Psalms 101:1

PSALM CI

The subject proposed, mercy and judgment, 1.

The psalmist's resolution in respect to his private conduct, 2.

He will put away evil, inward and outward, 3.

No evil person shall stand in his presence, 4;

nor any slanderer of his neighbour, 4, 5.

He will encourage the faithful and upright, 6;

but the deceitful, the liars, and the profligate, he will cast

out of the city of God, 7, 8.

NOTES ON PSALM CI

The Hebrew and all the Versions attribute this Psalm to David. It shows us the resolutions he formed when he came to the throne; and it is a perfect model according to which a wise prince should regulate his conduct and his government.

Verse Psalms 101:1. I will sing of mercy and judgment] David might say, Adverse and prosperous providences have been of the utmost use to my soul; therefore, I will thank God for both. Or, as he was probably now called to the government of all the tribes, he might make a resolution that he would show חסד chesed, incessant benevolence, to the upright; and משפט mishpat, the execution of judgment, to the wicked; and would make the conduct of God the model of his own.