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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 26:6-12

In these verses, I. David mentions, as further evidence of his integrity, the sincere affection he had to the ordinances of God, the constant care he took about them, and the pleasure he took in them. Hypocrites and dissemblers may indeed be found attending on God's ordinances, as the proud Pharisee went up to the temple to pray with the penitent publican; but it is a good sign of sincerity if we attend upon them as David here tells us he did, Ps. 26:6-8. 1. He was very careful and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 26:6

I will wash my hands in innocency ,.... The Vulgate Latin version renders it, "among innocent persons"; men of a holy harmless life and conversation; with these he determined to converse in common, and not with such as before described; or the sense is, that he would wash his hands, in token of his innocence, integrity, and uprightness, he had before spoke of, and of his having nothing to do with such evil men as now mentioned; see Deuteronomy 21:6 ; "hands" are the instrument of action,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 26:6

I will wash mine hands in innocency - Washing the hands was frequent among the Jews, and was sometimes an action by which a man declared his innocence of any base or wicked transaction. This Pilate did, to protest his innocence of the mal-treatment and death of Christ. I will maintain that innocence of life in which I have hitherto walked; and take care that nothing shall be found in my heart or life that would prevent me from using the most holy ordinance, or worshipping thee in spirit and... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 26:6

Verse 6 6.I will wash my hands in purity. Referring, in these words, to the ordinary use of the sacrifices, he makes a distinction between himself and those who professed to offer the same divine worship, and thrust themselves forward in the services of the sanctuary, as if they alone had the sole right to perform them. As David, therefore, and these hypocrites were one in this respect, that they entered the sanctuary, and surrounded the sacred altar together, he proceeds to show that he was a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 26:1-12

Assailed integrity's final appeal £ It seems evident that this psalm was written by some Old Testament saint who was surrounded by ungodly men, by whom he was assailed, reproached, and slandered. From them he appeals to God. By the heading of the psalm we are pointed to David as the author. And there is no reason for questioning that. Mr. Fausset, in his most suggestive book, 'Horae Psalmicae,' working along the line of "undesigned coincidences," remarks, "Another feature of undesigned... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 26:1-12

Integrity. All through the Scriptures "integrity" is commended. It is a characteristic of the saints. Whatever else they are, they must be men of integrity. This does not mean that they are morally perfect, or that they have any ground for trusting in their own righteousness; but it means that they have an "honest and good heart." Whatever may have been their past life, or however much of imperfection may still cleave to them, they are conscious of a pure intent, a firm and steadfast... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 26:1-12

The oppressed righteous man. It is impossible to say on what occasion the psalm was composed, or from what kind of trouble it prays to be delivered. The theme is—Only he who can say with truth, " I have walked in integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord," may depend upon Divine aid in trouble; but we may do so with full confidence. In the first verse the whole psalm is summed up. I. A PRAYER FOR HELP IN TROUBLE . "Judge me," equivalent to " vindicate my rights and rescue... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 26:6

I will wash mine hands in innoceney; so will I compass thine altar, O Lord. This seems to be the key-note of the psalm. If not a necessary, it is at any rate a probable, exegesis, that David composed this psalm on an occasion when he was about to offer a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to God for some mercy recently vouchsafed him ( Psalms 26:7 ). Before offering, he feels the necessity of doing spiritually that which the priest' who officiated would have to do ceremonially ( Exodus... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 26:6

I will wash mine hands in innocency - The psalmist here refers, as another evidence of his piety, to the fact that it was a ruling purpose of his life to be pure, to worship and serve his Maker in purity. He had stated that he had no sympathy with the wicked, and that he did not make them his companions; he now states what his preferences were, and where his heart was to be found. He had loved, and he still loved the worship of God; he delighted in the pure service of the Most High. Washing the... read more

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