Psalm 26:9

9 Let not my soul be numbered among sinners, or my life among men of blood;

Psalm 26:9 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 26:9

Gather not my soul with sinners
Profligate and abandoned ones, such as are notoriously profane, and who live and die impenitent ones; otherwise all men are sinners: the sense is, either that he desires that he might not, by any means, be brought into the company of such persons, be joined unto them, and have a conversation with them, which would be uncomfortable, dishonourable, and dangerous; or that God would not destroy him with them; and that he might not die the death of the wicked, nor be gathered with them at death: death is often expressed by a man's being gathered to his people, and to his fathers; see ( 2 Kings 22:20 ) ; the body is gathered to the grave, the soul returns to God that gave it, and has its place assigned by him; the souls of the righteous are gathered into heaven, Christ's garner; the souls of the wicked into hell; the psalmist deprecates being gathered with them;

nor my life with bloody men;
that thirst after blood, lie in wait for it, shed it, and are drunk with it, as the antichristian party; these God abhors and detests; nor shall they live out half their days, and their end is miserable.

Psalm 26:9 In-Context

7 That I may give out the voice of praise, and make public all the wonders which you have done.

8 Lord, your house has been dear to me, and the resting-place of your glory.

9 Let not my soul be numbered among sinners, or my life among men of blood;

10 In whose hands are evil designs, and whose right hands take money for judging falsely.

11 But as for me, I will go on in my upright ways: be my saviour, and have mercy on me.