A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.

PSALMS 101:1KJV
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Psalms 101:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 101:1 mean?

Psalms 101:1 describes David’s intention to sing to the LORD about both mercy and judgment, expressing his commitment to praise God for both kindness and justice. The verse shows David addressing God directly, promising to celebrate these two important qualities in his worship.

David, the king of Israel, is the speaker here, and he is making a personal declaration to God. The setting is one of devotion, where David is preparing himself to lead with integrity. By mentioning both mercy and judgment, David highlights that God’s character includes steadfast love as well as fairness, and both deserve to be honored in song.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 101:1

  • חֶסֶד (chesed; mercy): This word often means steadfast love or loyal kindness, not just simple mercy. David’s praise includes God’s faithful, covenant-keeping love, which is a central theme in many psalms.
  • מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat; judgment): This word refers to justice or right judgment. David is not only praising God’s kindness but also His commitment to what is right and fair.
  • אָשִׁירָה (ashirah; I will sing): The verb here is a personal, intentional act. David is not just talking about God; he is actively choosing to sing about these qualities, making worship a deliberate response.

Why Psalms 101:1 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that worship should focus only on God’s kindness; it shows that God’s justice is equally worthy of praise.
  • By pairing mercy and judgment, David sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which deals with how a leader should balance compassion and fairness.
  • The verse reminds readers that true worship involves recognizing the full character of God, not just the qualities that feel comfortable or easy to celebrate.

Where else these words appear

“sing” Hebrew H2167 · used in 41 verses

  • Judges 5:3 Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel.
  • Psalms 47:7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
  • Psalms 98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.

“Psalm” Hebrew H4210 · used in 57 verses

  • Psalms 3:1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
  • Psalms 38:1 A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
  • Psalms 77:1 To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of Asaph. I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.

“sing” Hebrew H7891 · used in 79 verses

  • Exodus 15:1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
  • Ezra 7:7 And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
  • Psalms 65:13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.