Psalms 26

King James Version

Full text for Psalms Chapter 26

1¶ [A Psalm] of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; [therefore] I shall not slide.

2Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

3For thy lovingkindness [is] before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.

4I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

5I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

6¶ I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:

7That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

8LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

9Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:

10In whose hands [is] mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.

11But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.

12My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

David appeals to the LORD for judgment, asserting his integrity and trust in God, and requesting divine examination. He declares his separation from the wicked and his commitment to walking in God's truth and loving the divine habitation. David resolves to approach God's altar with innocency, offering thanksgiving, and anticipates blessing the LORD in congregations. He seeks redemption and mercy, confident in his steadfast path.

Medium Summary

In this Psalm, David calls upon the LORD to judge him, affirming his consistent walk in integrity and his unwavering trust in God. He invites divine scrutiny, asking the LORD to examine his innermost being, his "reins and heart." David attributes his steadfastness to God's lovingkindness and truth, which guide his path. He explicitly states his refusal to associate with vain persons, dissemblers, or the congregation of evil doers. Instead, he expresses a desire to wash his hands in innocency before approaching God's altar, intending to publish thanksgiving and recount God's wondrous works. David also voices his deep affection for the LORD's house and the place of His honour, praying not to be gathered with sinners or corrupt individuals. He concludes by reiterating his commitment to integrity, seeking redemption and mercy, and confidently standing in an "even place" to bless the LORD publicly.

Long Summary

The Psalm opens with David's earnest plea to the LORD for judgment, asserting his blameless conduct and unwavering trust in the divine. He boldly invites the LORD to "examine" and "prove" him, requesting a thorough scrutiny of his "reins and heart," signifying his deepest thoughts and emotions. David grounds his appeal in the constant presence of God's lovingkindness before his eyes and his consistent walk in divine truth. He then delineates his ethical boundaries, stating unequivocally that he has not associated with "vain persons" or "dissemblers," nor will he sit with the "wicked" or "evil doers," expressing a profound hatred for their company. This separation underscores his commitment to righteousness. David articulates his intention to perform ritual purification, "wash[ing] mine hands in innocency," as a prerequisite for approaching the LORD's altar. His purpose in this act is to "publish with the voice of thanksgiving" and to "tell of all thy wondrous works," demonstrating a heart full of praise. He further declares his deep affection for the "habitation of thy house" and the sacred place where God's honour resides. A significant petition follows, wherein David implores the LORD not to gather his soul with sinners or his life with "bloody men," whom he characterizes as having "mischief" in their hands and "bribes" in their right hand. This highlights his desire for a righteous end, distinct from the fate of the corrupt. Concluding his address, David reaffirms his personal resolve to "walk in mine integrity," and humbly requests divine redemption and mercy. He expresses confidence in his spiritual stability, declaring, "My foot standeth in an even place," and pledges to bless the LORD publicly "in the congregations."

Core Concepts

  • Divine Judgment and ExaminationDavid appeals to the LORD to judge and examine his heart and reins, trusting in his integrity. This highlights a desire for divine scrutiny and vindication based on his conduct.
  • Integrity and TrustDavid repeatedly asserts his "integrity" and "trust in the LORD," presenting these as the foundation of his plea and his steadfastness. His walk is characterized by faithfulness to God's truth.
  • Separation from the WickedDavid explicitly states his refusal to associate with "vain persons," "dissemblers," "evil doers," and "wicked" individuals. This emphasizes his commitment to a righteous lifestyle distinct from the ungodly.
  • Worship and ThanksgivingDavid intends to "wash mine hands in innocency" to approach God's altar, where he will "publish with the voice of thanksgiving" and declare God's "wondrous works." This illustrates a pure approach to worship and praise.
  • Love for God's HouseDavid expresses deep affection for "the habitation of thy house" and "the place where thine honour dwelleth." This signifies a reverence for the sacred space of divine presence and worship.
  • Plea for Redemption and MercyDespite his asserted integrity, David still seeks "redeem me, and be merciful unto me," acknowledging his dependence on God's grace. This shows humility alongside his assertion of righteousness.
  • Public PraiseDavid concludes by stating his intention to "bless the LORD" publicly "in the congregations," demonstrating a commitment to communal worship and declaration of God's goodness.