What does Psalm 101:1 mean?
ESV: I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will make music.
NIV: Of David. A psalm. I will sing of your love and justice; to you, Lord, I will sing praise.
NASB: I will sing of mercy and justice; To You, Lord, I will sing praises.
CSB: A psalm of David. I will sing of faithful love and justice; I will sing praise to you, Lord.
NLT: I will sing of your love and justice, Lord. I will praise you with songs.
KJV: A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O Lord, will I sing.
NKJV: {A Psalm of David.} I will sing of mercy and justice; To You, O Lord, I will sing praises.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 101:1–2 shows David's devotion to the Lord. This introduction sets up David's approach to ruling as king. He intends to mirror God's justice—to govern and lead with integrity. He longs for the Lord's blessings (Exodus 20:24). The following passage explains David's intent to pursue righteousness in his kingdom.
Chapter Summary:
David praises the Lord for loyal love and just rule. What follows is David's promise to rule Israel with justice, integrity, and righteousness. This begins in David's own home and extends to the nation. David will keep himself from all evil, including in his counselors. He will work to drive all corruption, evil, arrogance, and ungodliness from the land. This will be a daily effort.
Chapter Context:
This psalm is reflective of King David's attitude when he first took the throne of Israel. The song is a series of promises about how he intends to lead the nation. Though he started well, he broke some of these promises. David's choices were usually godly, but he also fell into sin, with devastating consequences (2 Samuel 11:3–4, 14–15; 12:1–15; 1 Chronicles 21). The intent he expresses here, and the heart he would show in future repentance (Psalm 51), is to consistently root out evil. He hopes to experience blessings from the Lord as a result (Exodus 20:24).
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
