The author of the One hundred and first Psalm is a poet-king about to ascend Israel’s throne. He gives us no clue as to his pedigree, but he makes crystal clear the objectives of his coming reign. For he has evidently prepared the psalm as an inaugural for his coronation. Obviously convinced that he is God’s ambassador, he uses the occasion to tell his people in no uncertain terms that he intends to model his earthly administration after the Lord’s heavenly one; and toward that end he will exercise both lovingkindness and judgment without regard to affluence or rank. That the prophets have strongly influenced him in this decision is apparent in his opening promise.

I will sing of loyalty and of justice;
I will give heed to the way that is blameless ... (Psalm 101:1, 2a)

In a few simple w…