21. In conscious innocence of the faults charged by his enemies, he confidently commits his cause to God. Some refer--
integrity, &c.--to God, meaning His covenant faithfulness. This sense, though good, is an unusual application of the terms.
22. Extend these blessings to all Thy people in all their distresses.
Psalm 26
Psa 26:1-12. After appealing to God's judgment on his avowed integrity and innocence of the charges laid by his enemies, the Psalmist professes delight in God's worship, and prays for exemption from the fate of the wicked, expressing assurance of God's favor
1. Judge--decide on my case; the appeal of innocence.
in mine integrity--freedom from blemish (compare [Psa 25:21]). His confidence of perseverance results from trust in God's sustaining grace.
2. He asks the most careful scrutiny of his affections and thoughts ([Psa 7:9]), or motives.
3. As often, the ground of prayer for present help is former favor.
4-8. As exemplified by the fruits of divine grace, presented in his life, especially in his avoiding the wicked and his purposes of cleaving to God's worship.
9. Gather not, &c.--Bring me not to death.
bloody men--(compare [Psa 5:6]).
10. Their whole conduct is that of violence and fraud.
11-12. But, &c.--He contrasts his character and destiny with that of the wicked (compare [Psa 26:1], 2).
Psalm 27
Psa 27:1-14. With a general strain of confidence, hope, and joy, especially in God's worship, in the midst of dangers, the Psalmist introduces prayer for divine help and guidance
1. light--is a common figure for comfort.
strength--or, "stronghold"--affording security against all violence. The interrogations give greater vividness to the negation implied.
2. eat ... my flesh--([Job 19:22]; [Psa 14:4]). The allusion to wild beasts illustrates their rapacity.
they stumbled--"they" is emphatic; not I, but they were destroyed.
3. In the greatest dangers.
in this--that is, then, in such extremity.
4-5. The secret of his confidence is his delight in communion with God ([Psa 16:11]; ), beholding the harmony of His perfections, and seeking His favor in His temple or palace; a term applicable to the tabernacle (compare [Psa 5:7]). There he is safe ([Psa 31:21]; ). The figure is changed in the last clause, but the sentiment is the same.
6. head be lifted up--I shall be placed beyond the reach of my enemies. Hence he avows his purpose of rendering joyful thank offerings.
7. Still pressing need extorts prayer for help.
cry with my voice--denotes earnestness. Other things equal, Christians in earnest pray audibly, even in secret.
8. The meaning is clear, though the construction in a literal translation is obscure. The English Version supplies the implied clause. To seek God's face is to seek His favor ([Psa 105:4]).
9. Hide not, &c.--([Psa 4:6]; ). Against rejection he pleads former mercy and love.
10. In the extremity of earthly destitution ([Psa 31:11]; ), God provides (compare [Mt 25:35]).
11. thy way--of providence.
a plain path--([Psa 26:12]).
enemies--literally, "watchers for my fall" ([Psa 5:8]).
12. will--literally, "soul," "desire" ([Psa 35:25]).
enemies--literally, "oppressors." Falsehood aids cruelty against him.
breathe out--as being filled with it ([Ac 9:1]).
13. The strong emotion is indicated by the incomplete sentence, for which the English Version supplies a proper clause; or, omitting that, and rendering, "yet I believed," &c., the contrast of his faith and his danger is expressed.
to see--is to experience ([Psa 22:17]).
14. Wait, &c.--in confident expectation. The last clause is, literally, "and wait," &c., as if expecting new measures of help.
Psalm 28
Psa 28:1-9. An earnest cry for divine aid against his enemies, as being also those of God, is followed by the Psalmist's praise in assurance of a favorable answer, and a prayer for all God's people
1. my rock--([Psa 18:2], ).
be not silent to me--literally, "from me," deaf or inattentive.
become like them, &c.--share their fate.
go down into the pit--or, "grave" ([Psa 30:3]).
2. lift up my hands--a gesture of prayer ([Psa 63:4]; ).