Psalm 101:1-2 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 101:1-8

David here cuts out to himself and others a pattern both of a good magistrate and a good master of a family; and, if these were careful to discharge the duty of their place, it would contribute very much to a universal reformation. Observe, I. The chosen subject of the psalm (Ps. 101:1): I will sing of mercy and judgment, that is, 1. Of God's mercy and judgment, and then it looks back upon the dispensations of Providence concerning David since he was first anointed to be king, during which... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 101:1

I will sing of mercy and judgment ,.... Either of mercy and justice, exercised by him towards his people, which he resolved to do, and did, 2 Samuel 8:15 which are two very principal points in government, are the glory of a reign, the support of the throne, and the happiness of a people, Proverbs 20:28 , or rather of the mercy of God to himself, in delivering him from his enemies, and raising him to the throne; and of the judgment of God in maintaining his cause, and avenging him on... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 101:2

I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way , So David did before he came to the throne, which made Saul fear him, and the people love him, 1 Samuel 18:14 and so he resolved to do, and did afterwards; and thus it becomes all good men, in every station of life, to do: and then do they behave wisely, when they walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time; when they make the perfect law of liberty, the word of God, the rule of their faith; take Christ for their pattern... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 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. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 101:2

I will behave myself wisely - God's law prescribes a perfect way of life; in this perfect way I have professed to walk, and I must act wisely in order to walk in it. When wilt thou come unto me? - I can neither walk in this way, nor grow wise unto salvation, unless thou come unto me by thy grace and Spirit; for without thee I can do nothing. I will walk within my house - It is easier for most men to walk with a perfect heart in the Church, or even in the world, than in their own... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 101:1

Verse 1 1I will sing of mercy and of judgment What David here says concerning singing must be understood by the reader as intimating that this psalm contains the substance of his meditations with himself, as to what kind of king he would be whenever he should be put in possession of the sovereign power which had been promised him. To sing therefore of mercy and of judgment, is equivalent to declaring in solemn terms, that he would be a just and an upright king. Augustine understands this as... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 101:2

Verse 2 2I will behave myself prudently in a perfect way David here shows that he carefully considered how weighty a charge was laid upon him when he was made king. We know, and it is a truth taught us by experience, that almost all kings are intoxicated with the splendors of royalty; and the proverb was not used without foundation in ancient times, “A king must be born either a king or a fool.” It is indeed a mistake to say that kings are born fools. Men were led to speak in this manner,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 101:1

I 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, will I sing; or, "will I make melody" (Cheyne, Kay). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 101:1

Mercy 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 the like song? But— I. THERE WAS A TIME IN MAN 'S LIFE WHEN THERE WAS NEITHER MERCY NOR JUDGMENT . 1 . In Paradise, before sin had entered, there was no occasion for mercy; for mercy implies unworthiness and guilt. But these there were not.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 101:1

The 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 own rule, and his own kingdom, after the Divine pattern. He meditates on the mercy and righteousness of God till his heart glows with the thought of their surpassing excellence, as seen in the Divine government; and he longs to have these kingly virtues transferred into his... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 101:1-8

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 101:1

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 101:2

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 101:1

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 101:2

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 101:1

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 101:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 101:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 101:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 101:1

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