Psalms 101:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

A Psalm {H4210} of David {H1732}. I will sing {H7891} of mercy {H2617} and judgment {H4941}: unto thee, O LORD {H3068}, will I sing {H2167}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A psalm of David: I am singing of grace and justice; I am singing to you, ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

I will sing of Your loving devotion and justice; to You, O LORD, I will sing praises.

American Standard Version

I will sing of lovingkindness and justice: Unto thee, O Jehovah, will I sing praises.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 101:1, a royal psalm attributed to King David, serves as a foundational declaration of his commitment to righteous governance and personal integrity. This opening verse expresses his profound intention to live and rule in a manner that reflects God's dual attributes of steadfast love and perfect justice, framing his entire reign as an act of worship directed solely to the LORD.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 101 stands as a programmatic royal psalm, a personal and public declaration by King David outlining the principles that would govern his reign and his household. This opening verse immediately establishes the psalm's central theme: a king's unwavering commitment to righteous leadership rooted in divine character. The subsequent verses of [Psalm 101](/psalms/101 "Psalm 101 - A Vow of Integrity") elaborate on this initial vow, detailing specific actions David intends to take to maintain a blameless life and a just court, such as shunning evil companions and seeking out the faithful of the land. It functions as a blueprint for ideal kingship, providing a moral compass for both the monarch and the nation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Attributed to King David, this psalm reflects the unique responsibilities and aspirations of an Israelite monarch under the Mosaic Covenant. Unlike other ancient Near Eastern kings who might claim divine status, the king of Israel was a servant of Yahweh, tasked with upholding God's law and reflecting His character. David, as the shepherd-king chosen by God, understood that his rule was not merely political but profoundly spiritual. The cultural expectation was that a king would establish justice and ensure the well-being of his people, but for Israel, this was inextricably linked to the divine attributes of the [LORD, who is righteous in all his ways](/psalms/145-17 "Psalm 145:17 - The Righteousness of God"). This psalm, therefore, is not just a personal vow but a public statement intended to shape the moral landscape of his kingdom.

* **Key Themes:** This foundational verse introduces several pivotal themes that resonate throughout the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Attributes as a Standard**, emphasizing that true leadership must emulate God's perfect balance of "mercy" (Hebrew: _ḥesed_, steadfast love and covenant faithfulness) and "judgment" (Hebrew: _mishpat_, justice and righteousness). David's declaration to "sing" of these attributes implies that his life and rule will be a living testament to them, much like the [LORD's own self-revelation in Exodus](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - God's Compassion and Justice"). Secondly, it underscores **Worship as Foundation**, as David's commitment is explicitly directed "unto thee, O LORD." His resolve to rule righteously is an act of devotion, acknowledging God as the ultimate sovereign and the source of all authority, echoing the call to [sing praises to the Lord](/psalms/96-1 "Psalm 96:1 - Sing to the Lord a New Song") for His mighty deeds. Finally, the verse initiates a **Vow of Integrity**, setting the stage for David's detailed pledge to pursue blamelessness and justice within his court and kingdom, establishing a standard for all who would lead God's people, as seen in the wisdom of [Proverbs 29:4](/proverbs/29-4 "Proverbs 29:4 - Justice Establishes the Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _ḥesed'_):** This profound Hebrew term encompasses steadfast love, lovingkindness, loyalty, and covenant faithfulness. It describes God's unwavering commitment to His people, often expressed through acts of grace and compassion. When David vows to "sing of mercy," he is committing to embody this divine attribute in his rule, extending compassion and loyalty to his subjects, particularly the vulnerable, reflecting God's own character as a faithful covenant partner.
* **Judgment (Hebrew, _mishpat'_):** This term refers to justice, righteousness, and the proper administration of law. It implies upholding what is right, ensuring equity, and making fair decisions. For a king, "judgment" means establishing a just legal system, protecting the oppressed, and punishing evildoers. By pairing _mishpat_ with _ḥesed_, David acknowledges that true leadership requires not only compassion but also the firm hand of justice to maintain order and uphold moral standards within the kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ A Psalm of David.":** This superscription attributes the psalm to King David, indicating its royal authorship and context. It immediately frames the subsequent verses as a personal declaration and commitment from the king, setting the stage for a psalm that outlines the principles of righteous governance and personal integrity from the perspective of Israel's paradigmatic monarch.
* **"I will sing of mercy and judgment:":** David declares his intention to "sing" – a verb that implies not just vocal praise but a public, intentional, and lived commitment. The objects of his song are "mercy" (_ḥesed_) and "judgment" (_mishpat_), the two fundamental attributes of God's character that define His interaction with humanity. By choosing these, David pledges that his rule will be characterized by both compassionate loyalty and unwavering justice, reflecting the divine balance required for a flourishing kingdom.
* **"unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.":** The repetition of "will I sing" emphasizes the deliberate and profound nature of David's vow. Crucially, this commitment is directed "unto thee, O LORD" (Yahweh), underscoring that his entire life and reign are an act of worship and submission to God's ultimate sovereignty. This phrase establishes that David's pursuit of mercy and judgment is not for personal glory or political expediency, but as a direct expression of devotion and obedience to the divine King.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 101:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Vow** or **Pledge**, as the entire psalm functions as a solemn declaration by King David regarding his future conduct and the principles of his reign. This opening verse acts as the thesis statement for this royal oath. The repetition of the phrase "I will sing" (Hebrew: _ʾashira_) creates a strong sense of **Parallelism** and emphasis, reinforcing David's unwavering commitment and intentionality. This repetition is not merely stylistic but serves to underscore the deep personal resolve behind his words. Furthermore, the pairing of "mercy" (_ḥesed_) and "judgment" (_mishpat_) demonstrates a deliberate **Juxtaposition** of divine attributes. While not antithetical, these two concepts represent distinct facets of God's character that must be held in tension and balance for righteous governance. David’s intention to embody both highlights the complexity and comprehensiveness of his desired leadership, reflecting the multifaceted nature of God Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 101:1 profoundly connects to the broader biblical theology of God's character and the nature of righteous leadership. The pairing of "mercy" and "judgment" is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, revealing God as both compassionate and just. This divine balance is the ideal for human rulers, particularly those in covenant with God. David's aspiration to reflect these attributes in his rule foreshadows the ultimate righteous king. The psalm also underscores the foundational role of worship in all aspects of life, especially in leadership. David’s commitment to sing to the LORD signifies that true governance is an act of devotion, flowing from a heart submitted to God's sovereignty. This perspective elevates leadership from mere political maneuvering to a sacred trust, where every decision is made in light of God's perfect standard.

* [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The LORD's Self-Revelation of Mercy and Justice")
* [Isaiah 9:7](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - The Reign of the Messiah with Justice and Righteousness")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the LORD Requires: Justice, Mercy, and Humility")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 101:1 offers a timeless challenge for believers today, regardless of their sphere of influence. David's vow to sing of mercy and judgment calls us to integrate these divine attributes into our daily lives and leadership roles, whether in our families, workplaces, communities, or churches. It reminds us that our actions, decisions, and character should be a "song" directed to the LORD—a living testament to His nature. This requires a conscious effort to balance compassion with truth, grace with accountability, and understanding with firm boundaries. Just as David sought to establish a blameless household and a just kingdom, we are invited to cultivate integrity in our personal lives and to champion both mercy and justice in our interactions with others, always rooted in our worship and submission to God. Our commitment to righteous living becomes a powerful witness, reflecting the very heart of God to a world in need of both His steadfast love and His unwavering truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I better embody both mercy and justice in my personal relationships and responsibilities?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to make a more intentional "song" of worship to the LORD through my actions?**
* **What specific steps can I take this week to uphold truth and fairness while also extending compassion and understanding?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important for a king to sing of both mercy and judgment?**

Answer: For an Israelite king, singing of both mercy (ḥesed) and judgment (mishpat) was crucial because it reflected the very character of God, whom the king was meant to represent. God himself is described as abundant in steadfast love and faithfulness, yet He is also perfectly just and will not leave the guilty unpunished (as seen in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The LORD's Character")). A king who embodies both ensures the well-being and stability of his kingdom. Mercy ensures compassion for the vulnerable, forgiveness where appropriate, and covenant loyalty, fostering a sense of belonging and care among the people. Judgment, on the other hand, ensures order, protects the innocent, punishes wrongdoing, and upholds moral standards, preventing chaos and corruption. Without mercy, justice can become harsh and oppressive; without justice, mercy can lead to lawlessness. David's vow indicates his aspiration for a balanced, God-honoring rule.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 101:1 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true Davidic King. While David could only aspire to rule with mercy and judgment, Jesus perfectly embodies both. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), demonstrating unparalleled mercy and grace by offering Himself as a sacrifice for humanity's redemption. Yet, He is also the [righteous Judge](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son") to whom all authority has been given, who will one day return to execute perfect justice upon the earth, separating the sheep from the goats ([Matthew 25:31-33](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31-33 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Unlike David, whose reign was imperfect and marked by personal failings, Jesus's rule is characterized by absolute integrity and blamelessness. His entire life and ministry were a "song" of mercy and judgment, not merely a declaration but a lived reality that established the [kingdom of God](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - The Kingdom of God is at Hand")—a kingdom founded on divine love and unwavering truth. He is the King who truly establishes His throne with righteousness and justice forever ([Isaiah 9:7](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - The Forever Reign of the Messiah")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 89:1

¶ Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

Psalms 71:22

I will also praise thee with the psaltery, [even] thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.

Psalms 71:23

My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.

Revelation 19:1

¶ And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

Revelation 19:3

And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.

Psalms 51:14

¶ Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: [and] my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

Psalms 136:10

¶ To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy [endureth] for ever: