Psalms 26

Psalms 26:1

Psalm 26: A Psalm of SeparationWhen we first read Psalms 26 we might conclude that it is the product of a surpassing egotist. More sober consideration, however, will show us that it is really just a factual description of a life that has been separated to God from the world. Reading between the lines, we find that David had been accused of fraternizing with ungodly men and of thus being untrue to Jehovah. Here he pleads his own defense. Nowhere is he claiming sinlessness, but he certainly does plead “not guilty” to the specific charges that were being made against him. 26:1-3 He rests his case with the LORD, asking for divine vindication. Contrary to what his accusers were saying, David had indeed conducted himself with moral integrity. He had consistently walked in dependence on the Lord. In language borrowed from metallurgy, he submits himself to God to be tested for genuineness and sincerity, to be proved in the smelting furnace for the presence of dross. Both as to his heart (affections) and his mind (motives), he was confident of acquittal because he had always kept the Lord’s lovingkindness before him and had walked in paths of faithfulness to God’s Word. 26:4, 5 To sit with idolatrous mortals means to have approving fellowship with them; this David had not done. To consort with hypocrites means to be a willing partner with deceivers and pretenders; David had not been this either. On the contrary, he had hated the companionship of criminals and had shown a holy determination to avoid fraternizing with the wicked. 26:6-8 But his separation was not merely from wicked men; it was to God. Before approaching the altar of the LORD, David had made sure that his hands were cleansed from sin and defilement. Then, as a purged worshiper, he sang a hearty thanksgiving and recounted the wondrous works of Jehovah. To him worship was not a dreary ritual to be endured stoically; he actually loved the house of the Lord where the glory cloud symbolized the glorious Presence of God Himself. 26:9-11 Because he had refused to join the gang in this world, David prays to escape their fate in the next. He had shunned the practices of sinners, murderers, and payoff men in life; now he pleads to escape their company in death. Because he had lived a righteous life, he now asks to be saved from the doom of the wicked, and to be handled with all the grace of God. 26:12 Standing on the level ground of an unblemished history, David vows to bless the LORD . . . in the congregations. We should note that there is an aspect of separation that is not brought out in this Psalm. Though we should be separate from sinners as far as silent assent or complicity with their evil is concerned, we should not be isolated from them when it comes to telling them about their need of Christ. The Lord Jesus Himself was a friend of sinners; He not only received them but ate and drank with them. But He never compromised His loyalty to God or failed to tell them about their sin and their need of forgiveness. When He visited the house of Simon, says Bishop Ryle: He carried His “Father’s business” with Him to the Pharisee’s table. He testified against the Pharisee’s besetting sin. He explained to the Pharisee the nature of free forgiveness of sins, and the secret of true love to Himself. He declared the saving nature of faith. If Christians who argue in favor of intimacy with unconverted people will visit their houses in the spirit of our Lord, and speak and behave as He did, let them by all means continue the practice. But do they speak and behave at the tables of their unconverted acquaintances as Jesus did at Simon’s table? That is a question they would do well to answer. This is a question that all of us should ponder.