en_tn/tNotes/Psalms/Psalms_026.md

Psalms 26

Psalms 26:1

General Information:

Parallelism is common in Hebrew poetry. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-poetry and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-parallelism)

I have walked

The word "walked" is a metaphor for behavior. Alternate translation: "I have behaved" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)

in Yahweh

The third person use of "Yahweh" can be stated in the second person. Alternate translation: "in you" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-123person)

without wavering

Doubting is spoken of as if it were losing balance and waving back and forth. Alternate translation: "without doubting" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)

Psalms 26:2

Examine me

"Try me"

test the purity of my inner parts and my heart

Here "inner parts" and "heart" mean motives. Alternate translation: "test whether my motives are good" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-doublet)

Psalms 26:3

For your covenant faithfulness is before my eyes

Here "eyes" represent a person's thoughts and having something before one's eyes represents being aware of that thing. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated as an adjective. Alternate translation: "For I am always aware of your covenant faithfulness" or "For I am always aware that you are faithful to your covenant" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-abstractnouns)

I walk about in your faithfulness

The word "walk" is a metaphor for behavior. The abstract noun "faithfulness" can be translated with an adjective. Alternate translation: "I conduct my life according to your faithfulness" or "I behave the way I do because you are faithful" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-abstractnouns)

Psalms 26:4

I do not associate with

"I do not keep company with" or "I do not sit with"

with deceitful people

"with those who deceive others"

nor do I mingle with dishonest people

This means the same as the first part of the sentence. Alternate translation: "and I do not join with dishonest people" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-parallelism)

dishonest people

"hypocrites" or "those who lie to others"

Psalms 26:5

the assembly of evildoers

"those who gather to do evil"

the wicked

This is a nominal adjective. Alternate translation: "wicked people" or "those who are wicked" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-nominaladj)

Psalms 26:6

I wash my hands in innocence

This seems to refer to a ritual washing of hands in water to symbolize freedom from sin and guilt. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-symaction)

I go around your altar

This was an action of worship that the Israelites were accustomed to doing.

Psalms 26:7

General Information:

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Psalms 26:8

the house where you live

Possible meanings are 1) if a person wrote this after the time of David, then the writer is referring to the temple in Jerusalem or 2) if David wrote this, then this refers to the tent that God told his people to set up so that they could worship him there.

the place where your glory lives

Here "glory" represents the presence and power of God, which is similar to a very bright light. Alternate translation: "the place where people can see the glorious light of your presence" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

Psalms 26:9

Do not sweep me away with sinners

"Sweep away" here is a metaphor for destruction. Alternate translation: "Do not destroy me along with sinners" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)

or my life

The word "sweep" is understood. Alternate translation: "or sweep my life" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-ellipsis)

people who are bloodthirsty

The word "bloodthirsty" represents wanting to kill people. Alternate translation: "people who are eager to shed others' blood" or "murderers" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

Psalms 26:10

in whose hands

"Hands" refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: "people in which" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-synecdoche)

a plot

"a wicked plan"

Psalms 26:11

But as for me

This phrase shows that the writer is changing from speaking about wicked people to talking about himself.

I will walk in integrity

"Walk" here is a metaphor for behavior. Alternate translation: "I will behave with integrity" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)

Psalms 26:12

My foot stands

Here "foot" represents the whole person. Alternate translation: "I stand" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-synecdoche)

level ground

Possible meanings are that "level ground" represents 1) a safe place or 2) right behavior (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)

in the assemblies will I bless Yahweh

"when I gather with the people of Israel I will praise you"