Psalm 26-2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 26

Holy David is in this psalm putting himself upon a solemn trial, not by God and his country, but by God and his own conscience, to both which he appeals touching his integrity (Ps. 26:1, 2), for the proof of which he alleges, I. His constant regard to God and his grace, Ps. 26:3. II. His rooted antipathy to sin and sinners, Ps. 26:4, 5. III. His sincere affection to the ordinances of God, and his care about them, Ps. 26:6-8. Having thus proved his integrity, 1. He deprecates the doom of the... read more

Matthew Henry

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

INTRODUCTION TO Psalm 26 Psalm of David . The occasion of this psalm seems to be the quarrel between Saul and David, the former listening to calumnies and reproaches cast upon the latter, and persecuting him in a violent manner. The argument of it is the same, in a great measure, with the seventh psalm, and is an appeal made to God, the Judge of the whole earth, by the psalmist, for his innocence and integrity; Theodoret thinks it was written by David when he fled from Saul. 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

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