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Psalm 26

Plea for Justice and Declaration of Righteousness

Of David.

1

Vindicate me, O L ord,

for I have walked in my integrity,

and I have trusted in the L ord without wavering.

2

Prove me, O L ord, and try me;

test my heart and mind.

3

For your steadfast love is before my eyes,

and I walk in faithfulness to you.

 

4

I do not sit with the worthless,

nor do I consort with hypocrites;

5

I hate the company of evildoers,

and will not sit with the wicked.

 

6

I wash my hands in innocence,

and go around your altar, O L ord,

7

singing aloud a song of thanksgiving,

and telling all your wondrous deeds.

 

8

O L ord, I love the house in which you dwell,

and the place where your glory abides.

9

Do not sweep me away with sinners,

nor my life with the bloodthirsty,

10

those in whose hands are evil devices,

and whose right hands are full of bribes.

 

11

But as for me, I walk in my integrity;

redeem me, and be gracious to me.

12

My foot stands on level ground;

in the great congregation I will bless the L ord.


This verse may be explained in two ways. Some are of opinion that David declares how carefully he had studied uprightness among men; but I rather think that he celebrates the grace of God towards him, and, at the same time, vows his gratitude. By the use of the metaphor, therefore, he tells us that he was preserved in safety. And as he knew that it was the hand of God alone which enabled him to stand, he therefore addresses himself to the exercise of praise and thanksgiving. Nor does he merely say, that he will acknowledge in private the goodness of God bestowed upon him, but in public also, that the assemblies of God’s people may be witnesses of it. It is highly necessary that every one should publicly celebrate his experience of the grace of God, as an example to others to confide in him. 578578     “Qu’elle soit celebree publiquement; afin qu’elle serve d’exempleaux autres pour se confermer en Dieu.” — Fr.


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