Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 26

Judge me. The psalmist asks God to examine and vindicate his case. Integrity. Avowal of innocence under false accusation does not exclude a due sense of sin. The psalmist recognizes his need of divine redemption and mercy (v. 11). Shall not slide. If I have the integrity that I maintain, I cannot slip, I shall not be moved (see on Ps. 15:5; 16:8).

Examine me. The psalmist asks God to scrutinize his conduct. The idea is repeated and emphasized in the verbs “prove” and “try.” Prove. Heb. nasah, “to test,” “to try.” Nasah is translated “tempt” in Gen. 22:1. Anciently “tempt” meant “to put to trial,” “to test.” Reins. Literally, “kidneys.” The word was anciently used to designate the seat of the emotions (see on Ps. 7:9).

Before mine eyes. Because the psalmist keeps God’s mercy before him as a lodestar, he is kept from evil and walks in the path of truth (see on Ps. 1:1). I have walked. This verse states the reason for the prayer of vs. 1, 2.

Have not sat. See on Ps. 1:1.

Vain persons. Literally, “men of vanity,” men who pursue worthless aims instead of true ideals (see Job 11:11; see on Ps. 24:4). Will I go in. See on Ps. 1:1. The change of tense to future suggests that he will continue to keep himself pure. The same significant change of tense appears also in v. 5.

Congregation of evil doers. The change of tense in this verse is analogous in significance to the change of tense in v. 4. These verses are strongly suggestive of the thought of Ps. 1:1.

Wash mine hands. The washing of hands was at times performed as a symbol of purity (see Deut. 21:6; Matt. 27:24). The psalmist pledges to preserve his soul in innocence so that he may approach God’s altar. “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord” (Isa. 52:11). Compass. The psalmist wishes to be pure so that he may join with the worshipers in the Temple.

That I may publish. Literally, “to cause to be heard.” The truly sincere child of God is eager to tell others of God’s goodness (see Ps. 9:1). A heart vocal with praise is one of the surest evidences of conversion.

I have loved. It is good to shun evil, but if religious activity ends there, the experience is negative; it is better to go to the place where God is—that is positive (see on Ps. 27:4). Honour. Heb. kabod, either “honor” or “glory.” In the sanctuary, where the distractions of the world are shut out, men may become conscious of God’s glory.

Gather. The psalmist does not wish to be numbered with sinners and swept away with them to ultimate destruction. My soul. That is, “me” (see on Ps. 3:2; 16:10). Bloody men. Literally, “men of blood,” that is, murderers.

I will walk. The psalmist is determined to continue to walk in the path he had hitherto trodden. This resolution is the ground for the prayer in the second part of the verse. Integrity. Heb. tom, “completeness” (see Prov. 2:7; 10:9; 28:6 for other occurrences of tom). Redeem me. The very fact that the psalmist prays for deliverance from sin, shows that he does not claim to be perfect in the absolute sense. Be merciful. By hearing my prayer (see Ps. 4:1).

My foot standeth. The psalmist claims the answer to his prayer: with the eye of faith he sees himself already standing literally “in a level place” (see Ps. 40:2; cf. Isa. 40:4). After traversing paths rough and dangerous, uphill and down, over stones and boulders, through brambles and brush, he breathes a great sigh of relief to find footing “in an even place.” This is the precious privilege of every child of God. Will I bless. Thus fulfilling the resolution of v. 7 (see Ps. 22:22). The psalm should lead us to examine the evidences of our loyalty to God, and when we have found a level place of Christian experience, to thank God for the evidences of our salvation. We need to cultivate the habit of thinking good thoughts, of avoiding evil company, of delighting in attendance at public worship; then we shall be able to bless Jehovah in the congregation of the righteous.