Psalm 26:2

2 Prove me, O Lord, and try me; purify as with fire my reins and my heart.

Psalm 26:2 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 26:2

Examine me, O Lord
His cause, his integrity, and trust in the Lord, as silver and gold are examined by the touchstone, the word of God, which is the standard of faith and practice;

and prove me;
or "tempt me" ^F18; as Abraham was tempted by the Lord; and his faith in him, and fear of him, and love to him, were proved to be true and genuine;

try my reins and my heart;
the thoughts, desires, and affections of it, as gold and silver are tried in the furnace; and so God sometimes tries the faith and patience of his people by afflictive providences; and this examination, probation, and trial, are made by him, not for his own sake, who knows the hearts and ways of all men; but for the sake of others, to make known either to themselves or others the truth of grace that is in them, and the uprightness of their hearts and ways; and it was on this account the psalmist desired to pass under such an examination.

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FOOTNOTES:

F18 (ynon) "tenta me", Pagninus, Montanus, Junius & Tremellius

Psalm 26:2 In-Context

1 Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in my innocence: and hoping in the Lord I shall not be moved.

2 Prove me, O Lord, and try me; purify as with fire my reins and my heart.

3 For thy mercy is before mine eyes: and I am well pleased with thy truth.

4 I have not sat with the council of vanity, and will in nowise enter in with transgressors.

5 I have hated the assembly of wicked doers; and will not sit with ungodly men.

6 I will wash my hands in innocency, and compass thine altar, O Lord:

7 to hear the voice of praise, and to declare all thy wonderful works.

8 O Lord, I have loved the beauty of thy house, and the place of the tabernacle of thy glory.

9 Destroy not my soul together with the ungodly, nor my life with bloody men:

10 in whose hands are iniquities, and their right hand is filled with bribes.

11 But I have walked in my innocence: redeem me, and have mercy upon me.

12 My foot stands in an even place: in the congregations will I bless thee, O Lord.