Psalms 26

Examine me, O Lord

indicate me, Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered. ²Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;a ³for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.

⁴I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites. ⁵I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked. ⁶I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, Lord, ⁷proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds.

⁸Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells. ⁹Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with those who are bloodthirsty, ¹⁰in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.

¹¹I lead a blameless life; deliver me and be merciful to me. ¹²My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the Lord.

Commentary

Psalm 26 is a prayer of David that blends a plea for vindication with a declaration of integrity. The psalmist invites God to examine his life, not out of self-righteousness, but from a clear conscience rooted in trust. He contrasts his own devotion with the company of the wicked, l

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Bible Dictionary· Psalms 26(5)

House Place Right Soul The Way

References· Psalms 26

a: v.2 — Psalms 139:23-24, Psalms 7:9, Psalms 17:3, Zechariah 13:9, Job 13:23, Jeremiah 20:12, Job 31:4-6, Psalms 66:10

Midvash cross references + OpenBible.info data (CC BY 4.0).

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