Psalms 101 - Printer Friendly

Passion for godliness is clear in this psalm, which is David's plan for ruling the nation of Israel. David began well, but over time he fell short of these ambitious standards (1 Chronicles 21:1; 2 Samuel 11:3–4, 14–15). Still, this song expresses his desire to lead his home, and his country, with holiness and integrity.

David begins the psalm with appreciation for God's loyal love and justice. He intends to consider the "way" God intends him to rule (Deuteronomy 5:33). This is how David wants to "walk:" to set the pattern of his life (Genesis 17:1). David makes a statement about the Lord "coming" to him, which echoes the idea of God responding to faithfulness with blessing (Exodus 20:24; John 14:23). This is the basis of his plan for ruling the people of Israel (Psalm 101:1–2).

To rule in a godly way, David plans to start with himself, then his home, and then the nation. He resolves to avoid all forms of evil—to not even look at such things. He plans to surround himself with those who share this vision, such as his advisors. David plans to root out corruption, evil, and arrogance. He intends to follow this plan daily: always seeking to purge wickedness from the people (Psalm 101:3–8).

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.

Psalm 101:3–8 is a promise from David about how he will rule as a godly king. This includes rooting out corruption, evil, lies and deception. David will only take advice and service from the righteous. This approach will begin in his own home and extend to the entire nation. David intends to pursue this plan of godliness every day.

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.

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).

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.