Psalms 26:4-10

4 I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites.

5 I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.

6 I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, LORD,

7 proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds.

8 LORD, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells.

9 Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with those who are bloodthirsty,

10 in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.

Psalms 26:4-10 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.

Cross References

• 1. Psalms 1:1
• 2. Psalms 28:3; Matthew 6:2
• 3. Psalms 31:6; Psalms 139:21
• 4. Psalms 73:13; Matthew 27:24
• 5. Isaiah 42:12; Isaiah 60:6
• 6. S Joshua 3:5; Psalms 9:1
• 7. Psalms 122:6; Isaiah 66:10; Psalms 27:4
• 8. S Exodus 29:43; 2 Chronicles 7:1; Psalms 96:6
• 9. Psalms 5:6; Psalms 28:3; Psalms 55:23; Psalms 139:19; Proverbs 29:10
• 10. S Psalms 21:11
• 11. S Job 36:18; S Isaiah 1:23; S Ezekiel 22:12; 1 Samuel 8:3