Master's Prayer Network

A — A Psalm by and for the King

Comments: The LORD’s mercy (kindness, lovingkindness, goodness, favor, pity) and Judgment (justice, ordinances) are inexorably linked together because if not for his mercy, no one could be found guiltless under his righteous judgment or requirements. When we have been saved by his mercy, our love for the LORD should compel us to strive to keep his ordinances, and to joyfully sing praise along with the psalmist. The mercy (or goodness) of the LORD can never cancel or set aside the application of his righteous judgment. Psalm 33:5 “He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:24 “I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.”

David opened with praise to the LORD in Psalm 101, then said he would behave wisely in a perfect (without spot or blemish, upright, sincere) way, then asked when the LORD would come unto him. After David has asked the unanswered question of when the LORD would come, he made it clear that he intended to conduct himself with a perfect (with integrity, an upright) heart within his house. Isaiah 30:18 “The LORD will wait, that he may be gracious unto you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.” 1 Peter 1:3–5 “According to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.”

B — David Despised Godless Symbols and Godless Men

Comments: David was described as a man after God’s own heart, and his descendents on the throne of Judah were often characterized by stating whether their heart was perfect with the LORD their God, as the heart of David had been. In verses 3 through 5, David pledges his efforts to keep idol worship out of his domain, and even the more subtle practices related to the failure to follow the commandments of the LORD. David said he would set no wicked (or godless) thing within his eyesight. He hated things made by those who did so as they turned aside from worship of the only true God. Moses had forewarned: Deuteronomy 31:29 “For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you.” David did not want to allow any to be around him if they had a perverse heart, one that would lead them in a perverted lifestyle that distorted the right way to live before the LORD.

C — The King Who Reigns Forever Will Accomplish These Goals

Comments: King David had many faithful advisors and supporters, but there were limits to his successfulness in reaching the high standard he set for the realm of his kingdom. For all of David’s human weaknesses, he never tolerated the worship of any false gods, but always directed confession and praise to the LORD God. Psalm 103:10–14 reveals his heart: “He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.”

David’s greatest desire was to see the name of the LORD magnified. The LORD will always bring about his promises in a just manner. As we look back at the word of the LORD first given to David about his descendent who would be king forever, we can see that the fulfillment could come only in the King of Kings. 2 Samuel 7:16 “Thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.” Solomon was not chastened with the stripes of men, but our Lord Jesus was, as our transgression was transferred onto him. Isaiah 9:7 “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Through his mercy he took our penalty and purged our sins to satisfy the justice of God. Hebrews 1:8 “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.” 1 Timothy 1:17 “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”