Psalms 26:2
Introduction
In Psalm 25 and Psalm 26 we find something similar to what we find in Psalm 5 and Psalm 6. In Psalm 5 we find that the believing remnant acknowledges their sinful condition in the light of God, while in Psalm 6 the remnant appeals to their righteousness, to their righteous actions. That is not in conflict with each other. It is both true. Psalm 25 ends with the psalmist’s desire to be integrous and upright (Psa 25:21). In Psalm 26, the psalmist also begins and ends with a testimony of his integrity (Psa 26:1 and Psa 26:11).In Psalm 25, the remnant see themselves in the light of God and confess their sins, while in Psalm 26 they testify of their innocence. They do so on the basis of the forgiveness of their sins, which enables them to come to God, into His house (Psa 26:6-8). Psalm 26 is the first psalm in a series of five psalms in which the house of God has an important place (Psalms 26-30).Declaration of Integrity
For “[a Psalm] of David” (Psa 26:1a) see at Psalm 3:1. The psalm is a prayer for redemption (Psa 26:11b), which here means ‘acquit me’. David asks the LORD to vindicate or judge him (Psa 26:1b). He is asking for a court judgment. He wants a declaration of innocence concerning the false accusations made against him by his enemies. He gives the reason that he is going his way in his integrity (Psa 26:11a). This is not a presumption nor is it a declaration of sinlessness. It is here in defense against false accusations. Paul said something similar (1Thes 2:10). David confessed his sins and received forgiveness. He walks, to put it in New Testament terms, in the light (1Jn 1:7) and has fellowship with God. He trusts in the LORD. He is sure that he will not waver because he trusts in the unwavering God. A believer does not want to hide anything from anyone he loves and therefore certainly not from God. David has nothing to hide. He does not defend himself against the false accusations with strong oaths, that nothing of it is true, but takes his refuge in God. We can take an example from David. It drives him out to God with the desire to examine him, try him and test him (Psa 26:2). “Examine” – Hebrew bahan – means to examine for quality, for example, metals; this involves integrity. “Try” – Hebrew nasa – means verification of genuineness. “Test” – Hebrew sarap – means to melt, to purify; this involves the removal of impurity.He makes himself available for a deep inner – to which “mind” [literally “kidneys”, figurative for inner man] and “heart” point – examination by the LORD. The psalmist is not only concerned with his actions being judged, but also the thoughts, motivation and feelings behind them. In doing so, the psalmist asks the LORD to search him thoroughly (cf. Psa 139:23).We must do the same. God may judge, not the enemies, but us. The figurative speech used is that of precious metal put into a melting furnace to test its purity. He wants to be completely open to God. He says this with boldness because he keeps God’s lovingkindness, that is, the LORD’s covenant faithfulness, in mind (Psa 26:3). He can do this because he walks in God’s truth (cf. 2Kgs 20:3; 3Jn 1:4). One of the first features of God-fearing is the desire to know what truth is and to live by it. Truth here is the faithfulness of God and His commandments. It is not ‘knowing the truth’, for truth does not consist only of doctrines, as we sometimes think. Whoever walks in the truth knows that God’s delight rests upon him. The emphasis is on walking, that is, the practice of life. This life is focused on the lovingkindness or God’s covenant faithfulness. It is David’s desire to live in such a way that this remains the case. That is why he longs for this examination by God.
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