FRAMEWORKS:
Psa 26
(The
objective of these ‘Frameworks' is to provide an easy-to-read
layout of the text in order then to use these individual verses
for meditation. To focus each verse we have also added a subheading
summary as a description of what is happening)
FRAMEWORKS:
Psalm 26: Declarations of Righteousness
Of
David.
[Preliminary
Comments: It is often forgotten that we live in a fallen
world where, because of Sin, things go wrong, other people are
nasty, accidents occur and illnesses are contracted - NOT because
of our sin. Yes, we are redeemed sinners and we ARE still
prone to getting it wrong sometimes [see 1 Jn 2:1,2] but present
suffering may not be because of our sin [as the book of Job shows].
This needs saying because David is pouring his heart out, claiming
his innocence, while surrounded by others who are not so inclined.
Although he does not say he is suffering in any way, the sense
is of one who recognises his need of the Lord, even if he can
proffer his innocence, his righteousness.]
v.1
David calls on the Lord to exonerate his blameless, trusting life
v.1
Vindicate
me, Lord,
for I have led a blameless life;
I have trusted in the Lord
and have not faltered.
v.2
He asks the Lord to check him out to see if what he says is true
v.2
Test
me, Lord,
and try me,
examine my heart and my mind;
v.3
He has always sought to keep close to God and trust Him
v.3
for
I have always been mindful of your unfailing love
and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.
v.4,5
He's stayed away from the deceitful hypocrites, evildoers, the
wicked
v.4
I
do not sit with the deceitful,
nor do I associate with hypocrites.
v.5 I
abhor the assembly of evildoers
and refuse to sit with the wicked.
v.6,7
As he offers sacrifices [inferred] he does it with praise
v.6
I
wash my hands in innocence,
and go about your altar, Lord,
v.7 proclaiming
aloud your praise
and telling of all your wonderful deeds.
v.8
His joy is being in God's house with Him
v.8
Lord ,
I love the house where you live,
the place where your glory dwells.
v.9,10
He ask to be disassociated with bloodthirsty sinners and their
ways
v.9
Do
not take away my soul along with sinners,
my life with those who are bloodthirsty,
v.10
in
whose hands are wicked schemes,
whose right hands are full of bribes.
v.11,12
Because he seeks to be blameless he asks to be able to stand strong
praising the Lord
v.11
I
lead a blameless life;
deliver me and be merciful to me.
v.12
My
feet stand on level ground;
in the great congregation I will praise
the Lord
[Additional
Thoughts: Declarations of righteousness are both positive
– v.1-3 – and negative – v.4,5 – and are backed with declarations
or testimonies – v.6-8 – and pave the way for petitions – v.9-11
– which results in a confidence that he can remain part of the
community of God's people in God's presence who continue to praise
His name. A most positive of psalms.]
Continue
to Psa 27