◄ Psalm 101:8 ►
Every morning I will remove all the wicked of the land, that I may cut off every evildoer from the city of the LORD.
Study Bible
Every morning
The phrase "every morning" signifies a consistent and diligent effort. In the Hebrew context, the word for "morning" (בֹּקֶר, boqer) often symbolizes new beginnings and the renewal of God's mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23). This daily commitment reflects a disciplined life dedicated to righteousness and justice. Historically, morning was a time for important decisions and judgments in ancient Israel, as leaders would gather at the city gates to administer justice. This phrase underscores the importance of starting each day with a focus on God's will and the pursuit of holiness.

I will destroy
The Hebrew root for "destroy" (שָׁמַד, shamad) conveys a sense of complete eradication or removal. In the context of this psalm, it reflects a proactive stance against evil and wickedness. The psalmist, likely King David, is expressing his commitment to purging his kingdom of those who do not align with God's standards. This is not merely a physical destruction but a spiritual cleansing, ensuring that unrighteousness does not take root in the community. It is a call to action for believers to actively oppose sin in their lives and environments.

all the wicked
The term "wicked" (רָשָׁע, rasha) in Hebrew refers to those who are morally wrong, guilty, or hostile to God. In the biblical narrative, the wicked are often contrasted with the righteous, highlighting a clear distinction between those who follow God's ways and those who do not. This phrase emphasizes the psalmist's dedication to upholding God's justice by removing those who perpetuate evil. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle between good and evil and the believer's role in standing firm against unrighteousness.

in the land
The phrase "in the land" (בָּאָרֶץ, ba'aretz) refers to the physical territory of Israel, which holds significant theological importance. The land was a gift from God to His people, a place where they were to live out His commandments and reflect His glory. By committing to remove wickedness from the land, the psalmist is ensuring that it remains a holy place, dedicated to God's purposes. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's people being set apart and the land being a symbol of His covenant and blessings.

I will cut off
The phrase "I will cut off" (אַצְמִית, atzmit) suggests a decisive and final action. The Hebrew root implies a severing or removal, often used in the context of divine judgment. This reflects the seriousness with which the psalmist approaches the task of maintaining purity and righteousness. It is a commitment to not tolerate sin or allow it to flourish. For believers, this serves as a call to be vigilant in their spiritual lives, ensuring that anything contrary to God's will is decisively dealt with.

every evildoer
The term "evildoer" (פֹּעֲלֵי אָוֶן, po'alei aven) refers to those who actively engage in wrongdoing or injustice. The Hebrew word for "evil" (אָוֶן, aven) can also imply vanity or idolatry, suggesting a broader scope of sin. The psalmist's resolve to cut off every evildoer highlights the importance of not only avoiding sin but also addressing those who perpetuate it. This reflects a commitment to uphold God's standards and ensure that His justice prevails in the community.

from the city of the LORD
The "city of the LORD" (מֵעִיר יְהוָה, me'ir Yahweh) is a reference to Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of Israel. It is a place where God's presence dwells, and His name is honored. By ensuring that evildoers are removed from this sacred space, the psalmist is protecting the sanctity and holiness of the city. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's people being a light to the nations, living in a way that honors Him and draws others to His truth. For believers, it is a reminder of the importance of maintaining purity and righteousness in their own lives and communities.

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

2. The Wicked
Refers to those who act in opposition to God's laws and righteousness.

3. The City of the LORD
This is often understood as Jerusalem, the city where God's presence dwelt in the temple, symbolizing a place of holiness and divine order.
Teaching Points
Commitment to Daily Righteousness
David's resolve to "remove all the wicked" every morning suggests a daily commitment to righteousness. Believers are encouraged to start each day with a renewed dedication to living according to God's standards.

The Role of Leadership in Promoting Holiness
As a king, David's responsibility was to ensure that his kingdom reflected God's holiness. Christian leaders today are called to uphold and promote godly values in their spheres of influence.

The Importance of Community Purity
The focus on removing evildoers from "the city of the LORD" highlights the need for communities of faith to maintain purity and holiness, ensuring that they reflect God's character.

Vigilance Against Sin
The proactive stance of cutting off evildoers serves as a reminder to be vigilant against sin in our lives and communities, addressing it promptly and decisively.

God's Standard of Justice
This verse underscores the importance of aligning with God's standard of justice, which involves both mercy and accountability.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's commitment to removing wickedness every morning challenge your daily spiritual practices?

2. In what ways can you, as a leader in your community or family, promote righteousness and justice?

3. How does the concept of "the city of the LORD" apply to your local church or faith community today?

4. What steps can you take to be more vigilant against sin in your personal life?

5. How do other scriptures, such as Micah 6:8 or Matthew 5:8, reinforce the themes found in Psalm 101:8?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 15
This psalm outlines the characteristics of those who may dwell in the Lord's sanctuary, emphasizing integrity and righteousness, similar to the standards David sets in Psalm 101.

Proverbs 20:8
This verse speaks of a king who sits on the throne of judgment, scattering evil with his eyes, paralleling David's commitment to removing wickedness.

1 Kings 15:5
This passage highlights David's overall faithfulness to God, except in the matter of Uriah, showing his dedication to righteousness despite human failings.

Micah 6:8
This verse calls for justice, mercy, and humility before God, aligning with David's desire to uphold justice in his kingdom.

Matthew 5:8
Jesus' teaching on the pure in heart seeing God connects to the purity and righteousness David seeks in his rule.
Sermons
In the Mind's EyeFree Church Record.Psalm 101:8
Turning AsideR. Treffry.Psalm 101:8
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
102, Complaint, Cut, Cutting, Death, Destroy, Doers, Early, Evildoer, Evildoers, Evil-doers, Iniquity, Jerusalem, Morning, Overwhelmed, Poureth, Practice, Prayer, Psalm, Silence, Sinners, Wicked, Wickedness, Workers
Dictionary of Bible Themes
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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