Psalm 26 - Dedication

David is having communion with his covenant God and speaking to him about his way of life. Although he mentions various aspects of what he does, he is not suggesting that he is without fault. Instead, he speaks the truth about his life because he is providing reasons for why the Lord should hear his prayer. He is willing for the Lord to examine him inwardly concerning his outlook and his thoughts.

David says that his trust in the Lord is not interrupted by bouts of wavering. Given that he often found himself in difficult circumstances, his claim is remarkable, or at least would be if we did not know that his loyalty to God occurred because he was working out what God had already worked within his servant’s inner life.

What did David think about? He tells others that his focus was on the covenant faithfulness of God (v. 3), and he knew that this relationship with God made demands on him. Therefore he had to watch his company and keep away from those who opposed the Lord (vv. 4-5). He knew that it was important for him to express his gratitude to the Lord for the wonderful activities done for him in providence (vv. 6-7). 

The place to do this was at tabernacle, the place where God was worshipped, and it was David’s desire that others would be informed about the blessings God had given to him (vv. 8-9). Indeed, David loved the place of divine worship because the Lord dwelt there in a special way, where he revealed his glory, and his glory was expressed in providing a way of pardon and forgiveness for David, and also an opportunity for once again dedicating himself to his God.

David knew that the Lord could step in at any time and deal with those who showed cruelty and self-interest in their way of life. But he had no desire for such company (vv. 9-10). In contrast to people like that, David resolved to live for God. For this to happen, the Lord would have to rescue him from dangers in a gracious way. This divine action would give him security and a sense of ease as he praised God in a public way when his people were gathered in his presence (vv. 11-12).

In this psalm, David reveals his delight in the life of faith and what his two crucial features are. Inwardly, he trusts constantly in the Lord and, outwardly, his life is one of integrity.