10 In whose hands is wickedness, And their right hand is full of bribes.
In thee have they taken bribes to shed blood; thou hast taken interest and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbors by oppression, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord Jehovah. Behold, therefore, I have smitten my hand at thy dishonest gain which thou hast made, and at thy blood which hath been in the midst of thee.
Then were gathered together the chief priests, and the elders of the people, unto the court of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas; and they took counsel together that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him.
Woe to them that devise iniquity and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand. And they covet fields, and seize them; and houses, and take them away: and they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage. Therefore thus saith Jehovah: Behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks, neither shall ye walk haughtily; for it is an evil time.
Destroy, O Lord, `and' divide their tongue; For I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: Iniquity also and mischief are in the midst of it. Wickedness is in the midst thereof: Oppression and guile depart not from its streets.
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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.