@souloftorah: Psalm 101 is attributed to King David and is sometimes called the "King's Psalm" because it outlines his personal code of ethics as a ruler. According to the Jewish commentator Ibn Ezra, this psalm was meant to be sung not only by David but also by every leader who seeks to rule with righteousness. Rashi interprets the opening verse as David’s declaration that he will sing of both God’s kindness (chesed) and judgment (mishpat), recognizing that both are divine attributes worthy of praise. Verse 6: Choosing the Faithful "My eyes are upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me." The Radak (Rabbi David Kimchi) explains that David is not looking at the wicked to bring them into his court; rather, he distances the wicked from his house and his presence. His attention is directed toward the faithful and trustworthy people of the land, and he brings them to him from wherever they may be, seating them at his side. Ibn Ezra adds that these faithful ones are chosen for the service of the king and for the administration of justice, ensuring that only the most upright serve in his court. "He who walks in the way of integrity", the Radak explains this as one who is wholehearted and honest in his conduct, "he shall serve me", he shall be appointed to serve the king and to stand before him in judgment. Verse 7: The Exclusion of the Deceitful "He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; he who speaks falsehood shall not be established before my eyes." The Radak explains that a person who practices deception (remiyah) will not be given any appointment or position in the king's house. Similarly, one who speaks lies will not be established before the king's eyes; the king will not even be able to look at him, let alone allow him to sit in his presence. Ibn Ezra adds that such a person will not be established in any position of honor or authority. Verse 8: The Morning Purge "Betimes I cut down all the wicked of the land; to cut off from the city of the LORD all workers of iniquity." The phrase "betimes" (lab'karim) means "in the mornings", day by day, continuously, as in Lamentations 3:23, "new every morning." According to the Radak, David will destroy all the wicked of the land wherever they may be, and certainly he will cut them off from the city of the Lord, which is Jerusalem. This verse expresses the king's commitment to purging evil from the nation on a daily basis, not as a one-time act but as a constant, vigilant effort. The Steinsaltz commentary explains that "every morning I cut down all the wicked of the land, ridding the city of the Lord, Jerusalem, of all evildoers." The Sefaria commentary on this passage explains that in this psalm, the poet "declares his commitment to walk in uprightness and integrity, in anticipation of being worthy of God’s presence." This is not merely a political program; it is a spiritual discipline. The king's inner circle must mirror the divine attributes of truth and righteousness, and his court must be a place where the presence of God can dwell. #psalms #psalm #jewishtiktok #souloftorah #torahsoul

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Sunday 21 June 2026 12:12:23 GMT