Psalms 26
DOYLYPsalms 26:2
- Examine me, &c.] David here begs of God, who knew the secret thoughts of his mind, and the inclinations of his will, to search deeply into them, and prove his integrity. Bp. Patrick.
Psalms 26:4
- — vain persons.] False and treacherous persons. Bp. Patrick.
Psalms 26:5
- I will wash &c.] David means, that he would cleanse his heart and hands from all the impurity of his sins; and then that he would approach to God’s altar, and offer his sacrifice. Bp. Hall.
— wash mine hands! It was a custom among the Jews for those who brought sacrifices to be offered, to wash their hands before they laid them upon the heads of the victims. Lewis.
It was a common usage for the Jews always to wash before prayers; and the priests in particular were not to perform any office in the sanctuary, till they had poured water from the laver and washed in it. It is to this that David here alludes. Fenton.
— compass thine altar.] Among other ceremonies connected with the feast of tabernacles, it was usual on the seventh day for the people to compass the altar seven times, carrying branches in their hands, and singing hosannas. Lewis.
Psalms 26:8
- — the place where thine honour dwelleth.] That is, the tabernacle, where God had made his glory to dwell among them. Bp. Patrick.
Psalms 26:12
- My foot standeth in an even place:] That is, I stand in a sure place, so that I need not fear to fall. Bp. Wilson.
David’s earnest desire to serve God in the tabernacle, should stir us up to discharge the duties of religion with the same fervency. But the care this pious king took to purify himself before he went unto the altar of God, should convince us, that in order to appear in the presence of God, we should be pure, and lead a holy life. Lastly, we should join with David in the prayer which he offers up to God at the end of this Psalm, and beseech Him to preserve us from being like the wicked,
Psalms 26:17
- The troubles of my heart are enlarged:] This should rather be translated, “Relieve the sorrows of my heart.” Dr. Kennicott, Bp. Lowth.
Psalms 26:20
- — let me not be ashamed:] That is, disappointed. Bp. Wilson. Compare Job vi. 20.
Psalms 26:21
- — for I wait on thee.] For I trust in thee. Mudge.
Psalms 26:22
- Redeem Israel, &c.] After imploring forgiveness of his sins, that the people might not be visited for his sake, and after expressing his personal penitence and sorrow, David concludes with a prayer for the deliverance of his country.
After the example of David, the pious and devout Christian, who really and in truth puts his entire confidence in God, is never weary or ashamed of that confidence. If he finds that his prayers are not so graciously heard, as that he receives all that he hath prayed for, he receives yet an unspeakable comfort by having done as he ought to do: and though he prospers not as he would wish, yet if he prays as he should, he hath made a good progress towards his own deliverance; and hath raised a good defence against any affliction that invades him: nor will he be frightened out of his innocence by the promises, or threats, or tyranny of his proud oppressors. Lord Clarendon.
Psalm XXVI. It is generally agreed, that this Psalm was composed on account of some injurious charge brought against David by some of Saul’s courtiers. Dimock.
Ver. 1. Judge me.] Give sentence in my favour. Street.