1 > Judge me, Yahweh, for I have walked in my integrity. I have trusted also in Yahweh without wavering.
2 Examine me, Yahweh, and prove me. Try my heart and my mind.
3 For your loving kindness is before my eyes. I have walked in your truth.
4 I have not sat with deceitful men, Neither will I go in with hypocrites.
5 I hate the assembly of evil-doers, And will not sit with the wicked.
6 I will wash my hands in innocence, So I will go about your altar, Yahweh;
7 That I may make the voice of thanksgiving to be heard, And tell of all your wondrous works.
8 Yahweh, I love the habitation of your house, The place where your glory dwells.
9 Don't gather my soul with sinners, Nor my life with bloodthirsty men;
10 In whose hands is wickedness, Their right hand is full of bribes.
11 But as for me, I will walk in my integrity. Redeem me, and be merciful to me.
12 My foot stands in an even place. In the congregations I will bless Yahweh.
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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.