1.
Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.
1. Judge—decide on my case;
the appeal of innocence.
in mine integrity—freedom
from blemish (compare Psalms 25:21).
His confidence of perseverance results from trust in God's sustaining
grace.
2.
Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
2. He asks the most careful
scrutiny of his affections and thoughts (), or motives.
3.
For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
3. As often, the ground of
prayer for present help is former favor.
4.
I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.
4-8. As exemplified by the
fruits of divine grace, presented in his life, especially in his
avoiding the wicked and his purposes of cleaving to God's worship.
5.
I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.
6.
I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:
6. wash mine hands—expressive
symbol of freedom from sinful acts (compare ).
7.
That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
4-8. As exemplified by the
fruits of divine grace, presented in his life, especially in his
avoiding the wicked and his purposes of cleaving to God's worship.
8.
LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.
8. the habitation of thy house—where
Thy house rests, as the tabernacle was not yet permanently fixed.
honour dwelleth—conveys
an allusion to the Holy of Holies.
9.
Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:
9. Gather not, &c.—Bring
me not to death.
bloody men—(compare ).
10.
In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.
10. Their whole conduct is that
of violence and fraud.
11.
But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.
11, 12. But, c.—He contrasts
his character and destiny with that of the wicked (compare Psalms 26:1
Psalms 26:2).
12.
My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.
12. even place—free from
occasions of stumbling—safety in his course is denoted. Hence he
will render to God his praise publicly.