Bible Commentaries
Psalms 101

Verses 1-8

A fine sense of the fitness of things is exhibited by the editor of the psalter in placing this psalm here. Following immediately upon the songs of the enthroned Jehovah, in which there has been perpetually recurrent the recognition of the holiness of His reign, it describes the true attitude of the earthly ruler who recognises the sovereignty of God, and how that ought to affect his own life and rule. It is clear testimony moreover, to the fact that private and public life are very closely allied.

It has two movements. The key note of the first is “within my house” (v. Psa 101:2 ). That of the second is “the city of God.” Between these there is the closest relation. No man is able to make the city in which he dwells anything like the city of God who does not know how to behave himself in his own house. This is the true order also. The first thing for every public man to do who would serve his city for God, is to see to it that his private life is ordered aright before Him. The private life which answers the enthroned Jehovah is described first (vv. Psa 101:1-4 ). It is a life cautious and watchful, refusing to countenance anything contrary to the holiness of Jehovah. The public life is one which respects the same holiness in all matters of administration. Evil workers are to be destroyed, and the counsellors of the ruler are to be sought among the faithful of the land.