No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence.
David here sets down what kind of king he means to be once God plants him on the throne. To sing of mercy and judgment is to declare solemnly that he will rule with both justice and compassion, not as a tyrant or a fool. This psalm is his meditation and his vow.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 101:1-8
He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house. He had power to choose his courtiers, and he meant to exercise it. Deceit among most orientals is reckoned to be a virtue, and is only censured when it is not sufficiently cunning, and therefore comes to be found out; it was therefore all the more remarkable that David should have so determinedly set his face against it.
David paints the picture of a magistrate and householder both rightly ordered. God's dealings mix mercy and judgment like April's rain and sun; we must sing of both, thankful in prosperity and sorrowful times alike, for either way we give Him glory.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 101:1-8