Psalm 26 was written by David and expresses a time when there was a famine in the land for three years. David sought the Lord for the reason behind the famine and was told that it was due to Saul’s breaking of Israel’s covenant with the Gibeonites and having them put to death. Nothing had been done since that time to right the wrong done to the Gibeonites; thus the famine continued. David reveals in this psalm the spiritual character of one who is determined to live close to God.
David hates, “…the congregation of the evildoers;…” and he loves “… the habitation of thy house…” When the doors of the church are opened, do we desire to be inside worshipping and fellowshipping with God’s people? Or do we shun the company of Christians for worldly relationships and pursuits? God’s habitation is within the hearts of His redeemed. Reinforce your desire to live close to God by personalizing David’s convictions in this psalm, and notice where you end up, “in the congregation will I bless the Lord.”
PSALM 26
Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth. I do not sit with deceitful men, nor do I consort with hypocrites; I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked. I wash my hand in innocence, and go about your altar, O Lord, proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds. I love the house where you live, O Lord, the place where your glory dwells. Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with bloodthirsty men, in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes. But I lead a blameless life; redeem me and be merciful to me.
My feet stand on level ground; in the great assembly I will praise the Lord.