MEDITATIONS IN THE PSALMS [An outline of the Psalm, A good devotional study when using the scriptures indicated] Psalm 26, INTEGRITY
This was at a time of famine in the land, caused by Saul’s breaking covenant with the Gibeonites, II Sam.21:1-14. David bearing the reproach of scandal is a type of the Greater David, bearing the same shame and reproaches. In vs1-3 he gives encouraging example to carry the burden of slander to the throne of grace. We see him appealing to God, the Supreme Judge, by the testimony of a good conscience of his endeavor to walk upright as a believer. “Judge me” the idea of vindication, “The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and according to mine integrity that is in me” (Ps.7:8). His integrity was his spiritual character, determined to live close to God. This appeal isn’t general but exceptional. The believer doesn’t make this appeal on any occasion. As to the general course of our walk we are righteous and justified in Christ alone, and in His alone do we glory; “… he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” A far more suitable prayer for a sinful mortal such as you and I is, “Enter not into judgment with Thy servant.” He isn’t appealing here for justification before God, but vindication before man. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom.5:1); “What does it profit my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?” (James 2:14-24). Now which is right? B0TH! By faith a man is justified before God, by works a man is justified before men. Verses 4-5 speaks of his abstinence with wicked associations – the amplified reads, “I do not sit with false persons, nor do I fellowship with pretenders; I hate the company of evildoers and will not sit with the wicked.” Someone said, “A man is known by the company he keeps.” “He who was never in the barn has not likely stolen the corn.” “I have not sat with false persons.” “True citizens have no dealings with traitors.” We have to rub shoulders with the world, but we can not, if believers settle down and find satisfaction in their empty society. I don’t think he has the trade world in mind, I believe he is talking about the society of religion, “… but they went out that they might be made manifest.” (I John 2:18-20); “… have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph.5:9-11); “But woe to you … hypocrites” (Matt.23:13). What is a hypocrite? A pretender, and that’s what David said he would not sit with. V5, “I have hate,” it had been and was his practice; “A man that does not hate evil terribly does not love God heartily.” Verses 6-8 show us David’s purpose and determination to behave himself holy and righteous, v5, “I have”, v6, “I will.” This is very evident that the Old Testament believers received grace as we receive grace; the grace of God is a teaching principle (Titus 2:11-12). Verses 9-11 he prays to be free from the coming judgment upon the wicked (Matt.25:31-33; 25:31-33). And closes with assurance that he will be heard his hope was in Christ. v12. ~~T. Worthan, 1938-2022
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