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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 26, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 [{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.
Psalms 26:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
Psalms 26:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 For thy lovingkindness {is} before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
Psalms 26:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.
Psalms 26:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.
Psalms 26:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:
Psalms 26:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
Psalms 26:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. {where...: Heb. of the tabernacle of thy honour}
Psalms 26:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9 Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men: {Gather...: or, Take not away} {bloody...: Heb. men of blood}
Psalms 26:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10 In whose hands {is} mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes. {full...: Heb. filled with}
Psalms 26:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11 But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.
Psalms 26:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12 My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.
Psalms 26:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.