2 Put me in the scales, O Lord, so that I may be tested; let the fire make clean my thoughts and my heart.
O let the evil of the evil-doer come to an end, but give strength to the upright: for men's minds and hearts are tested by the God of righteousness.
You have put my heart to the test, searching me in the night; you have put me to the test and seen no evil purpose in me; I will keep my mouth from sin.
Does he not see my ways, and are not my steps all numbered? If I have gone in false ways, or my foot has been quick in working deceit; (Let me be measured in upright scales, and let God see my righteousness:)
For you, O God, have put us to the test: testing us by fire like silver.
But, O Lord of armies, testing the upright and seeing the thoughts and the heart, let me see your punishment come on them; for I have put my cause before you.
And I will make the third part go through the fire, cleaning them as silver is made clean, and testing them as gold is tested: and they will make their prayer to me and I will give them an answer: I will say, It is my people; and they will say, The Lord is my God.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 26
Commentary on Psalms 26 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 26
Ps 26:1-12. After appealing to God's judgment on his avowed integrity and innocence of the charges laid by his enemies, the Psalmist professes delight in God's worship, and prays for exemption from the fate of the wicked, expressing assurance of God's favor.
1. Judge—decide on my case; the appeal of innocence.
in mine integrity—freedom from blemish (compare Ps 25:21). His confidence of perseverance results from trust in God's sustaining grace.
2. He asks the most careful scrutiny of his affections and thoughts (Ps 7:9), or motives.
3. As often, the ground of prayer for present help is former favor.
4-8. As exemplified by the fruits of divine grace, presented in his life, especially in his avoiding the wicked and his purposes of cleaving to God's worship.
6. wash mine hands—expressive symbol of freedom from sinful acts (compare Mt 27:24).
8. the habitation of thy house—where Thy house rests, as the tabernacle was not yet permanently fixed.
honour dwelleth—conveys an allusion to the Holy of Holies.
9. Gather not, &c.—Bring me not to death.
bloody men—(compare Ps 5:6).
10. Their whole conduct is that of violence and fraud.
11, 12. But, &c.—He contrasts his character and destiny with that of the wicked (compare Ps 26:1, 2).
12. even place—free from occasions of stumbling—safety in his course is denoted. Hence he will render to God his praise publicly.