Psalms 26 - ESV - Bible Reading / Study Notes

Psalm 26

I Will Bless the Lord

Of David.

26:1   Vindicate me, O LORD,
    for I have walked in my integrity,
    and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
2   Prove me, O LORD, and try me;
    test my heart and my mind.¹
3   For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
    and I walk in your faithfulness.
4   I do not sit with men of falsehood,
    nor do I consort with hypocrites.
5   I hate the assembly of evildoers,
    and I will not sit with the wicked.
6   I wash my hands in innocence
    and go around your altar, O LORD,
7   proclaiming thanksgiving aloud,
    and telling all your wondrous deeds.
8   O LORD, I love the habitation of your house
    and the place where your glory dwells.
9   Do not sweep my soul away with sinners,
    nor my life with bloodthirsty men,
10   in whose hands are evil devices,
    and whose right hands are full of bribes.
11   But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity;
    redeem me, and be gracious to me.
12   My foot stands on level ground;
    in the great assembly I will bless the LORD.

Footnotes

[1] 26:2 Hebrew test my kidneys and my heart

Commentary

A desire for godliness in the midst of an ungodly people.

v1-2: David's integrity, a desire to lead a blameless life, having trust in God. This is not a claim to perfection, but a willingness to be tested by God. Contrast Michal's words in 2 Sam 6.20-23. We should not pray these words lightly for ourselves.

v3: A heart set on obedience, whilst fully dependent on God.

v4-5: Avoid bad company; the man who wants to be godly cannot share fellowship with the ungodly. Such people will not promote spiritual growth. We do not just avoid such sins, but we avoid close company with those who persist in them.

v6-8: Desire for the very presence of God. It is not enough to avoid the fellowship of the ungodly, we must seek the presence of God; "your altar, O Lord,...the house where you live, O Lord, the place where your glory dwells."

v9-10: As in v4-5, avoiding the ways of the ungodly. We are confident that God makes a distinction between the godly and the ungodly.

v11-12: Walk in integrity, Ps 25.21; a desire for God's presence must accompany a godly walk.