I will sing of Your loving devotion and justice; to You, O LORD, I will sing praise. I will singThe phrase "I will sing" indicates a personal commitment to worship through music. In the Hebrew text, the verb "sing" (אָשִׁירָה, ashirah) is in the cohortative form, expressing a strong intention or resolve. Singing in ancient Israel was a primary mode of worship and expression of faith, often accompanied by instruments. This act of singing is not merely a performance but a heartfelt declaration of God's attributes, inviting the worshiper into a deeper relationship with the Divine. of Your loving devotion
The term "loving devotion" is translated from the Hebrew word "חֶסֶד" (chesed), which encompasses God's steadfast love, mercy, and covenantal faithfulness. Chesed is a central theme in the Old Testament, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to His people. It is a love that is both relational and enduring, often associated with the covenantal promises made to the patriarchs. This loving devotion is a cause for celebration and gratitude, as it assures believers of God's unchanging nature and His benevolent care. and justice
The word "justice" comes from the Hebrew "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat), which refers to God's righteous judgment and His moral order. Justice in the biblical sense is not merely punitive but restorative, aiming to bring about righteousness and equity. It reflects God's character as a just ruler who upholds truth and fairness. The pairing of "loving devotion" and "justice" highlights the balance in God's nature, where His mercy and righteousness coexist harmoniously, providing a model for human conduct. to You, O LORD
The use of "O LORD" translates the sacred name of God, "יְהוָה" (YHWH), often rendered as "Yahweh." This name is deeply significant, representing God's eternal existence and His covenantal relationship with Israel. By addressing God directly, the psalmist acknowledges His sovereignty and personal involvement in the lives of His people. It is a reminder of the intimate and personal nature of worship, where the believer engages directly with the Creator. I will sing praise
The repetition of "I will sing" emphasizes the psalmist's dedication to worship. The Hebrew word for "praise" (זַמֵּרָה, zamerah) suggests a joyful and exuberant expression of adoration. This act of praise is not only a response to God's attributes but also a means of proclaiming His glory to others. It serves as a testimony of faith, encouraging the community to join in the celebration of God's goodness and justice. Through praise, believers align their hearts with God's purposes, finding joy and strength in His presence. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 101, David was the second king of Israel, known for his heart for God and his role in establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with His people. 3. Loving Devotion (Hebrew: "chesed")A key attribute of God, often translated as "steadfast love" or "mercy," reflecting His covenantal faithfulness and kindness. 4. Justice (Hebrew: "mishpat")Represents God's righteous judgment and His commitment to fairness and equity. 5. PraiseThe act of worship and adoration directed towards God, acknowledging His attributes and deeds. Teaching Points The Balance of AttributesGod's character is perfectly balanced between loving devotion and justice. As believers, we are called to reflect this balance in our lives, showing mercy while upholding righteousness. The Call to PraisePraise is not just an emotional response but a deliberate act of the will. We are encouraged to continually offer praise to God, recognizing His attributes and deeds. Living Out God's AttributesAs followers of Christ, we are to embody God's loving devotion and justice in our interactions with others, striving to be fair, compassionate, and faithful. The Role of Worship in LeadershipDavid, as a leader, sets an example by prioritizing worship and aligning his rule with God's character. Leaders today can learn from this by integrating worship and godly principles into their leadership. The Importance of Covenant RelationshipUnderstanding "chesed" as covenantal love reminds us of the importance of our relationship with God, which is based on His faithfulness and our response in obedience and worship. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we practically balance loving devotion and justice in our daily lives, especially in our interactions with others? 2. In what ways does understanding God's "chesed" (loving devotion) deepen our relationship with Him and influence our worship? 3. How can leaders today apply the principles of loving devotion and justice in their leadership roles, both in the church and in secular settings? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's justice and loving devotion in your life. How did it impact your faith and understanding of His character? 5. How do the themes of loving devotion and justice in Psalm 101:1 connect with the call to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God as seen in Micah 6:8? How can this connection guide our daily walk with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Micah 6:8This verse emphasizes the importance of acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God, which aligns with the themes of loving devotion and justice in Psalm 101:1. Psalm 89:14This verse speaks of righteousness and justice as the foundation of God's throne, highlighting the integral nature of these attributes in God's character. 1 Chronicles 16:34This verse calls for giving thanks to the LORD for His goodness and enduring love, paralleling the call to praise in Psalm 101:1. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics David, Gt, Judgment, Justice, Kindness, L, Love, Loving, Lovingkindness, Loving-kindness, Loyalty, Lt, Melody, Mercy, O, Praise, Praises, Psalm, Psalms, Righteousness, Sing, SongDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 101:1 7960 singing 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 Links Psalm 101:1 NIVPsalm 101:1 NLTPsalm 101:1 ESVPsalm 101:1 NASBPsalm 101:1 KJV
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