deduce that David was being falsely accused.
In light of this fact, his protestations of innocence are not pride, but the just complaint of a man of God (verses 2-8).
Structurally, 4 intermingling prayers and proofs reveal the psalmist’s passion to worship the LORD in spirit and in truth.
I. His Situation (26:1).
A. His Prayer for Justice (26:1a);
B. His Proofs of Commitment (26:1b).
II. His Transparency (26:2-8).
A. His Prayer for Scrutiny (26:2);
B. His Proofs of Loyalty (26:3-8).
III. His Eschatological Outlook (26:9-11a).
A. His Prayers for Final Favor (26:9);
B. His proofs of Measurable Difference (26:10-11a).
IV. His Confidence (26:11b-12).
A. His Prayers Show Confidence in the Person of God (26:11b);
B. His Proofs Show Confidence in the Provision of God (26:12).
Psalm 26:1 Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; [therefore] I shall not slide.
“Judge me”:
Literally “Vindicate me”.
“I shall not slide”:
The slide here, is similar to what we would call backslide.
Psalm 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
“Examine me … prove … try”:
Theses 3 invitations to divine scrutiny are essentially synonymous ways of testing, refining, and purifying.
Psalm 26:3 For Thy lovingkindness [is] before mine eyes: and I have walked in Thy truth.
The psalmist now enters upon an enumeration of the points of conduct on which his confidence in his integrity rests.
Psalm 26:4 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.
That is, chosen or used to converse with them.
2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
Psalm 26:6 I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD.
Compass means to revolve around.
This then, means that David walked near and around the altar.
This washing of David's hands was very similar to Pilate.
They were both saying to those around, I am innocent, I wash my hands of the matter.
Psalm 26:9 Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men.
Do not bind me up in the same bundle, nor put me in the same accursed and miserable condition with them.
Psalm 26:11 But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.
David is saying, as for me and my house, we will serve God."
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