Psalm 26:1-5

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 26:1-5

It is probable that David penned this psalm when he was persecuted by Saul and his party, who, to give some colour to their unjust rage, represented him as a very bad man, and falsely accused him of many high crimes and misdemeanors, dressed him up in the skins of wild beasts that they might bait him. Innocency itself is no fence to the name, though it is to the bosom, against the darts of calumny. Herein he was a type of Christ, who was made a reproach of men, and foretold to his followers... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 26:1

Judge me, O Lord ,.... Meaning not that God would enter into judgment with him, in respect to the justification of his person in his sight, which he knew was not by his own righteousness and integrity, but by the righteousness of God; but his view is, to the justification of his cause before men; and particularly to the difference between Saul and him; and entreats that God would interpose, take his cause in hand, judge between them, and vindicate him; for I have walked in mine integrity ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 26:2

Examine me, O Lord ,.... His cause, his integrity, and trust in the Lord, as silver and gold are examined by the touchstone, the word of God, which is the standard of faith and practice; and prove me ; or "tempt me" F18 נסני "tenta me", Pagninus, Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, &c.; ; as Abraham was tempted by the Lord; and his faith in him, and fear of him, and love to him, were proved to be true and genuine; try my reins and my heart ; the thoughts, desires, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 26:3

For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes ,.... The special lovingkindness of God, shown in the choice of him in Christ, in the provision of a Saviour for him, and in the effectual calling of him; which lovingkindness is unmerited, free, and sovereign, is from everlasting and to everlasting; it is better than life, excellent beyond expression, and marvellous: and this may be said to be "before his eyes"; because it was now in sight; he had a comfortable view of interest in it, and was... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 26:4

I have not sat with vain persons ,.... Or "men of vanity" F20 עם מתי שוא "cum hominibus vanitatis", Gejerus, Michaelis. ; who are full of it; who are addicted to the vanities of the world; who pursue the riches, honours, pleasures, and profits of it; which is no other than walking in a vain show: whose thoughts, words, and actions are vain; who are vainly puffed up in their fleshly mind, and walk in the vanity of it; who take the name of God in vain, and whose common discourse is... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 26:5

I have hated the congregation of evildoers ,.... That do harm to the persons, characters, or properties of men; and who meet together in bodies, to consult and form schemes to do mischief, and have their assemblies to encourage each other in it; these, their works and actions, the psalmist hated, though not their persons; and showed his displicency at them, and dislike and disapprobation of them, by absenting from them; see Jeremiah 15:17 ; and will not sit with the wicked ; ungodly... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 26:1

Judge me, O Lord - There are so many strong assertions in this Psalm concerning the innocence and uprightness of its author that many suppose he wrote it to vindicate himself from some severe reflections on his conduct or accusations relative to plots, conspiracies, etc. This seems to render the opinion probable that attributes it to David during his exile, when all manner of false accusations were brought against him at the court of Saul. I have walked in mine integrity - I have never... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 26:2

Examine me, O Lord - To thee I appeal; and feel no hesitation in wishing to have all the motives of my heart dissected and exposed to thy view, and to that of the world. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 26:3

For thy loving-kindness - A sense of thy favor and approbation was more to my heart than thrones and sceptres; and in order to retain this blessing, I have walked in thy truth. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 26:4

I have not sat with vain persons - שוא מתי methey shav , men of lies, dissemblers, backbiters, etc. Neither will I go in with dissemblers - נעלמים naalamim , the hidden ones, the dark designers, the secret plotters and conspirators in the state. read more

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