Psalms 26 DBY
Summary: A psalm of innocence in which the psalmist asks God to "vindicate me" and "test me... try my heart and my mind" (v. 1-2), Psalm 26 lists the company the speaker has avoided, hypocrites, evildoers, and the wicked (v. 4-5), as evidence of integrity. Its most vivid ritual image is washing hands in innocence before going around God's altar (v. 6), a gesture of ceremonial and moral purity. It closes with a plea not to be swept away with sinners, affirming instead a walk of integrity and a call for God's redemption and mercy.
1[A Psalm] of David. Judge me, O Jehovah, for I have walked in mine integrity, and I have confided in Jehovah: I shall not slip.
2Prove me, Jehovah, and test me; try my reins and my heart:
3For thy loving-kindness is before mine eyes, and I have walked in thy truth.
4I have not sat with vain persons, neither have I gone in with dissemblers;
5I have hated the congregation of evil-doers, and I have not sat with the wicked.
6I will wash my hands in innocency, and will encompass thine altar, O Jehovah,
7That I may cause the voice of thanksgiving to be heard, and declare all thy marvellous works.
8Jehovah, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thy glory dwelleth.
9Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with men of blood;
10In whose hands are evil devices, and their right hand is full of bribes.
11But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity. Redeem me, and be gracious unto me.
12My foot standeth in an even place; in the congregations will I bless Jehovah.
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