7
He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. ​
8
I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 101

Verse 1

This psalm establishes a royal manifesto, where the king dedicates his rule to God, promising to balance 'mercy' (Hesed, steadfast love) and 'judgment' (Mishpat, justice), reflecting God's own character.

Verse 2

The commitment to 'walk in a perfect way' (integrity) is crucial. The parenthetical plea, 'O when wilt thou come unto me?' highlights the king’s dependence on God’s presence and help to maintain this high standard.

Verse 3

This verse represents a commitment to moral discernment, refusing to entertain or approve of anything 'wicked.' The rejection of those 'that turn aside' signifies a zero-tolerance policy for moral compromise.

Verse 4

The 'froward heart' (perverse or crooked) must be kept at a distance. The king vows not just to avoid evil actions himself, but also to disassociate from wicked persons, maintaining moral boundaries in his personal life.

Verse 5

The focus shifts from personal purity to administrative governance. The king vows to swiftly remove slanderers and those exhibiting pride, recognizing that these vices undermine justice and social order within the kingdom.

Verse 6

This is the positive side of the king’s policy: seeking out 'the faithful' (those characterized by integrity and loyalty, 'emunah') to serve in his court. Only those who walk 'in a perfect way' are fit to be near the king.

Verse 7

This verse reinforces the commitment to remove deceit and falsehood from the administration. The king understands that a functioning government requires trustworthiness and transparency among its officials.

Verse 8

The phrase 'I will early destroy' (Heb. babboqer, 'in the morning') implies decisive, prompt, and regular administration of justice. The ultimate goal is the purification of Jerusalem, 'the city of the LORD,' ensuring it remains holy.

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