Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 26:2-3
Psalms 26:2-3. Examine me, and prove me Because it is possible I may deceive myself, and be partial in my cause, or, at least, mine enemies will so judge of me: I appeal to thee, O thou Judge of hearts, and beg that thou wouldst search and try me by such ways and means as thou seest fit, and make me known to myself and to the world, and convince mine enemies of mine integrity. For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes I have a true and deep sense of thy loving-kindness upon my heart, by... read more
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 26:2
Examine me, O Lord - The meaning of this verse is, that he asked of God a strict and rigid examination of his case. To express this, the psalmist uses three words - “examine; prove; try.” These words are designed to include the modes in which the reality of anything is tested, and they imply together that he wished the most “thorough” investigation to be made; he did not shrink from any test. He evidently felt that it was essential to his welfare that the most rigid examination should be made;... read more