Psalm 26:1-12

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

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 26:1

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

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 26:7

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving ,.... Or "cause to hear with the voice of confession" F26 בקול תודה "voce confessionis", Montanus, Cocceius, Gejerus, Michaelis; so Ainsworth. : the meaning is, that the view of the psalmist, in compassing the altar of God in the manner he proposed, was not to offer upon it any slain beast; but to offer the sacrifices of praise upon that altar, which sanctifies the gift, and from whence they come with acceptance to God; even for all... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 26:8

Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house ,.... Meaning the tabernacle, for as yet the temple was not built; which was an habitation for the saints, where they chose to dwell, and reckoned it their happiness, and was the habitation of the Lord himself: the sanctuary was built for that purpose; and between the cherubim, over the mercy seat, he took up his residence; hence it follows, and the place where thine honour dwelleth : or "glory" F1 כבוכך "gloria tua", Musculus,... read more

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