Psalm 26 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
1 Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide.
2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
4 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.
More Psalms Chpater 26
5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.
6 I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord:
7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
8 Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.
9 Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:
10 In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.
11 But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.
12 My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the Lord.
Key Takeaways from This Psalm:
Psalm 26:2
Verse: בְּחָנֵנִי יְהוָה וּבְחַנֵּנִי
Transliteration: Bechaneni Adonai u-v’chaneni
English: “Test me, O Lord, and try me; examine my heart and mind.”
Focus Word: חָנָה (Chanah)
- Root: ח-נ-ה (Chet-Nun-Heh)
- Meaning: “To test,” “to examine,” “to prove.”
- Deeper Insight: In Hebrew, chanah conveys refined testing for integrity and faithfulness, not punishment. It’s a prayer for God’s discernment and confirmation of righteousness.
Biblical Scholars On This Chapter:
| Scholar (Institution & Dates) | Work | View on Psalm 26 |
|---|---|---|
| John Calvin (University of Paris / Orléans, 1509–1564) | Commentaries on the Psalms | Calvin interprets the Psalm as David’s confident affirmation of personal righteousness, showing that God honors integrity and shuns deceit. |
| Matthew Henry (Christ Church, Oxford, 1662–1714) | Exposition of the Old and New Testament | Henry observes that a clear conscience before God is both a comfort and a safeguard against the schemes of the wicked. |
| Richard Sibbes (Pembroke College, Cambridge, 1577–1635) | The Bruised Reed | Sibbes emphasizes walking in innocence as a mark of those who seek God’s presence, highlighting the link between morality and divine fellowship. |
| John Owen (University of Oxford, 1616–1683) | A Commentary on the Psalms | Owen stresses that God examines the heart, and outward piety alone cannot satisfy His scrutiny. |
| Thomas Manton (Christ’s College, Cambridge, 1620–1677) | Exposition of the Psalms | Manton points out that the Psalm encourages believers to reject false companions and align with those pursuing righteousness. |
| Scholar & Work | View |
|---|---|
| William De Burgh – Commentary on the Psalms (distinct) | De Burgh sees the psalm as a plea for vindication based on a life of integrity. The psalmist avoids companionship with the wicked. He delights in God’s house as a safeguard of holiness. |
| James G. Murphy – Additional Notes (distinct) | Murphy emphasizes the psalmist’s claim to sincerity rather than perfection. Separation from evildoers reflects moral discernment. The love of the sanctuary becomes assurance of God’s favor. |
| Henry Craik – Expository Notes on the Psalter | Craik sees this psalm as an affirmation of uprightness before God in times of suspicion. The washing of hands symbolizes moral purity. Public worship is portrayed as a refuge. |
| Robert Jamieson – Psalm Commentary (distinct) | Jamieson views the psalm as a self-defense grounded in covenant faithfulness. Association with the wicked is rejected. The psalmist stands firmly in God’s congregation. |
| John Pulsford – Devotional Psalm Writings (distinct) | Pulsford emphasizes the psalmist’s longing for God’s approval above human verdicts. The rejection of wicked company expresses love for holiness. God’s house becomes the soul’s joy. |
| Peter Bayne – Victorian Sermons on Psalms | Bayne interprets the psalm as a spiritual testimony to integrity. The psalmist contrasts his conduct with that of deceivers. Love for worship reveals inner righteousness. |
| Alexander Young – 19th-Century Expositions | Young sees the psalm as the cry of an innocent sufferer appealing to God. Moral separation is not pride but obedience. Worship is the anchor of the psalmist’s life. |
| H. Linton – Early Devotional Commentaries | Linton highlights the sincerity of the psalmist’s walk. He avoids corrupt influences for fear of spiritual contamination. God’s dwelling place provides fellowship and safety. |
| James Frame – Theological Lectures on Psalms | Frame reads the psalm as moral self-vindication under scrutiny. The psalmist stands confidently before God’s testing. His delight in worship confirms his uprightness. |
| Charles Simeon – Additional Psalm Sermons (distinct) | Simeon sees the psalmist appealing to God as the ultimate Judge. The purity of life is pursued out of reverence. Standing in the congregation reflects confidence in God’s mercy. |
Prayer: Thank you God for Who You are. Thank you for your lovingkindness towards me, protecting me and redeeeming me from the hand of the wicked and the devil's crafty schemes. Lord, thank you that you are good and worthy to be praised. Help us Lord to love you and fear you, keeping your commandments, and being thankful for all that you've done for us, many times, without our knowledge. We bless You and thank You in Jesus' Name!
