Psalms 26:2-12

2 Examine me, Yahweh, and prove me. Try my heart and my mind.

3 For your lovingkindness is before my eyes. I have walked in your truth.

4 I have not sat with deceitful men, Neither will I go in with hypocrites.

5 I hate the assembly of evil-doers, And will not sit with the wicked.

6 I will wash my hands in innocence, So I will go about your altar, Yahweh;

7 That I may make the voice of thanksgiving to be heard, And tell of all your wondrous works.

8 Yahweh, I love the habitation of your house, The place where your glory dwells.

9 Don't gather my soul with sinners, Nor my life with bloodthirsty men;

10 In whose hands is wickedness, Their right hand is full of bribes.

11 But as for me, I will walk in my integrity. Redeem me, and be merciful to me.

12 My foot stands in an even place. In the congregations will I bless Yahweh.

Psalms 26:2-12 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.