Psalm 26: Declarations of Righteousness

Of David.

[Preliminary Comments: It is often forgotten that we live in a fallen world where, because of Sin, things go wrong, other people are nasty, accidents occur and illnesses are contracted – NOT because of our sin. Yes, we are redeemed sinners and we ARE still prone to getting it wrong sometimes [see 1 Jn 2:1,2] but present suffering may not be because of our sin [as the book of Job shows]. This needs saying because David is pouring his heart out, claiming his innocence, while surrounded by others who are not so inclined. Although he does not say he is suffering in any way, the sense is of one who recognizes his need of the Lord, even if he can proffer his innocence, his righteousness.]

v.1 David calls on the Lord to exonerate his blameless, trusting life

v.1 Vindicate me, Lord,
    for I have led a blameless life;
I have trusted in the Lord
    and have not faltered.

v.2 He asks the Lord to check him out to see if what he says is true

v.2 Test me, Lord, and try me,
    examine my heart and my mind;

v.3 He has always sought to keep close to God and trust Him

v.3 for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love
    and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.

v.4,5 He’s stayed away from the deceitful hypocrites, evildoers, the wicked

v.4 I do not sit with the deceitful,
    nor do I associate with hypocrites.
v.5 I abhor the assembly of evildoers
    and refuse to sit with the wicked.

v.6,7 As he offers sacrifices [inferred] he does it with praise

v.6 I wash my hands in innocence,
    and go about your altar, Lord,
v.7 proclaiming aloud your praise
    and telling of all your wonderful deeds.

v.8 His joy is being in God’s house with Him

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

v.9,10 He asks to be disassociated from bloodthirsty sinners and their ways

v.9 Do not take away my soul along with sinners,
    my life with those who are bloodthirsty,
v.10 in whose hands are wicked schemes,
    whose right hands are full of bribes.

v.11,12 Because he seeks to be blameless he asks to be able to stand strong praising the Lord

v.11 I lead a blameless life;
    deliver me and be merciful to me.

v.12 My feet stand on level ground;
    in the great congregation I will praise the Lord

[Additional Thoughts: Declarations of righteousness are both positive – v.1-3 – and negative – v.4,5 – and are backed with declarations or testimonies – v.6-8 – and pave the way for petitions – v.9-11 – which results in a confidence that he can remain part of the community of God’s people in God’s presence who continue to praise His name. A most positive of psalms.

After perhaps going back and meditating on individual verses, now read it meaningfully out loud straight through:

1 Vindicate me, Lord,
    for I have led a blameless life;
I have trusted in the Lord
    and have not faltered.
2 Test me, Lord, and try me,
    examine my heart and my mind;
3 for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love
    and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.

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.
11 I lead a blameless life;
    deliver me and be merciful to me.

12 My feet stand on level ground;
    in the great congregation I will praise the Lord.

For those who may wish to make a study of this chapter, to perhaps think some more about what you have been reading, use the link below: