King James Version
Psalms 26
12 verses with commentary
I Have Walked in Integrity
A Psalm of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.</strong> This bold opening requests divine examination and declares personal integrity—a striking contrast to many psalms that plead for mercy. David invites God's scrutiny, confident that his case will be vindicated when examined by the divine Judge.<br><br>"Judge me" (<em>...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **Judge me**—*i.e.*, do me justice, “vindicate me.”
**I shall not slide.**—Rather, I have trusted in Jehovah without wavering**.**
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11-13. How the thunderclouds are dispersed, or else employed by God, either for correction or mercy.
**by watering--**by loading it with water.
**wearieth--**burdeneth it, so that it falls in rain; thus "wearieth" answers to the parallel "scattereth" (compare, see on Job 37:9); a clear sky resulting alike from both.
**bright cloud--**literally, "cloud of his light," that is, of His lightning...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 26
Chapter Outline
Job reproves Bildad.(1-4)
Job acknowledges the power of God.(5-14)
**Verses 1-4**
Job derided Bildad's answer; his words were a mixture of peevishness and self-preference. Bildad ought to have laid before Job the consolations, rather than the terrors of the Almighty. Christ knows how to speak what is proper for the weary, Is 50:4; and his ministers shou...
Read full commentary →Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.</strong> This verse intensifies David's appeal for divine scrutiny, using three imperative verbs that invite God's searching examination. The progression moves from general examination to specific testing of innermost being.<br><br>"Examine me" (<em>bechaneni</em>, בְּחָנֵנִי) comes from <em>bachan</em> (בָּחַן), meaning to test,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2*)* **Try.**—Rather, *purify, *according to the right reading. LXX., try by fire.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11-13. How the thunderclouds are dispersed, or else employed by God, either for correction or mercy.
**by watering--**by loading it with water.
**wearieth--**burdeneth it, so that it falls in rain; thus "wearieth" answers to the parallel "scattereth" (compare, see on Job 37:9); a clear sky resulting alike from both.
**bright cloud--**literally, "cloud of his light," that is, of His lightning...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 26
Chapter Outline
Job reproves Bildad.(1-4)
Job acknowledges the power of God.(5-14)
**Verses 1-4**
Job derided Bildad's answer; his words were a mixture of peevishness and self-preference. Bildad ought to have laid before Job the consolations, rather than the terrors of the Almighty. Christ knows how to speak what is proper for the weary, Is 50:4; and his ministers shou...
Read full commentary →For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.</strong> This verse provides the foundation for David's confidence in inviting divine examination. His integrity flows not from self-effort but from keeping God's covenant love in view and walking in God's revealed truth.<br><br>"For thy lovingkindness" (<em>ki chasdekha</em>, כִּי־חַסְדְּךָ) uses <em>chesed</em> (...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3*)* **For thy lovingkindness . . .**—God’s favour was before him as an encouragement, and God’s truth formed the rule of his life.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
14. (Psa 111:2).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 26
Chapter Outline
Job reproves Bildad.(1-4)
Job acknowledges the power of God.(5-14)
**Verses 1-4**
Job derided Bildad's answer; his words were a mixture of peevishness and self-preference. Bildad ought to have laid before Job the consolations, rather than the terrors of the Almighty. Christ knows how to speak what is proper for the weary, Is 50:4; and his ministers shou...
Read full commentary →I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.
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KJV Study Commentary
The declaration 'I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers' expresses moral separation. 'Vain persons' (empty, worthless people) and 'dissemblers' (hypocrites) represent ungodly influence. This reflects Psalm 1:1—blessing comes through avoiding ungodly counsel. Reformed theology emphasizes antithesis: believers must separate from worldly values while engaging the worl...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Dissemblers**—*i.e.*, hypocrites.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. when--**rather, "how."
**disposed them--**lays His charge on these "wonders" (Job 37:14) to arise.
**light--**lightning.
**shine--**flash. How is it that light arises from the dark thundercloud?
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 26
Chapter Outline
Job reproves Bildad.(1-4)
Job acknowledges the power of God.(5-14)
**Verses 1-4**
Job derided Bildad's answer; his words were a mixture of peevishness and self-preference. Bildad ought to have laid before Job the consolations, rather than the terrors of the Almighty. Christ knows how to speak what is proper for the weary, Is 50:4; and his ministers shou...
Read full commentary →I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.
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KJV Study Commentary
The confession 'I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked' expresses strong moral opposition. 'Hated' (sane) means intense opposition to evil, not malicious feelings toward persons. This reflects Psalm 139:21-22—hating what God hates. Reformed theology emphasizes that love for God produces hatred of evil. This isn't self-righteous superiority but covenant loyalt...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Evil doers.**—With idea of violence; from a root meaning to break in pieces.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
16. Hebrew, "Hast thou understanding of the balancings," &c., how the clouds are poised in the air, so that their watery gravity does not bring them to the earth? The condensed moisture, descending by gravity, meets a warmer temperature, which dissipates it into vapor (the tendency of which is to ascend) and so counteracts the descending force.
**perfect in knowledge--**God; not here in the ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-14**
Many striking instances are here given of the wisdom and power of God, in the creation and preservation of the world. If we look about us, to the earth and waters here below, we see his almighty power. If we consider hell beneath, though out of our sight, yet we may conceive the discoveries of God's power there. If we look up to heaven above, we see displays of God's almighty p...
Read full commentary →I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:
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KJV Study Commentary
The declaration 'I will wash mine hands in innocency' uses ritual purification imagery to express moral purity. Washing hands symbolized cleansing from guilt. 'So will I compass thine altar, O LORD' describes approaching God's presence for worship. Reformed theology emphasizes that approaching God requires cleansing—ultimately provided through Christ's blood, not our works. The psalmist's claim to...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6*)* **I will wash.**—First a symbolical action (Deuteronomy 21:6 *seq.; *Matthew 27:24), then a figure of speech (Job 9:30; Ezekiel 36:25). The Levitical authorship or, at all events, the Levitical character of the psalm appears from comparison of this with Exodus 30:17 *seq.*
**So will I.**—Better, *that I may, *&c. There is no other reference in Jewish literature to the custom of pacing round ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17. thy garments, &c.--**that is, dost thou know how thy body grows warm, so as to affect thy garments with heat?
**south wind--**literally, "region of the south." "When He maketh still (and sultry) the earth (that is, the atmosphere) by (during) the south wind" (So 4:16).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-14**
Many striking instances are here given of the wisdom and power of God, in the creation and preservation of the world. If we look about us, to the earth and waters here below, we see his almighty power. If we consider hell beneath, though out of our sight, yet we may conceive the discoveries of God's power there. If we look up to heaven above, we see displays of God's almighty p...
Read full commentary →That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
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KJV Study Commentary
The purpose of worship: 'That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.' Thanksgiving and testimony characterize true worship. 'Publish' (shama) means to cause to be heard—worship is public declaration. 'Wondrous works' refers to God's miraculous acts in history and personal experience. Reformed theology emphasizes that worship includes recounting God's deed...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **That I may . . .**—Literally, *to make to hear the voice of praise.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18. with him--**like as He does (Job 40:15).
**spread out--**given expanse to.
**strong pieces--**firm; whence the term "firmament" ("expansion," Ge 1:6, Margin; Is 44:24).
**molten looking glass--**image of the bright smiling sky. Mirrors were then formed of molten polished metal, not glass.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-14**
Many striking instances are here given of the wisdom and power of God, in the creation and preservation of the world. If we look about us, to the earth and waters here below, we see his almighty power. If we consider hell beneath, though out of our sight, yet we may conceive the discoveries of God's power there. If we look up to heaven above, we see displays of God's almighty p...
Read full commentary →LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. where: Heb. of the tabernacle of thy honour
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.</strong> This verse expresses David's devotion to God's sanctuary, revealing that his integrity includes genuine love for corporate worship and God's manifest presence. This isn't mere religious duty but heartfelt affection for God's dwelling place.<br><br>"LORD, I have loved" (<em>Yahweh ahavti</em>...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
19. Men cannot explain God's wonders; we ought, therefore, to be dumb and not contend with God. If Job thinks we ought, "let him teach us, what we shall say."
**order--**frame.
**darkness--**of mind; ignorance. "The eyes are bewilderingly blinded, when turned in bold controversy with God towards the sunny heavens" (Job 37:18) [Umbreit].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-14**
Many striking instances are here given of the wisdom and power of God, in the creation and preservation of the world. If we look about us, to the earth and waters here below, we see his almighty power. If we consider hell beneath, though out of our sight, yet we may conceive the discoveries of God's power there. If we look up to heaven above, we see displays of God's almighty p...
Read full commentary →Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men: Gather: or, Take not away bloody: Heb. men of blood
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KJV Study Commentary
The plea 'Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men' asks for separation from the wicked's fate. The fear is not temporary association but eternal destiny. Reformed theology sees this as a prayer for perseverance—that God would not allow the psalmist to fall away into apostasy and face judgment with the wicked. Election ensures believers won't share the wicked's end. This prayer...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Gather not.**—Better as in margin. The psalmist prays that he may be spared to worship in the sanctuary, when doom falls on evildoers and carries them off. The LXX. and Vulg. have “destroy not.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
20. What I a mortal say against God's dealings is not worthy of being told Him. In opposition to Job's wish to "speak" before God (Job 13:3, 18-22).
**if ... surely he shall be swallowed up--**The parallelism more favors Umbreit, "Durst a man speak (before Him, complaining) that he is (without cause) being destroyed?"
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-14**
Many striking instances are here given of the wisdom and power of God, in the creation and preservation of the world. If we look about us, to the earth and waters here below, we see his almighty power. If we consider hell beneath, though out of our sight, yet we may conceive the discoveries of God's power there. If we look up to heaven above, we see displays of God's almighty p...
Read full commentary →In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes. full: Heb. filled with
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KJV Study Commentary
The description of the wicked: 'In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes' depicts systematic corruption. 'Mischief' (zimmah) suggests premeditated evil; 'bribes' indicates perverted justice. The wicked's very hands—instruments of action—are tools of wickedness. Reformed theology emphasizes total depravity: sin affects all human faculties, including the 'hands' that should...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21. cleanseth--**that is, cleareth the air of clouds. When the "bright light" of the sun, previously not seen through "clouds," suddenly shines out from behind them, owing to the wind clearing them away, the effect is dazzling to the eye; so if God's majesty, now hidden, were suddenly revealed in all its brightness, it would spread darkness over Job's eyes, anxious as he is for it (compare, see ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-14**
Many striking instances are here given of the wisdom and power of God, in the creation and preservation of the world. If we look about us, to the earth and waters here below, we see his almighty power. If we consider hell beneath, though out of our sight, yet we may conceive the discoveries of God's power there. If we look up to heaven above, we see displays of God's almighty p...
Read full commentary →But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.
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KJV Study Commentary
The resolution 'But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me' combines personal commitment with humble petition. 'I will walk in integrity' expresses determination for holy living. Yet immediately the psalmist prays 'redeem me, and be merciful'—acknowledging that even covenant faithfulness depends on grace. Reformed theology emphasizes that perseverance is both ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
22. Rather, "golden splendor." Maurer translates "gold." It is found in northern regions. But God cannot be "found out," because of His "Majesty" (Job 37:23). Thus the twenty-eighth chapter corresponds; English Version is simpler.
**the north--**Brightness is chiefly associated with it (see on Job 23:9). Here, perhaps, because the north wind clears the air (Pr 25:23). Thus this clause answers to...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-14**
Many striking instances are here given of the wisdom and power of God, in the creation and preservation of the world. If we look about us, to the earth and waters here below, we see his almighty power. If we consider hell beneath, though out of our sight, yet we may conceive the discoveries of God's power there. If we look up to heaven above, we see displays of God's almighty p...
Read full commentary →My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.</strong> This concluding verse (the psalm continues one more verse in Hebrew) declares present stability and commits to future worship. The progression moves from personal security to public testimony, from individual standing to corporate blessing.<br><br>"My foot standeth" (<em>ragli ameda</em>, רַגְלִי עָמְדָ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **My foot standeth.**—It seems more in accordance with the general drift of the poem to take this verse, *When I stand in an even or level place *[*i.e., *when I am rescued from the difficulties which now beset me] *I will praise Jehovah in the congregation.*
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23. afflict--**oppressively, so as to "pervert judgment" as Job implied (see on Job 8:3); but see on Job 37:21, end of note. The reading, "He answereth not," that is, gives no account of His dealings, is like a transcriber's correction, from Job 33:13, Margin.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 5-14**
Many striking instances are here given of the wisdom and power of God, in the creation and preservation of the world. If we look about us, to the earth and waters here below, we see his almighty power. If we consider hell beneath, though out of our sight, yet we may conceive the discoveries of God's power there. If we look up to heaven above, we see displays of God's almighty p...
Read full commentary →