Psalm 26 Commentary

Psalm 26 Commentary

Vindicate me, Lord, for I have led a blameless life. Verse 1. This is David

Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Psalm 51:5. Probably another David?

Yes, we can be confused by claims to be blameless when these claims come from David!

This psalm is a plea for justice. Let God declare David innocent on account of his conduct. But we also have verse 11. David is in need of redemption and God’s mercy.

While verse 1 is a plea for justice for David’s innocence, verse 11 is a plea for redemption and mercy for David’s “crimes”.

The saint combines the two. At one point, you are blameless on account of Calvary’s ransom. At another point, you seek forgiveness daily because you aren’t as clean as expected! Both apply at the same time!

Who amongst us has led a blameless life? Who has trusted the LORD and hasn’t faltered? Who would want to be tested, his heart examined, and his mind scrutinized? Who is confident about passing this kind of exam?

But we know of one man who qualifies to say this prayer, the man Jesus Christ. He is the perfection that the LORD God has always desired.

This is one very simple yet most important reason the saint must say his prayers in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Then the righteousness of Christ becomes the saint’s righteousness. The unknown becomes the known. The useless becomes useful. It becomes the passport for entry into the throne room. Then angels can greet you with, “What can we do for you, sir?” The saint becomes important, all because of the Lord Jesus Christ. You easily understand why every sermon must be about Jesus Christ!

Then this prayer here isn’t impossible at all.

Neither is this spiritually transformed man completely different from the physical man. We can see the evidence in David. The spiritual transformation always seeks the transformation of the physical man. It is only from this position that a spiritually transformed David would hate, reject, and abhor an adulterous and murderous David. Hence, Psalm 51.

Who has been at the Palace without seeking the character of the Prince of Peace?

This psalm, therefore, sounds more like a statement of intention than a solid case of justice. This is what I want and should be. Check me for it, LORD. I shouldn’t be classified among the cold and godless of this world. I try my best. I want to be where you are. Don’t let me suffer the punishment of the wicked.

It also speaks to our intentions, hopes, and aspirations. If the LORD examined your heart, what would be your greatest need? Money? We probably need more help than we think.

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