Psalms 26:1

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 26:1 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Judge me, O Jehovah, for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in Jehovah without wavering.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Judge me, O Jehovah, for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in Jehovah without wavering.
Psalms 26:1 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 26

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Judge me, O Jehovah, for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in Jehovah without wavering.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Judge me, O Lord, etc.] Meaning not that God would enter into judgment with him, in respect to the justification of his person in his sight, which he knew was not by his own righteousness and integrity, but by the righteousness of God; but his view is, to the justification of his cause before men; and particularly to the difference between Saul and him; and entreats that God would interpose, take his cause in hand, judge between them, and vindicate him; for I have walked in mine integrity; or “perfection” f408 not that he thought himself free from sin; this would be contrary to the complaints, confessions, and petitions frequently made by him; but that in the affair with which he was…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“After appealing to God's judgment on his avowed integrity and innocence of the charges laid by his enemies, the Psalmist professes delight in God's worship, and prays for exemption from the fate of the wicked, expressing assurance of God's favor. (Psa 26:1-12) Judge--decide on my case; the appeal of innocence. in mine integrity--freedom from blemish (compare Psa 25:21). His confidence of perseverance results from trust in God's sustaining grace.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Judge me, O Lord - That is, determine in regard to my case whether I am truly thy friend, or whether the evidences of my piety are genuine. The psalmist asks an examination of his own case; he brings the matter before God for Him to decide; he submits the facts in regard to himself to God, so that He may pronounce upon them whether they constitute evidence of real piety. For I have walked in mine integrity - On the word “walk,” see the notes at Psalms 1:1. The word “integrity” here is the same which is elsewhere rendered “perfection.” See the notes at Job 1:1. Compare Psalms 37:37. See also Psalms 7:8; Psalms 25:21; where the word is rendered, as here, “integrity.” It means here…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Trusted - I have committed my cause and affairs to thee. Psalms 26:3”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“Ps 26 In this individual lament, the psalmist prays for redemption on the basis of his own innocence and the Lord’s justice. 26:1-3 The psalmist opens himself to divine examination of his life, especially in the areas of his character and devotion.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Judge: Psa 7:8, Psa 35:24, Psa 43:1, Psa 54:1; Sa1 24:15 \*marg. Co1 4:3-6 for: Psa 26:11, Psa 15:2, Psa 25:21; Kg2 20:3; Pro 20:7; Co2 1:12 trusted: Psa 4:5, Psa 25:2, Psa 28:7, Psa 31:14; Pro 29:25 I shall: Psa 21:7, Psa 37:31, Psa 62:2, Psa 62:6, Psa 94:18, Psa 121:3, Psa 121:7, Psa 121:8; Sa1 2:9; Pe1 1:5; Pe2 1:10 Psalms 26:2”
Read attributed excerpt →
Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“Psa 26:1-2 The poet, as one who is persecuted, prays for the vindication of his rights and for rescue; and bases this petition upon the relation in which he stands to God. שׁפטני, as in Psa 7:9; Psa 35:24, cf. Psa 43:1. תּם (synon. תמים, which, however, does not take any suffix) is, according to Gen 20:5., Kg1 22:34, perfect freedom from all sinful intent, purity of character, pureness, guilelessness (ἀκακία, ἀπλότης). Upon the fact, that he has walked in a harmless mind, without cherishing or provoking enmity, and trusted unwaveringly (לא אמעד, an adverbial circumstantial clause, cf. Psa 21:8) in Jahve, he bases the petition for the proving of his injured right. He does not…”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification