Psalms 26:1-9

1 Lord, defend me because I have lived an innocent life. I have trusted the Lord and never doubted.

2 Lord, try me and test me; look closely into my heart and mind.

3 I see your love, and I live by your truth.

4 I do not spend time with liars, nor do I make friends with those who hide their sin.

5 I hate the company of evil people, and I won't sit with the wicked.

6 I wash my hands to show I am innocent, and I come to your altar, Lord.

7 I raise my voice in praise and tell of all the miracles you have done.

8 Lord, I love the Temple where you live, where your glory is.

9 Do not kill me with those sinners or take my life with those murderers.

Psalms 26:1-9 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.