Discovery BoxPsalms 26:1-5 
ContextBy David.
26:1 Vindicate me, O Lord,
for I have integrity, 2
and I trust in the Lord without wavering.
26:2 Examine me, O Lord, and test me!
Evaluate my inner thoughts and motives! 3
26:3 For I am ever aware of your faithfulness, 4
and your loyalty continually motivates me. 5
26:4 I do not associate 6 with deceitful men,
or consort 7 with those who are dishonest. 8
26:5 I hate the mob 9 of evil men,
and do not associate 10 with the wicked.
1 sn Psalm 26. The author invites the Lord to test his integrity, asserts his innocence and declares his loyalty to God.
2 tn Heb “for I in my integrity walk.”
3 tn Heb “evaluate my kidneys and my heart.” The kidneys and heart were viewed as the seat of one’s volition, conscience, and moral character.
4 tn Heb “for your faithfulness [is] before my eyes.”
5 tn Heb “and I walk about in your loyalty.”
sn The psalmist’s awareness of the Lord’s faithfulness and…loyalty toward him motivates him to remain loyal to the Lord and to maintain his moral purity.
6 tn Heb “sit.”
7 tn Heb “go.” The psalmist uses the imperfect form of the verb to emphasize that he does not make a practice of associating with such people.
8 tn Heb “[those who] conceal themselves.”
9 tn Heb “assembly, company.”
10 tn Heb “sit.” The psalmist uses the imperfect form of the verb to emphasize that he does not make a practice of associating with such people.
