Ps. 26 THE ARGUMENT This Psalm was certainly made by David when he was in distress, and particularly when he was falsely accused and defamed by his adversaries, as he frequently was by Saul and his courtiers; and therefore for his vindication he makes a solemn appeal to God, and a protestation of…

Judge me, i.e. plead my cause, or give sentence for me; as this phrase is commonly used, as Ps. 10:18, Ps. 43:1, Ps. 72:4, Isa. 1:17. I can obtain no right from men. The supreme and subordinate magistrates are mine implacable and resolved enemies.

Because it is possible that I may deceive myself, and be partial in my cause, or at least mine enemies will so judge of me, I appeal to thee, O thou Judge of hearts, and beg that thou wouldst search and try me by such ways and means as thou seest fit, and make me known to myself, and to the world,…

I dare appeal to thee with this confidence, because thou knowest that I have a true and deep sense of thy loving-kindness to me upon mine heart, by which I have been obliged, and in a manner constrained, to love and obey thee, and in all things to approve any heart and ways to thee, and to abstain…

I have not sat, i.e. chosen or used to converse with them; for sitting is a posture of ease and of continuance. I have been so far from an approbation or imitation of their wicked courses, (wherewith mine enemies reproach me,) that I have avoided even their company; and if accidentally I came into…

The congregation of evil-doers; either, 1. Their whole rank or society. I have an antipathy against all such persons, without any exception. Or, 2. To meet and join with them in their assemblies and consultations, or sit with them, as it follows.

In innocency, or, with integrity, or with a pure heart and conscience. I will not do as my hypocritical enemies do, who content themselves with those outward washings of their hands or bodies prescribed in the law, Ex. 29:4;c. Deut. 21:6, Heb.

Publish, or, proclaim, to wit, thy wondrous works, as it here follows. With the voice of thanksgiving; accompanying my sacrifices with my own solemn thanksgivings and songs of praise.

The habitation of thy house, i.e. thy sanctuary and worship; which is an evidence of my piety to thee, as I have given many proofs of my justice and integrity towards men. Nothing is more grievous to me than to be hindered from seeing and serving thee there. Thine honour; or, thy glory; either, 1.

My soul, i.e. my life, as it is explained in the next clause. Do not bind me up in the same bundle, nor put me into the same accursed and miserable condition, with them. Seeing I have had so great an antipathy against them in the whole course of my life, Ps.

In whose hands is mischief; who not only imagine mischief in their hearts, but persist in it, and execute it with their hands. Their right hand; which should be stretched out to execute justice, and punish offenders.

In an even place, Heb. in rectitude, or in a right, or straight, or plain, or even place; which may be understood either, 1. Civilly, or in regard of his outward condition. So this is opposed to the slippery places, in which wicked men are said to be, Ps. 35:6, Ps. 73:18, Jer.