This psalm was written by David at the time the Ark was placed in Jerusalem establishing the city as the political and religious capital of Israel (see our study on 1 Chronicles 16).
A possible outline of Psalm 101: The Ideal King is Pure in Life (1-4) and Pure in Justice (5-8). The only true King that reflected this was Jesus Christ. The character expected of a leader by God is presented in this psalm (Word in Life Study Bible, 1997).
- To govern wisely, without compromising their integrity.
- To completely disassociate themselves from wicked schemes and those who promote them.
- To tolerate no slanderous talk and to dismiss subordinates who even appear to be using privileges to unfair advantage.
- To surround themselves only with people who are faithful to the Lord.
- To purge their administrations of deceivers and liars.
- To root out and destroy wicked people from the land.
Loosely stated, he is to avert his ways from syncretism. David goes so far in saying that he will not set any wicked thing before his eyes (3). The word for wicked happens to be belial (בְּלִיָּעַל) wherein we get the term of a god found in Scripture (Deuteronomy 13.13 and 2 Corinthians 6.15). A worthless thing becomes our god, which is syncretism.
The question then comes for each of us, what do we strive after as children of God? Have we allowed worthless things to deter us from God? Where do you stand?
