7 Things - Psalm 26

It is always interesting to find God’s secrets found in lists of seven throughout the Word. David had such a passion for the presence and glory of God. In this psalm, David declares his love for God’s house and he longs for the glory. He tells us 7 things that he has done, or will do in order to find God’s glory, and he also lists for us 7 things that he wants God to do for him. All of these things take us on the pathway to God’s glory.

Psalm 26 (NKJV)

1 A Psalm of David. Vindicate me, O Lord, For I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip.

2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart.

3 For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth.

5 I have hated the assembly of evildoers, And will not sit with the wicked.

6 I will wash my hands in innocence; So I will go about Your altar, O Lord,

7 That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all Your wondrous works.

8 Lord, I have loved the habitation of Your house, And the place where Your glory dwells.

9 Do not gather my soul with sinners, Nor my life with bloodthirsty men,

10 In whose hands is a sinister scheme, And whose right hand is full of bribes.

11 But as for me, I will walk in my integrity; Redeem me and be merciful to me.

12 My foot stands in an even place; In the congregations I will bless the Lord.

7 Things David has done and will do for the Lord

I have walked in my integrity

I have trusted in the Lord

I have walked in Your truth

I have hated evil

I will wash my hands

I will sing songs of thanksgiving

I have loved Your house – the place of Your glory

7 Things David asks the Lord to do for him

-Examine me

-Prove me;

-Try my mind

-Try my heart

-Keep me from the fate of sinners

-Redeem me

-Be merciful to me.

Just for clarity I have included the Psalm in the NLT:

Psalm 26 (NLT)

1 A psalm of David. Declare me innocent, O LORD, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.

2 Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and affections.

3 For I am constantly aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth.

4 I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites.

5 I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked.

6 I wash my hands to declare my innocence. I come to your altar, O LORD,

7 singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your miracles.

8 I love your sanctuary, LORD, the place where your glory shines.

9 Don't let me suffer the fate of sinners. Don't condemn me along with murderers.

10 Their hands are dirty with wicked schemes, and they constantly take bribes.

11 But I am not like that; I do what is right. So in your mercy, save me.

12 I have taken a stand, and I will publicly praise the LORD.