The Treasury of David
by C.H. Spurgeon

EXPOSITION OF THE PSALMS
(Psalms 101 Verse 8)

 

EXPOSITION

Verse 8. I will early destroy all the wicked of the land. At the very outset of his government he would promptly deal out justice to the worthless, he would leave them no rest, but make them leave their wickedness or feel the lash of the law. The righteous magistrate "beareth not the sword in vain." To favour sin is to discourage virtue; undue leniency to the bad is unkindness to the good. When our Lord comes in judgment, this verse will be fulfilled on a large scale; till then he sinks the judge in the Saviour, and bids men leave their sins and find pardon. Under the gospel we also are bidden to suffer long, and to be kind, even to the unthankful and the evil; but the office of the magistrate is of another kind, and he must have a sterner eye to justice than would be proper in private persons. Is he not to be a terror to evil doers?

That I may cut off all the wicked doers from the city of the Lord. Jerusalem was to be a holy city, and the psalmist meant to be doubly careful in purging it from ungodly men. Judgment must begin at the house of God. Jesus reserves his scourge of small cords for sinners inside the temple. How pure ought the church to be, and how diligently should all those who hold office therein labour to keep out and chase out men of unclean lives. Honourable offices involve serious responsibilities; to trifle with them will bring our own souls into guilt, and injure beyond calculation the souls of others. Lord, come to us, that we, in our several positions in life, may walk before thee with perfect hearts.

Verse 8. -- That I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD. As the kingdom of David was only a faint image of the kingdom of Christ, we ought to set Christ before our view; who, although he may bear with many hypocrites, yet as he will be the judge of the world, will at length call them all to on account, and separate the sheep from the goats. And if it seems to us that he tarries too long, we should think of that morning which will suddenly dawn, that all filthiness being purged away, true purity may shine forth. -- John Calvin.

Verse 8. -- Early. From some incidental notices of Scripture (2 Samuel 15:2; Psalms 101:8; 21:12), it has been inferred that judges ordinarily held their sessions in the morning. In a climate like that of Palestine, such a custom would be natural and convenient. It is doubtful, however, whether this passage expresses anything more than the promptness and zeal which a righteous judge exercises in the discharge of his duty. --E.P. Barrows, in "Biblical Geography and Antiquities".

Verse 8. -- The holy vow "to destroy all the wicked of the lands": and to "cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord," must begin at our own hearts as his sanctuary, the temple of the Holy Ghost. --Alfred Edersheim.

 

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 8. -- The work of the great King when he comes in judgment.

WORKS ON THE HUNDRED AND FIRST PSALM.

In CHANDLER's "Life of David", Vol. II, pp. 16-20, there is an Exposition of this Psalm. "King David's Vow for Reformation of Himselfe, his Family, his Kingdome. Delivered in twelve sermons before the Prince his Highhesse vpon Psalme 101. By GEORGE HAKEWlLL, Dr. in Diuinity. London 1622".