Psalm 26: Preparing for Public Worship

Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide. Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. —Psalm 26:1, 2

It is perhaps appropriate to consider Psalm 26 at this point in David’s life. David wants to maintain integrity, but he needs God to evaluate his conduct.

He therefore asks God to examine his life and put it to the test (v. 2).

This is not an arrogant request, based on the feeling he cannot fail.

Rather, he realizes God’s mercy has always been there to save him when he unintentionally committed errors (v. 1). David has done his best to observe the commandments of God and walk in truth (v. 3). He has not associated with vain men and vows to continue to remain pure and undefiled (v. 4). As far as possible, he has attempted to have nothing to do with evildoers (v. 5). This is a similar sentiment to the one he penned in Psalm 1:1: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” David wishes to remain pure so he may continue to worship in the temple (Psalm 26:6). More than that, he wants to spread the good news of salvation to others. He wants to speak “with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all” God’s “wondrous works” (v. 7).

“I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works” (Psalm 9:1). “It is good to shun evil, but if religious activity ends there, the experience is negative; it is better to go to the place where God is—that is positive (see on Ps. 27:4).” “LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth” (Psalm 26:8). David does not want to be linked with murderers or dishonest or ill-behaved men (vv. 9, 10). “The psalmist is determined to continue to walk in the path he had hitherto trodden. This resolution is the ground for the prayer in the second part of the verse [v. 11].” David asks for mercy and redemption. Claiming God’s answer to his prayer, David proclaims salvation for he is standing “in an even place” (v. 12). “Lord, lift me up, and I shall stand / By faith, on heaven’s tableland; / A higher plane than I have found; / Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”