Old Testament
Psalms 26
Overview
Psalm 26 is a prayer for vindication in which David asks God to examine and test him, confident in his integrity and his love for the LORD's house. He contrasts himself with the deceitful and wicked, declaring that he washes his hands in innocence and walks around God's altar, that he hates the assembly of evildoers, and that he loves the place where God's glory dwells. He closes by asking to be redeemed and graciously treated, standing on level ground and blessing the LORD in the congregation.
1By David. Judge me, Yahweh, for I have walked in my integrity. I have trusted also in Yahweh without wavering.
2Examine me, Yahweh, and prove me. Try my heart and my mind.
3For your loving kindness is before my eyes. I have walked in your truth.
4I have not sat with deceitful men, neither will I go in with hypocrites.
5I hate the assembly of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked.
6I will wash my hands in innocence, so I will go about your altar, Yahweh,
7that I may make the voice of thanksgiving to be heard and tell of all your wondrous deeds.
8Yahweh, I love the habitation of your house, the place where your glory dwells.
9Don’t gather my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men
10in whose hands is wickedness; their right hand is full of bribes.
11But as for me, I will walk in my integrity. Redeem me, and be merciful to me.
12My foot stands in an even place. In the congregations I will bless Yahweh.