The first section “relates to the king’s heart and home, and the second to his court and city.” —W.G. Scroggie
To get the sense of Psalm 101, we need a refresher on the difference between “will” and “shall.” Moderns rarely use the latter, commandeering “will” for each occasion. But there is an important difference. We may have noticed in Psalm 23 the difference between “I shall not want” and “I will fear no evil” (vv 1, 4). When “shall” is used, it expresses a consequence. Because the Lord is my shepherd and looks after me so well, as a result I lack nothing. When “will” is used, it states a choice. We can fear in the valley of the shadow, but it’s a decision we make, willing ourselves to place our faith in the Lord rather than to fear. A sentiment frequently stated in the Old Testament is quoted in the New, using both words: “I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (2 Cor 6:16). When God makes the choice to select Israel as the channel of His blessing to the nations, as a result they become His people. This is explained at length by Paul in the 2 Corinthians 6 passage. So it’s obvious these two words dominate Psalm 101. The word “will” occurs ten times, nine of them referring to David’s choices. Then “shall” is used six times, describing the consequences of these choices. Psalm 101 divides in two. First, David declares his will to have personal integrity (vv 1-4). He then turns from the private to the public (vv 5-8), expressing his decision to deal with those who would be a bad influence in the kingdom, withdrawing from them. It really is an expansion on Psalm 1:1. These decisions in life, to “Come out from among them and be separate” (2 Cor 6:17), without being prideful or hypocritical, require spiritual poise. Or as David begins, “I will sing of mercy and justice” (Ps 101:1). That’s the winning combination for this challenge.