Psalms 26 BY DAVID [Psalms 26:1] JUDGE ME, O LORD; FOR I HAVE WALKED IN MINE INTEGRITY: I HAVE TRUSTED ALSO IN THE LORD; THEREFORE I SHALL NOT SLIDE. [Psalms 26:2] EXAMINE ME, O LORD, AND PROVE ME; TRY MY REINS AND MY HEART.   <<TRY>>: Hebrew "tserufah", i.e. purify. David is doing the best he can according to his own understanding. He is asking the Almighty to strengthen, direct, and purify his intentions and understanding (S.R. Hirsch). [Psalms 26:3] FOR THY LOVINGKINDNESS IS BEFORE MINE EYES: AND I HAVE WALKED IN THY TRUTH. [Psalms 26:4] I HAVE NOT SAT WITH VAIN PERSONS, NEITHER WILL I GO IN WITH DISSEMBLERS. The King James Translation is often a very good one.   <<DISSEMBLERS>>: Hebrew : "Ne-Elamim": "Who sin in secret and are not perceived by people" (Radak). [Psalms 26:5] I HAVE HATED THE CONGREGATION OF EVIL DOERS; AND WILL NOT SIT WITH THE WICKED. We should keep away from wicked people and bad company. These days this advice could lead to one almost not having any friends or associations at all. The emphasis should perhaps be on keeping away from  THE CONGREGATION OF EVIL DOERS, i.e. from those who get together for evil purposes or from groups of perverse nature. [Psalms 26:6] I WILL WASH MINE HANDS IN INNOCENCY: SO WILL I COMPASS THINE ALTAR, O LORD: First I will purify my deeds then I will come close to your service (Hirsch). [Psalms 26:7] THAT I MAY PUBLISH WITH THE VOICE OF THANKSGIVING, AND TELL OF ALL THY   WONDROUS WORKS. [Psalms 26:8] LORD, I HAVE LOVED THE HABITATION OF THY HOUSE, AND THE PLACE WHERE THINE  HONOUR DWELLETH. In a spiritual sense this is the place of the Almighty whenever we direct our hearts to Him. The correct meaning however is a combination of the spiritual sense with the Place of the Temple. The Temple was the House of  God on this earth and in some ways still is, i.e. it was the place where the Divine Presence was most frequently and intensely felt by the ordinary person.  We all need help and spiritual direction at some time or other. If we pray the Almighty will hear us. [Psalms 26:9] GATHER NOT MY SOUL WITH SINNERS, NOR MY LIFE WITH BLOODY MEN:    <<BLOODY MEN>>: Hebrew "anshei damim" i.e. men of bloodshed.  S.R. Hirsch says this does not necessarily mean just people of violence but any wrongdoers whose deeds cause a shortening of life.  At some time or other all wrongdoers are punished. We do not want to be with them and certainly not be punished because of them. Young people especially should be careful. Going to wild parties or hanging around with people who take drugs or engage in criminal activities can get one into serious trouble just by association. This is apart from the actual harm that might caused to oneself or others. It is not necessarily difficult to lead a good life once one is on the right track but if one diverts from it it can be difficult to get back. [Psalms 26:10] IN WHOSE HANDS IS MISCHIEF, AND THEIR RIGHT HAND IS FULL OF BRIBES. <<MISCHIEF>>: In Hebrew "zima" denoting sexual immorality. Sexual desire can cause a person to choose the wrong partners  and to bribe themselves against foreseeing the consequences.  So too, the desire or need for money can cause a person to hide their eyes from evil deeds  and wrong opinions and the dangers of bad companionship. [Psalms 26:11] BUT AS FOR ME, I WILL WALK IN MINE INTEGRITY: REDEEM ME, AND BE MERCIFUL UNTO ME. I will do my best, Help me. [Psalms 26:12] MY FOOT STANDETH IN AN EVEN PLACE: IN THE CONGREGATIONS WILL I BLESS THE LORD. Psalms Index HOme