26:1-3In asking God to declare him “innocent,” David was not claiming to be sinless—that is impossible for any human being to achieve. Instead, he was pieading with God to clear his name of the false charges made against him by his enemies. We also can ask God to examine us, trusting him to forgive our sins and clear our record according to his mercy.
Life Application Study BiblePsalmsChapter 26
Psalm 26
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 869, 870
A few verse numbers on this page were hard to read in the scan and are marked with a dotted underline — compare with the original page image if in doubt.
26Psalm 26
1I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
2Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me.Test my motives and my heart.
3For J am always aware of your unfailing love,and I have lived according to your truth.
4I do not spend time with liarsor go along with hypocrites.
5I hate the gatherings of those who do evil,and I refuse to join in with the wicked.
6I wash my hands to declare my innocence.I come to your altar, O LORD,7 singing a song of thanksgivingand telling of all your wonders.
8T love your sanctuary, LORD,the place where your glorious presence dwells.8 Don’t let me suffer the fate of sinners.Don’t condemn me along with murderers.
10Their hands are dirty with evil schemes,and they constantly take bribes.
11But I am not like that; I live with integrity.So redeem me and show me mercy.
12Now I stand on solid ground,and I will publicly praise the LORD.
Theme: God offers help for today and hope for the future. I in God is our antidote for fear and loneliness.
Author: David
2/ A psalm of David.1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?
Life Application Notes 4 notes
26:4,5Should we stay away from unbelievers? No. Although Christians should avoid some places, Jesus demonstrated that we must go among unbelievers to help them. There is a difference, however, between being with unbelievers and being one of them. Acting like unbelievers harms our witness for God. Ask yourself about the people you enjoy: If you are with them often, will you become less obedient to God in outlook or action? {f the answer is yes, carefully monitor haw you spend your time with these people and their effect on you.
26:8God’s sanctuary in this verse refers to either the Tabernacle in Gibeon (the one constructed in the days of Moses; see Exodus 40:35) or the temporary dwelling David built to house the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6:17). David exclaimed how he loved to worship God at this place. Do you love to worship?
26:12Too often we complain about our problems to anyone who will listen and we praise God only in private. Instead, we ought to complain privately and praise God publicly.