Discovery BoxPsalms 26:2 
Context26:2 Examine me, O Lord, and test me!
Evaluate my inner thoughts and motives! 1
Psalms 73:13
Context73:13 I concluded, 2 “Surely in vain I have kept my motives 3 pure
and maintained a pure lifestyle. 4
Psalms 78:72
Context78:72 David 5 cared for them with pure motives; 6
he led them with skill. 7
1 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.
2 tn The words “I concluded” are supplied in the translation. It is apparent that vv. 13-14 reflect the psalmist’s thoughts at an earlier time (see vv. 2-3), prior to the spiritual awakening he describes in vv. 17-28.
3 tn Heb “heart,” viewed here as the seat of one’s thoughts and motives.
4 tn Heb “and washed my hands in innocence.” The psalmist uses an image from cultic ritual to picture his moral lifestyle. The reference to “hands” suggests actions.
5 tn Heb “He”; the referent (David, God’s chosen king, mentioned in v. 70) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
6 tn Heb “and he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart.”
7 tn Heb “and with the understanding of his hands he led them.”
