Godly Rulers Bring Just Government
The key to just government is found in Palm 101: Rulers who fear the Lord and walk in His ways. David writes this psalm as king of Israel, with the responsibility of leading the people in obedience to God’s law.
The first part of this psalm can be titled: Integrity of the King’s Person (1-4). David begins with an acknowledgement of loyalty and personal fellowship with the God of Israel (1). His praise is personal toward the Lord, and of virtues that are key to being a good ruler: covenant faithfulness, and justice. He says that he is committed to live blameless before the Lord in obedience to God’s commands. He will be obedient with a pure heart and keep his conscience clean (2). He says he will keep his eyes pure, avoiding anything worthless that may distract him from faithfulness to YHWH. He will avoid those that walk away from the truth so that he may not be dominated by wickedness himself (3-4). Brethren, focusing ones’s affections on the Lord and walking obediently to His word in the power of the Spirit is the only way you can live a life of integrity.
The second part of this psalm can be titled: Integrity of the King’s Rule (5-8). David says that the arrogant will have no place in his presence (5). Arrogant people stir up strife, dissensions, and conflict wherever they are allowed to endure. Rulers must identify these individuals who desire power and prestige above all else and remove them from their midst. The king must do what is right and just towards his people. He must reject those that practice deceit, to keep his administration just (6-7). Governments must seek to uphold justice in the land by punishing the wicked and protecting the innocent (6,8).