1 <Of David.> O Lord, be my judge, for my behaviour has been upright: I have put my faith in the Lord, I am not in danger of slipping.
2 Put me in the scales, O Lord, so that I may be tested; let the fire make clean my thoughts and my heart.
3 For your mercy is before my eyes; and I have gone in the way of your good faith.
4 I have not taken my seat with foolish persons, and I do not go with false men.
5 I have been a hater of the band of wrongdoers, and I will not be seated among sinners.
6 I will make my hands clean from sin; so will I go round your altar, O Lord;
7 That I may give out the voice of praise, and make public all the wonders which you have done.
8 Lord, your house has been dear to me, and the resting-place of your glory.
9 Let not my soul be numbered among sinners, or my life among men of blood;
10 In whose hands are evil designs, and whose right hands take money for judging falsely.
11 But as for me, I will go on in my upright ways: be my saviour, and have mercy on me.
12 I have a safe resting-place for my feet; I will give praise to the Lord in the meetings of the people.
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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.