I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will make music.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't just a song about God's attributes; David is declaring his intention to live by God's mercy and justice. He's not just praising them, but resolving to make them the guiding principles of his own life and rule, setting God's perfect example as his model.
I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will make music.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As David prepares to rule, he makes a solemn vow to God, declaring his intention to praise the Lord for His steadfast love and justice. This psalm is David's commitment to govern his kingdom with these same divine principles, setting a standard for righteous leadership and personal integrity in his household and administration.
When David says he will 'sing' of mercy and justice, he's not just talking about a song. It's a declaration of how he intends to live his life.
The word for 'sing' here, and later 'make music,' suggests a heartfelt, even instrumental, expression of praise. But in the context of this psalm's opening, it signifies a commitment. David isn't just going to write a song about God's mercy and justice; he's going to embody them. This declaration is the foundation for the rest of the psalm, where he lays out his resolve to rule his household and kingdom with integrity, reflecting God's own character. His praise becomes a blueprint for his life.
David's opening declaration centers on two seemingly opposite, yet divinely linked, attributes: mercy and justice. Why are both so crucial?
The Hebrew words translated as 'mercy' (often rendered as steadfast love, lovingkindness, or faithfulness) and 'justice' (or judgment) capture God's complete character. 'Mercy' speaks to His covenant faithfulness, His unwavering kindness and devotion to His people. 'Justice' speaks to His righteousness, His standard of truth, and His actions to correct what is wrong. David recognizes that God is not solely one or the other; He is both. This dual nature is the very foundation of His rule and the ideal David aspires to emulate as a leader.
As David prepares to govern, he looks to God's own character as the ultimate model for leadership. What does this mean for those in authority?
Ask a follow-up
The commentators highlight that David sees God's mercy and justice not just as divine attributes, but as the principles by which a godly ruler should govern. He acknowledges that adverse and prosperous events (mercy and judgment) are both valuable lessons from God. His intention is to mirror God's conduct: showing 'steadfast love' to the faithful and 'justice' to the wicked. This psalm becomes David's commitment to aligning his earthly rule with the heavenly King's perfect administration, setting a standard for his court and kingdom.
Understand the original words
chesed · Hebrew Noun
A profound biblical term referring to God's faithful, covenantal commitment and loyal love toward His people, often associated with His mercy and truth.
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
The standard of righteousness and fair judgment required by God; it encompasses both the character of God and the social conduct He demands of His people.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel; it signifies His eternal, unchanging nature as the 'I AM' and the self-existent One.
This psalm is David's solemn vow as he ascends to the throne over a united Israel. He pledges to rule with the same steadfast love and justice he sees in God, setting a standard for his reign and his household.
c. 1010 BC— this verse
David becomes King of Israel
After years of conflict and moving between tribes, David is finally anointed king over all twelve tribes of Israel.
c. 1000 BC
David establishes Jerusalem
David captures the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and makes it his capital, bringing the Ark of the Covenant there.
c. 970 BC
Death of David
David's long reign concludes, leaving behind a united kingdom and a legacy of both great faith and significant personal failings.
This passage directly echoes the core theme of Psalm 101:1 by stating that God requires us to act justly and to love mercy, reflecting the dual attributes David vows to embody.
Matthew 23:23Jesus critiques the religious leaders for neglecting the weightier matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness—underscoring the crucial importance of these very principles that David commits to in Psalm 101.
Isaiah 16:5This prophecy speaks of a future ruler who will establish a throne in steadfast love and who will act with faithfulness, judge with justice, and be swift to do what is right—a portrait that aligns perfectly with David's resolve in Psalm 101:1.
2 Samuel 8:15This verse describes David's actual reign, stating he 'executed justice and righteousness among all his people,' which serves as a historical confirmation of the principles he pledges to uphold in Psalm 101:1.
pulpitPsalms 101:1: "<> I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing."
Verse 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).
clarkePsalms 101:1: "A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing."
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; an…
This isn't just a song about God's attributes; David is declaring his intention to live by God's mercy and justice. He's not just praising them, but resolving to make them the guiding principles of his own life and rule, setting God's perfect example as his model.
As David prepares to rule, he makes a solemn vow to God, declaring his intention to praise the Lord for His steadfast love and justice. This psalm is David's commitment to govern his kingdom with these same divine principles, setting a standard for righteous leadership and personal integrity in his household and administration.
As David prepares to rule, he makes a solemn vow to God, declaring his intention to praise the Lord for His steadfast love and justice. This psalm is David's commitment to govern his kingdom with these same divine principles, setting a standard for righteous leadership and personal integrity in his household and administration.
"I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will make music." — This isn't just a song about God's attributes; David is declaring his intention to live by God's mercy and justice. He's not just praising them, but resolving to make them the guiding principles of…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026