Psalm 26, the 26th psalm of the Book of Psalms in the Bible, begins (in the King James Version): "Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity". The Book of Psalms is part of the third section of the Hebrew Bible, and a book of the Christian Old Testament. In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 25. In Latin, it is known as "Iudica me Domine". The psalm is attributed to David by its sub-title. Albert Barnes argues that "there is no reason to doubt the correctness of the superscription", but according to Charles and Emilie Briggs, it is to be dated within the Persian period (539 to 333 BCE). The Briggs describe the psalm as "a profession of integrity by a Levite, engaged in worshipping Yahweh in the temple choir. (1) He professes integrity in walk, and unwavering trust in Yahweh, as attested by Yahweh Himself (v.1-2). (2) Ever conscious of the divine kindness and faithfulness, he abstains from all association with the wicked (v.3-4). (3) He hates the company of the wicked and purifies himself for sacrifice (v.5-6). (4) He loves the temple (v.8), and stands in its choir blessing Yahweh (v.12)" They add that the "elements of prayer and worship" in verses 9 to 11 are additions by a later editor. The psalm forms a regular part of Jewish, Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican and Nonconformist Protestant liturgies.

Text

Hebrew

The following table shows the Hebrew text of the Psalm with vowels alongside an English translation based upon the JPS 1917 translation (now in the public domain).

King James Version

Structure

The psalm is divided into 2 parts The following observations can be made:

Uses

New Testament

Speculatively, this psalm is referenced in the story of the public trial of Jesus. After succumbing to the wishes of the gathered crowd, Pontius Pilate purportedly washed his hands to show his innocence of their judgement. In the account, this could function as an outward display of someone mechanically following the psalm verse, but it would be apparent to the original Jewish audience that his abdication of the responsibility of judging justly was not in its spirit.

Judaism

In Judaism, verse 8 is the third verse of Ma Tovu.

Catholic Church

According to the monastic tradition this psalm was since St. Benedict of Nursia, performed during the celebration of matins of Sundays. Today, Psalm 26 is recited or sung during the Daytime Hours on Friday Week 1. Verses 6-12 are said during the Lavabo (washing of the hands) of the Tridentine Mass.

Eastern Orthodox Church

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Psalm 25 (Psalm 26 in the Masoretic Text) is part of the fourth Kathisma division of the Psalter, read at Matins on Monday mornings, as well as on Wednesdays during Lent at the Sixth Hour. Psalm 25/26 is also read at the rite of the consecration of a church, after the consecration of the altar.

Book of Common Prayer

In the Church of England's Book of Common Prayer, this psalm is appointed to be read on the morning of the fifth day of the month.

Musical setting

Heinrich Schütz wrote a setting of a metric paraphrase of Psalm 26 in German, "Herr, schaff mir Recht, nimm dich mein an", SWV 123, for the Becker Psalter, published first in 1628.