Bible Commentaries

Psalm 26

An Appeal on Account of Righteousness

1. Pleading integrity (Psalms 26:1-5)

2. Separated unto the Lord (Psalms 26:6-8)

3. Be gracious unto Me (Psalms 36:9-12)

Psalms 26:1-5. The opening verses remind us of the First Psalm and well may we put these words into the lips of the perfect man, who walked in integrity and was separate from sinners. Here we find no confessions of sin, no pleadings for forgiveness, but instead an avowal of conscious uprightness and separation from wicked men as well as love for His house and for the place where His honour dwells. It is the godly remnant pleading not exactly moral perfection, but uprightness of heart, which has led them apart from the apostate part of the nation. They hate the congregation of evil doers, and on account of this they look for divine vindication. No Christian believer pleads on such grounds with God. We plead that worthy Name, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalms 26:6-8. The washing of the hands in innocency is a Jewish figure. See Deuteronomy 21:6. They cleanse themselves from defilement to approach His altar as the priests had to wash their hands and feet (Exodus 30:17-21).

Psalms 26:9-12. Then their prayer--redeem me and be merciful unto me--gather not my soul with sinners--all the pleading of integrity of heart and separation from evil-doers has not produced assurance of acceptance, though in hope they look forward to the day when in the congregations they will bless the Lord. How different the assurance which grace gives to us, that we are redeemed and the fullest mercy is on our side.