Experiences of people in the past are often human illustrations of coming events prophesied concerning our Lord’s return and kingdom teaching. This psalm may have been a code of ethics that kings in Israel, beginning with David, who wrote them, were expected to follow. It illustrates the Righteous King who is yet to come, our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the King of Righteousness and the King of Peace. He behaved perfectly when He was here, carrying out His Father’s will as Jehovah’s Perfect Servant. The description of Christ's reign on earth gives us a view of His benevolence and just authority being carried out on the righteous and the wicked. Righteousness will be recognized and rewarded, and wickedness will be judged and punished.
David had lofty goals for his kingship. He wrote these basic principles for resolving issues between people. He exalts the two fundamental principles of justice to the wicked and faithfulness to the righteous, and commits to loyalty to the Lord. He vows to keep them personally and to have them followed in the kingdom. His commitment to walk with integrity and sincerity and to not have fellowship with those who reject the truth and holiness of life was undoubtedly a lofty pledge. For the most part, his reign was under the authority of God’s word and God’s laws.
Uprightness and integrity of heart are fundamental requirements in our relationship with God. Abstaining from wickedness and apostasy is our responsibility to our Lord and to His people with whom we have fellowship. The pattern of God’s love and justice made it a model for the king and us in our service to our Lord. Mercy bound the king and the people together, and to God, from whom we also obtain it in times of need. A pledge to be righteous personally and consistent in our lives should be made. We can live blamelessly if we avoid looking at evil, having evil people as associates, refusing to listen to or act with slander, and rejecting pride.
“Blameless” is the high standard leaders are challenged to meet, particularly in public life and service. The commitment of the heart to the Lord lifts a leader above what pleases men. This will involve rejecting evil and those who promote it. David committed himself to having advisors who were faithful and blameless to give him advice. He fully intended to avoid those whose hearts were inclined to lie, be deceptive, and were depraved. He would not allow those who thought they were better or higher than other people to serve him.
Mercy and justice are guiding principles that make our intentions plain. It is right to look favorably on those faithful to God and His word, and it is right to have nothing to do with one who slanders others. The righteous can serve the Lord, but the proud and arrogant will be rejected. Double-dealing is rejected, and those in David’s kingdom were put away from the kingdom. On the other hand, those with spiritual and moral integrity could assist the king in leadership roles.
It should be our intention and desire to do what is right before the Lord with a “perfect heart.” There are qualities of character and life expected from a person in a public position of responsibility that make their judgments acceptable. The standards of God are given for us to live by, so we should be aware of what they are. When taking a stand against wrong, we must have clear minds and the right motives to make the necessary decisions. As David said, early morning is an excellent time to think about how best to deal with wickedness so that justice will be carried out and the people of God will be kept safe. In a personal way, we need to choose as friends and models those who are godly, truthful people. We must keep close contact with “the faithful in the land.”