Psalms 26:1-9

1 Declare me innocent, O LORD, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.

2 Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart.

3 For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth.

4 I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites.

5 I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked.

6 I wash my hands to declare my innocence. I come to your altar, O LORD,

7 singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders.

8 I love your sanctuary, LORD, the place where your glorious presence dwells.

9 Don’t let me suffer the fate of sinners. Don’t condemn me along with 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.