The Book of Psalms is part of the third section of the Hebrew Bible, and a book of the ChristianOld 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".[1] The psalm is attributed to David by its sub-title.[2]Albert Barnes argues that "there is no reason to doubt the correctness of the superscription",[3] but according to Charles and Emilie Briggs, it is to be dated within the Persian period (539 to 333 BCE).[4] 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) [4]
They add that the "elements of prayer and worship" in verses 9 to 11 are additions by a later editor.[4]
The following table shows the Hebrew text[5][6] of the Psalm with vowels alongside an English translation based upon the JPS 1917 translation (now in the public domain).
Verses 1-11: Pleas and affirmation of justice for the Psalmist
Verse 12: certainty of being heard and confident vows
The following observations can be made:
The absence of a complaint. The peculiarity of the absence of an action falls on the Psalm:[7] there is no reference to the wicked, which poses a risk for the psalmist in any way.
The highlighting of the temple. The psalm refers not only to the "house of the Lord" (verse 8) and "Assembly" (verse 12), but also to the rites that are performed by the Psalmist in the Temple: the symbolic washing of hands, the circumambulation of the altar (verse 6) and the subsequent singing (verse 7).[7]
Uses
New Testament
Wall paintings of the text of John 3:5 and Psalm 26:6 "I will wash my hands in innocency, o Lord, and so will I go to thine altar" at St James in Bramley, Hampshire
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.[according to whom?][8]
Judaism
In Judaism, verse 8 is the third verse of Ma Tovu.[9][10]
Catholic Church
According to the monastic tradition this psalm was since St. Benedict of Nursia, performed during the celebration of matins of Sundays.[11] Today, Psalm 26 is recited or sung during the Daytime Hours on Friday Week 1.[12]
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.[13]
Psalm 25/26 is also read at the rite of the consecration of a church, after the consecration of the altar.
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.
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