Psalms 26:1 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

PSALM 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 his own innocency, to which he was forced by their clamours and reproaches. David declareth his integrity and innoceney, Psalms 26:1-3. His hatred to the congregation of the wicked, Psalms 26:4,5. He publisheth God's works, Psalms 26:7; loves to dwell in his house, Psalms 26:8. He prays for deliverance from his enemies, Psalms 26:9,10, and promises thankfulness to God, Psalms 26:11,12. Judge me, i.e. plead my cause, or give sentence for me; as this phrase is commonly used, as Psalms 10:18, Psalms 43:1 Psalms 72:4 Isaiah 1:17. I can obtain no right from men. The supreme and subordinate magistrates are mine implacable and resolved enemies. Do thou therefore do me justice against them, for I have walked in mine integrity; though they accuse me of many crimes, they can prove none of them, and thou and mine own conscience, and theirs too, are witnesses for me, that my carriage towards them hath been innocent and unblamable. I have committed my cause and affairs to thee, as to a just Judge and merciful Father, and my hope and trust is fixed upon thee alone; therefore thou wilt not deceive my trust, but will uphold me against all mine enemies; for thou hast promised to save those that trust in thee. Or, that I shall not slide or fall. So this declares the matter of his trust.