Psalms 26:1-10

1 By David: Vindicate me, ADONAI, for I have lived a blameless life; unwaveringly I trust in ADONAI.

2 Examine me, ADONAI, test me, search my mind and heart.

3 For your grace is there before my eyes, and I live my life by your truth.

4 I have not sat with worthless folks, I won't consort with hypocrites,

5 I hate the company of evildoers, I will not sit with the wicked.

6 I will wash my hands in innocence and walk around your altar, ADONAI,

7 lifting my voice in thanks and proclaiming all your wonders.

8 ADONAI, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory abides.

9 Don't include me with sinners or my life with the bloodthirsty.

10 In their hands are evil schemes; their right hands are full of bribes.

Psalms 26:1-10 Meaning and Commentary

Psalm of David. The occasion of this psalm seems to be the quarrel between Saul and David, the former listening to calumnies and reproaches cast upon the latter, and persecuting him in a violent manner. The argument of it is the same, in a great measure, with the seventh psalm, and is an appeal made to God, the Judge of the whole earth, by the psalmist, for his innocence and integrity; Theodoret thinks it was written by David when he fled from Saul.