2 Examine me, O Jehovah, and prove me; Try my heart and my mind.
O let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish thou the righteous: For the righteous God trieth the minds and hearts.
Thou hast proved my heart; thou hast visited me in the night; Thou hast tried me, and findest nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
Doth not he see my ways, And number all my steps? If I have walked with falsehood, And my foot hath hasted to deceit; (Let me be weighed in an even balance, That God may know mine integrity);
For thou, O God, hast proved us: Thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.
But, O Jehovah of hosts, that triest the righteous, that seest the heart and the mind, let me see thy vengeance on them; for unto thee have I revealed my cause.
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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.