> [[psalm-25|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-27|Next →]] --- # Psalm 26 ## Prayer of Innocence 1 Of David. ^psalm-26-1 ### I Judge me, LORD! For I have walked in my integrity. In the LORD I trust; I do not falter. 2 Examine me, Lord, and test me; ^psalm-26-2 search my heart and mind. 3 Your mercy is before my eyes; ^psalm-26-3 I walk guided by your faithfulness. ### II 4 I do not sit with worthless men, ^psalm-26-4 nor with hypocrites do I mingle. 5 I hate an evil assembly; ^psalm-26-5 with the wicked I do not sit. 6 I will wash my hands in innocence ^psalm-26-6 so that I may process around your altar, Lord, 7 To hear the sound of thanksgiving, ^psalm-26-7 and recount all your wondrous deeds. 8 Lord, I love the refuge of your house, ^psalm-26-8 the site of the dwelling-place of your glory. ### III 9 Do not take me away with sinners, ^psalm-26-9 nor my life with the men of blood, 10 In whose hands there is a plot, ^psalm-26-10 their right hands full of bribery. 11 But I walk in my integrity; ^psalm-26-11 redeem me, be gracious to me! 12 My foot stands on level ground; ^psalm-26-12 in assemblies I will bless the LORD. \* (Psalm 26) Like a priest washing before approaching the altar ([Ex 30:17] – [21]), the psalmist seeks God’s protection upon entering the Temple. ([[psalm-26|Ps 26]]:1] – [3], matched by ([[psalm-26|Ps 26]]:11] – [12], remind God of past integrity while asking for purification; ([[psalm-26|Ps 26]]:4] – [5], matched by ([[psalm-26|Ps 26]]:9] – [10], pray for inclusion among the just; ([[psalm-26|Ps 26]]:6] – [8], the center of the poem, express the joy in God at the heart of all ritual. \* (26:6) I will wash my hands: the washing of hands was a liturgical act ([Ex 30:19], [21]; [40:31] – [32]), symbolic of inner as well as outer cleanness, cf. [Is 1:16]. \* (26:12) On level ground: in safety, where there is no danger of tripping and falling. In assemblies: at the Temple. Having walked around the altar, the symbol of God’s presence, the psalmist blesses God. a. (26:1) ([[psalm-07|Ps 7]]:9]. b. (26:2) ([[psalm-17|Ps 17]]:3]; [139:23]. c. (26:3) [Ps 86:11]. d. (26:6) [Ps 73:13]. e. (26:8) ([[psalm-29|Ps 29]]:9]; [63:3]; ([[exodus-24|Ex 24]]:16]; [25:8]. f. (26:9) ([[psalm-28|Ps 28]]:3]. g. (26:11) [Ps 101:6]. h. (26:11) ([[psalm-25|Ps 25]]:16]. i. (26:12) ([[psalm-22|Ps 22]]:23]; [35:18]; [149:1]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[psalm-25|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-27|Next →]]