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Psalms 101:1-8

The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 101:1-8

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

EXPOSITION

Tins psalm describes the rightful conduct and proper principles of action of an Israelite king. It is regarded by some as a portrait of an ideal ruler, dramatically put into his mouth; by others, as an actual address to God by a real ruler, making profession of his intentions, and asking God to aid him (). The "title" of the psalm, both in the Hebrew and the Septuagint, which ascribes it to David, favours the latter view. Ewald and De Wette, who maintain the Davidical authorship, note the simplicity, depth, and concentration of the thought as wholly worthy of the reputed writer.

Metrically, the psalm divides itself into two stanzas, each of four verses. In the first stanza () the writer declares the principles on which he intends to act in his private life. In the second () he enunciates those by which he means to be guided in his government of the people.

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Matthew Henry on Psalms 101:1-8Psalms 101:1-8 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryIn this psalm we have David declaring how he intended to regulate his household, and to govern his kingdom, that he might stop wickedness, and encourage godliness. It is also applicable to private families, and is the h…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 101:1Psalms 101:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe Divine mercy and judgment. This "king's song" may reasonably be associated with the beginning of David's reign. Then we must regard "mercy and judgment" as attributes of the Divine King. David desired to frame his o…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 101:1-8Psalms 101:1-8 · The Pulpit CommentaryFour features of true piety. The psalmist has before him the fashioning of his future life; he records his purpose of heart as he cherishes it before God. Applying his words, not to his own royal estate with its peculia…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 101:1-8Psalms 101:1-8 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe secret of a happy life. The psalm is evidently one composed on the occasion of the setting up of a new order of things in the home or in the State, or in both, and it tells of the psalmist's holy resolves in regard…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 101:1Psalms 101:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryMercy and judgment. The psalmist says he will sing of these; and if it were David who wrote this psalm, he had good reason for such song. And who of us is there that, in looking back over our life, has not reason for th…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 101:1Psalms 101:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryI will sing of mercy and judgment. The writer does not mean that he is about, in this present psalm, to sing of God's mercy and justice, but that he will make it one of the rules of his life to do so. Unto thee, O Lord,…
commentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 101:1-8In this psalm we have David declaring how he intended to regulate his household, and to govern his kingdom, that he might stop wickedness, and encourage godliness. It is also applicable to private families, and is the h…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 101:1-8The ideal of a royal life; or, David's mirror of a monarch. I. HIS PERSONAL LIFE. 1. He sought the union of loving kindness and right in his own character. (Psalms 101:1.) As a Divine union found in the King of kings, a…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 101:1The Divine mercy and judgment. This "king's song" may reasonably be associated with the beginning of David's reign. Then we must regard "mercy and judgment" as attributes of the Divine King. David desired to frame his o…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 101:1-8Four features of true piety. The psalmist has before him the fashioning of his future life; he records his purpose of heart as he cherishes it before God. Applying his words, not to his own royal estate with its peculia…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 101:1-8The secret of a happy life. The psalm is evidently one composed on the occasion of the setting up of a new order of things in the home or in the State, or in both, and it tells of the psalmist's holy resolves in regard…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 101:1Mercy and judgment. The psalmist says he will sing of these; and if it were David who wrote this psalm, he had good reason for such song. And who of us is there that, in looking back over our life, has not reason for th…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 101:1I will sing of mercy and judgment. The writer does not mean that he is about, in this present psalm, to sing of God's mercy and justice, but that he will make it one of the rules of his life to do so. Unto thee, O Lord,…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 101:2Home religion. "I will walk within my house with a perfect heart." The royal author may be using the term "house" as a figure for the kingdom he rules; but it is better to keep the term to his private and domestic spher…Joseph S. Exell and contributors