Psalms 26 (NET)

Psalm 261

1 By David.

Vindicate me, O Lord,

for I have integrity,2

and I trust in the Lord without wavering.

2 Examine me, O Lord, and test me!

Evaluate my inner thoughts and motives!3

3 For I am ever aware of your faithfulness,4

and your loyalty continually motivates me.5

4 I do not associate6 with deceitful men,

or consort7 with those who are dishonest.8

5 I hate the mob9 of evil men,

and do not associate10 with the wicked.

6 I maintain a pure lifestyle,11

so I can appear before your altar,12 O Lord,

7 to give you thanks,13

and to tell about all your amazing deeds.14

8 O Lord, I love the temple where you live,15

the place where your splendor is revealed.16

9 Do not sweep me away17 with sinners,

or execute me along with violent people,18

10 who are always ready to do wrong19

or offer a bribe.20

11 But I have integrity!21

Rescue me22 and have mercy on me!

12 I am safe,23

and among the worshipers I will praise the Lord.

1sn Psalm 26. The author invites the Lord to test his integrity, asserts his innocence and declares his loyalty to God. 2tn Heb “for I in my integrity walk.” 3tn Heb “evaluate my kidneys and my heart.” The kidneys and heart were viewed as the seat of one’s volition, conscience, and moral character. 4tn Heb “for your faithfulness [is] before my eyes.” 5tn Heb “and I walk about in your loyalty.”sn The psalmist’s awareness of the Lord’s faithfulness and…loyalty toward him motivates him to remain loyal to the Lord and to maintain his moral purity. 6tn Heb “sit.” 7tn Heb “go.” The psalmist uses the imperfect form of the verb to emphasize that he does not make a practice of associating with such people. 8tn Heb “[those who] conceal themselves.” 9tn Heb “assembly, company.” 10tn Heb “sit.” The psalmist uses the imperfect form of the verb to emphasize that he does not make a practice of associating with such people. 11tn Heb “I wash my hands in innocence.” The psalmist uses an image from cultic ritual to picture his moral lifestyle. The imperfect verbal emphasizes that this is his habit. 12tn Heb “so I can go around your altar” (probably in ritual procession). Following the imperfect of the preceding line, the cohortative with vav (ו) conjunctive indicates purpose or result. 13tn Heb “to cause to be heard the sound of thanksgiving.” 14tn The two infinitival forms (both with prefixed preposition -לְ, lamed) give the purpose for his appearance at the altar. 15tn Heb “the dwelling of your house.” 16tn Heb “the place of the abode of your splendor.” 17tn Heb “do not gather up my life with.” 18tn Heb “or with men of bloodshed my life.” The verb is supplied; it is understood by ellipsis (see the preceding line). 19tn Heb “who [have] in their hands evil.” 20tn Heb “and their right hand is full of a bribe.” 21tn Heb “and I in my integrity walk.” The psalmist uses the imperfect verbal form to emphasize this is his practice. The construction at the beginning of the verse (conjunction + pronoun) highlights the contrast between the psalmist and the sinners mentioned in vv. 9-10. 22tn Or “redeem me.” 23tn Heb “my foot stands in a level place.”