Psalm 26

A plea for justice (vs. 1-5)—In this song, David again trusts the Lord to vindicate him based on the king’s righteousness: “I have walked in my integrity, I have also trusted in the Lord” (v. 1). Such is the only way we can be vindicated. David asks the Lord to test him, “prove me, try my mind and my heart” (v. 2). He’s not challenging God, he’s asking for the Lord to purify him; it is through such tests and trials that much of our spiritual growth is actuated. David keeps the Lord’s “lovingkindness” ever before him, and walks in God’s truth (v. 3). Avoiding the wicked and hating evil is part of that (vs. 4-5).

“I have loved the habitation of thy house” (vs. 6-8)—Before we can truly approach “the altar,” we should wash our hands “in innocence” (v. 6). “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 15:8), because Jehovah knows that such worship is done in hypocrisy. But David wanted to “proclaim…all Your wondrous works,” and do so “with the voice of thanksgiving” (v. 7). When we truly think of the wondrous works of God in our lives, then it is impossible not to be thankful, and not to love “the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth” (v. 8). What comfort and solace there is in house of God!

Protect me from sinners (vs. 9-10)—Yet the world and its attractions are powerful; Satan will never leave us alone when we try to serve God (I Peter 5:8). Even the king himself succumbed many times to the temptations of the flesh (see II Samuel 11 and 24 for examples). So, even when we feel confident in our relationship with Him, we should always remember to pray for protection from sinners, “bloodthirsty men in whose hands is a sinister scheme, and whose right hand is full of bribes” (vs. 9-10). God will not tempt us with evil (James 1:13), but He can, through His providence and our adherence to His word, help us overcome and resist sin.

“I will walk in my integrity” (vs. 11-12)—David pretty well comes full circle as he closes this psalm. He started out talking of his integrity, and ends with the same thought (v. 11). But even then, he realizes his need for redemption and mercy (v. 11). It doesn’t matter how righteous we are attempting to live, sinless perfection is simply beyond us. Thus, while there are times when we can, and should, feel good about our relationship with God—indeed, hopefully, we always feel that way, though there are certainly ups and downs for all of us—we must never forget that our works do not save us (Eph. 2:9) and we need the “riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7). Yet if we will stand “in an even place”—on level ground, spiritually—then “in the congregations will I bless the Lord” (v. 12).