Psalm 101:6
My eyes favor the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way of integrity shall minister to me.
My eyes favor the faithful of the land
This phrase emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and loyalty to God. In biblical times, the "faithful of the land" referred to those who adhered to God's covenant and commandments. The psalmist, traditionally King David, expresses a desire to surround himself with those who are committed to righteousness. This reflects the biblical principle found in Proverbs 2:8, where God guards the paths of justice and preserves the way of His saints. The "eyes" symbolize God's watchful care and approval, suggesting divine favor and blessing upon those who remain steadfast in their faith.

that they may dwell with me
The concept of dwelling implies a close, personal relationship and fellowship. In ancient Israel, to dwell with someone was to share in their life and community. This phrase indicates the psalmist's intention to create a community or court of individuals who are devoted to God. It echoes the covenantal promise found in Leviticus 26:11-12, where God promises to set His dwelling among His people. This also foreshadows the New Testament idea of believers being the temple of the Holy Spirit, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:16, where God dwells within His people.

he who walks in the way of integrity
Walking in integrity involves living a life that is consistent with God's laws and moral principles. In the Hebrew context, "walking" is often used metaphorically to describe one's conduct or way of life. Integrity is a key theme throughout the Bible, as seen in Job 2:3, where Job is described as a man of integrity despite his trials. This phrase underscores the importance of moral uprightness and ethical behavior, which are essential qualities for those who serve in positions of leadership or influence.

shall minister to me
To minister means to serve or attend to someone, often in a religious or official capacity. In the context of a king like David, those who ministered to him would have been his advisors, officials, and servants who played crucial roles in the administration of his kingdom. This phrase highlights the expectation that those in service to the king must be individuals of integrity and faithfulness. It also points to the broader biblical theme of servant leadership, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve, as stated in Mark 10:45.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 101, David is expressing his commitment to righteousness and integrity in his reign as king.

2. The Faithful of the Land
Refers to those who are loyal and devoted to God, living lives of integrity and righteousness.

3. The Way of Integrity
Represents a lifestyle characterized by honesty, moral uprightness, and adherence to God's commandments.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Integrity
Integrity is a key characteristic for those who wish to serve and dwell with God. It involves consistency in moral and ethical principles.

God's Watchful Eye
God actively seeks those who are faithful and live with integrity. This should encourage believers to strive for righteousness in their daily lives.

Community of the Faithful
Surrounding oneself with others who are committed to integrity can strengthen one's own walk with God.

Leadership and Integrity
Leaders, like David, are called to model integrity, influencing those they lead to pursue righteousness.

Dwelling with God
Living a life of integrity is not just about personal morality but is a prerequisite for a close relationship with God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of integrity in Psalm 101:6 compare to the qualities listed in Psalm 15 for those who may dwell with the Lord?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our lives reflect the "way of integrity" mentioned in Psalm 101:6?

3. How does the idea of God’s eyes being on the faithful encourage you in your personal walk with Him?

4. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a community of integrity around you, as suggested by the focus on the "faithful of the land"?

5. How can leaders today apply the principles of integrity from Psalm 101:6 in their leadership roles, both in the church and in secular settings?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 15
This psalm also emphasizes the qualities of those who may dwell with the Lord, highlighting integrity and righteousness.

Proverbs 11:3
Discusses the guidance of integrity and the destruction that comes from duplicity, reinforcing the value of walking in integrity.

1 Samuel 16:7
God looks at the heart, not outward appearances, aligning with the focus on inner integrity in Psalm 101:6.

Matthew 5:8
Jesus speaks of the pure in heart seeing God, connecting to the idea of the faithful dwelling with Him.

1 Peter 2:12
Encourages believers to live such good lives among the pagans that they may see their good deeds and glorify God, similar to the call for integrity in Psalm 101:6.
The Encouragement of the UprightR. Tuck Psalm 101:6
The King and His CourtPsalm 101:6
A Song of Mercy and JudgmentW. Arnot.Psalm 101:1-8
Mercy and JudgmentCarus Wilson, M.A.Psalm 101:1-8
Mercy and JudgmentJ. J. Wray.Psalm 101:1-8
Mercy and Judgment a Subject for PraisePsalm 101:1-8
Mercy and Judgment in NatureHugh Macmillan, D. D.Psalm 101:1-8
One Man in Two CharactersHomilistPsalm 101:1-8
The Ideal of a Royal Life; Or, David's Mirror of a MonarchC. Short Psalm 101:1-8
The Psalm of Grave, Sweet MelodyE. A. Thomson.Psalm 101:1-8
The Secret of a Happy LifeS. Conway Psalm 101:1-8
The Twofold SongW. Jay.Psalm 101:1-8
The Twofold Song of the BelieverJ. Burns, D.D.Psalm 101:1-8
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Blameless, Dwell, Faith, Faithful, Favor, Integrity, Minister, Perfect, Servant, Serve, Serveth, Walk, Walketh, Walking, Walks
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 101:6

     8251   faithfulness, to God

Psalm 101:5-8

     8751   false witness

Library
Why Should we not Believe These to be Angelic Operations through Dispensation of The...
16. Why should we not believe these to be angelic operations through dispensation of the providence of God, Who maketh good use of both good things and evil, according to the unsearchable depth of His judgments? whether thereby the minds of mortals be instructed, or whether deceived; whether consoled, or whether terrified: according as unto each one there is to be either a showing of mercy, or a taking of vengeance, by Him to Whom, not without a meaning, the Church doth sing "of mercy and of judgment."
St. Augustine—On Care to Be Had for the Dead.

Epistle xxxii. To Narses the Patrician.
To Narses the Patrician. Gregory to Narses, &c. Your most sweet Charity has said much to me in your letters in praise of my good deeds, to all which I briefly reply, Call me not Noemi, that is beautiful; but call me Mara, that is bitter; for I am full of bitterness (Ruth i. 20). But as to the cause of the presbyters [1555] , which is pending with my brother and fellow-bishop, the most reverend Patriarch John, we have, as I think, for our adversary the very man whom you assert to be desirous of observing
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Difference Between Union and Rapture. What Rapture Is. The Blessing it is to the Soul. The Effects of It.
1. I wish I could explain, with the help of God, wherein union differs from rapture, or from transport, or from flight of the spirit, as they speak, or from a trance, which are all one. [1] I mean, that all these are only different names for that one and the same thing, which is also called ecstasy. [2] It is more excellent than union, the fruits of it are much greater, and its other operations more manifold; for union is uniform in the beginning, the middle, and the end, and is so also interiorly.
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus

The Barren Fig-Tree.
"There were present at that season some that told him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The King --Continued.
In our last chapter we have seen that the key-note of "The Songs of the King" may be said to be struck in Psalm xviii. Its complete analysis would carry us far beyond our limits. We can but glance at some of the more prominent points of the psalm. The first clause strikes the key-note. "I love Thee, O Jehovah, my strength." That personal attachment to God, which is so characteristic of David's religion, can no longer be pent up in silence, but gushes forth like some imprisoned stream, broad and full
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

Of Civil Government.
OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT. This chapter consists of two principal heads,--I. General discourse on the necessity, dignity, and use of Civil Government, in opposition to the frantic proceedings of the Anabaptists, sec. 1-3. II. A special exposition of the three leading parts of which Civil Government consists, sec. 4-32. The first part treats of the function of Magistrates, whose authority and calling is proved, sec. 4-7. Next, the three Forms of civil government are added, sec. 8. Thirdly, Consideration
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy
Sermon I (November 2, 1148.)[1005] 1. A certain abundant blessing, dearly beloved, has been sent by the counsel of heaven to you this day; and if it were not faithfully divided, you would suffer loss, and I, to whom of a surety this office seems to have been committed, would incur danger. I fear therefore your loss, I fear my own damnation,[1006] if perchance it be said, The young children ask bread, and no man offereth it unto them.[1007] For I know how necessary for you is the consolation which
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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