PSALM 26 THE ARGUMENT This Psalm was certainly made by David when he
was in distress, and particularly when he was falsely accused and
defamed by his adversaries, as he frequently was by Saul and his
courtiers; and therefore for his vindication he makes a solemn appeal
to God, and a protestation of... [ Continue Reading ]
Because it is possible that I may deceive myself, and be partial in my
cause, or at least mine enemies will so judge of me, I appeal to thee,
O thou Judge of hearts, and beg that thou wouldst search and try me by
such ways and means as thou seest fit, and make me known to myself,
and to the world, a... [ Continue Reading ]
I dare appeal to thee with this confidence, because thou knowest that
I have a true and deep sense of thy loving-kindness to me upon mine
heart, by which I have been obliged, and in a manner constrained, to
love and obey thee, and in all things to approve any heart and ways to
thee, and to abstain f... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE NOT SAT, i.e. chosen or used to converse with them; for sitting
is a posture of ease and of continuance. I have been so far from an
approbation or imitation of their wicked courses, (wherewith mine
enemies reproach me,) that I have avoided even their company; and if
accidentally I came into i... [ Continue Reading ]
THE CONGREGATION OF EVIL-DOERS; either,
1. Their whole rank or society. I have an antipathy against all such
persons, without any exception. Or,
2. To meet and join with them in their assemblies and consultations,
or sit with them, as it follows.... [ Continue Reading ]
IN INNOCENCY, or, _with integrity_, or with a pure heart and
conscience. I will not do as my hypocritical enemies do, who content
themselves with those outward washings of their hands or bodies
prescribed in the law, EXODUS 29:4 &c.; DEUTERONOMY 21:6 HEBREWS 9:10,
whilst their hearts and lives are f... [ Continue Reading ]
PUBLISH, or, _proclaim_, to wit, THY WONDROUS WORKS, as it here
follows. WITH THE VOICE OF THANKSGIVING; accompanying my sacrifices
with my own solemn thanksgivings and songs of praise.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE HABITATION OF THY HOUSE, i.e. thy sanctuary and worship; which is
an evidence of my piety to thee, as I have given many proofs of my
justice and integrity towards men. Nothing is more grievous to me than
to be hindered from seeing and serving thee there. THINE HONOUR; or,
_thy glory_; either,
1... [ Continue Reading ]
MY SOUL, i.e. my life, as it is explained in the next clause. Do not
bind me up in the same bundle, nor put me into the same accursed and
miserable condition, with them. Seeing I have had so great an
antipathy against them in the whole course of my life, PSALMS 26:4,5,
let me not die their death; as... [ Continue Reading ]
IN WHOSE HANDS IS MISCHIEF; who not only imagine mischief in their
hearts, but persist in it, and execute it with their hands. THEIR
RIGHT HAND; which should be stretched out to execute justice, and
punish offenders.... [ Continue Reading ]
No text from Poole on this verse.... [ Continue Reading ]
IN AN EVEN PLACE, Heb. _in rectitude_, or IN A RIGHT, OR STRAIGHT, OR
PLAIN, OR EVEN PLACE; which may be understood either,
1. Civilly, or in regard of his outward condition. So this is opposed
to the slippery places, in which wicked men are said to be, PSALMS
35:6, PSALMS 73:18 JEREMIAH 23:12; and... [ Continue Reading ]