1 <A Psalm. Of David.> I will make a song of mercy and righteousness; to you, O Lord, will I make melody.
I will give praise to you with instruments of music, O my God, for you are true; I will make songs to you with music, O Holy One of Israel. Joy will be on my lips when I make melody to you; and in my soul, to which you have given salvation.
After these things there came to my ears a sound like the voice of a great band of people in heaven, saying, Praise to the Lord; salvation and glory and power be to our God: For true and upright are his decisions; for by him has the evil woman been judged, who made the earth unclean with the sins of her body; and he has given her punishment for the blood of his servants. And again they said, Praise to the Lord. And her smoke went up for ever and ever.
To him who put to death the first-fruits of Egypt: for his mercy is unchanging for ever: And took out Israel from among them: for his mercy is unchanging for ever: With a strong hand and an outstretched arm: for his mercy is unchanging for ever. To him who made a way through the Red Sea: for his mercy is unchanging for ever: And let Israel go through it: for his mercy is unchanging for ever: By him Pharaoh and his army were overturned in the Red Sea: for his mercy is unchanging for ever. To him who took his people through the waste land: for his mercy is unchanging for ever. To him who overcame great kings: for his mercy is unchanging for ever: And put noble kings to death: for his mercy is unchanging for ever: Sihon, king of the Amorites: for his mercy is unchanging for ever: And Og, king of Bashan: for his mercy is unchanging for ever: And gave their land to his people for a heritage: for his mercy is unchanging for ever. Even a heritage for his servant Israel: for his mercy is unchanging for ever.
For he says to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and pity on whom I will have pity. So then, it is not by the desire or by the attempt of man, but by the mercy of God. For the holy Writings say to Pharaoh, For this same purpose did I put you on high, so that I might make my power seen in you, and that there might be knowledge of my name through all the earth. So then, at his pleasure he has mercy on a man, and at his pleasure he makes the heart hard.
And they give the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and full of wonder are your works, O Lord God, Ruler of all; true and full of righteousness are your ways, eternal King. What man is there who will not have fear before you, O Lord, and give glory to your name? because you only are holy; for all the nations will come and give worship before you; for your righteousness has been made clear.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 101
Commentary on Psalms 101 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 101
Ps 101:1-8. In this Psalm the profession of the principles of his domestic and political government testifies, as well as actions in accordance with it, David's appreciation of God's mercy to him, and His judgment on his enemies: and thus he sings or celebrates God's dealings.
2. He avows his sincere purpose, by God's aid, to act uprightly (Ge 17:1; Ps 18:30).
3. set … eyes—as an example to be approved and followed.
no wicked thing—literally, "word," plan or purpose of Belial (Ps 41:8).
work of … aside—apostates.
not cleave to me—I will not be implicated in it (compare Ps 1:1-3).
4. A froward heart—or, "perverse heart" (Ps 18:26). Such a temper I will not indulge, nor even know evil or wickedness.
5, 6. The slanderers and haughty persons, so mischievous in society, I will disown; but—
6. Mine eyes … upon—or, I will select reliable and honest men for my servants.
7. not dwell—literally, "not sit," or tarry, or be established.
8. will early—or, "diligently."
city of the Lord—or, "holy place" (Ps 48:2), where wicked men shall not be tolerated.