Psalm 26

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This article is about Psalm 26 in Hebrew (Masoretic) numbering. For Psalm 26 in Greek Septuagint or Latin Vulgate numbering, see Psalm 27.
Psalm 26
St James Bramley John 3.5 and Psalm 26.6 (2).jpg
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 on the west end of the north wall of the church of St James, Bramley, Hampshire.
BookBook of Psalms
Hebrew Bible partKetuvim
Order in the Hebrew part1
CategorySifrei Emet
Christian Bible partOld Testament
Order in the Christian part19

Psalm 26 is the 26th psalm from the Book of Psalms. According to its sub-title, it is a Psalm of David.[1] Albert Barnes argues that "there is no reason to doubt the correctness of the superscription",[2] but according to Charles and Emilie Briggs, it is to be dated within the Persian period (539 to 333 BCE).[3] In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 25.

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) [3]

They add that the "elements of prayer and worship" in verses 9 to 11 are additions by a later editor.[3]

Structure[]

The psalm is divided into 2 parts[by whom?]

  1. Verses 1-11: Pleas and affirmation of justice for the Psalmist
  2. 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:[4] 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).[4]

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 Psalm 26:6, but it would be apparent to the original Jewish audience that his abdication of the responsibility of judging justly was not in the spirit of Psalm 26.[according to whom?][5]

Judaism[]

In Judaism, verse 8 is the third verse of Ma Tovu.[6][7]

Catholic Church[]

Text of Psalm 26:8 on St. Michael's Church in Bienenbüttel.

According to the monastic tradition this psalm was since St. Benedict of Nursia, performed during the celebration of matins of Sundays.[8] Today, Psalm 26 is recited or sung at midday on a Friday.[9]

Verses 6-12 are said during the Lavabo (washing of the hands) of the Tridentine Mass.

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.[10]

Musical settings[]

Jules van Nuffel set the complete psalm in Latin, In convertendo Dominus.

References[]

  1. ^ Psalm 26: New American Standard Bible
  2. ^ Barnes, A. (1834), Barnes' Notes on Psalm 26, accessed 20 October 2021
  3. ^ a b c Charles Augustus Briggs; Emilie Grace Briggs (1960) [1906]. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Psalms. International Critical Commentary. Vol. 1. Edinburgh: T & T Clark. p. 229.
  4. ^ a b Craig C. Broyles (2005), Psalms Concerning Temple Entry in The Book of Psalms: Composition and Reception, 261
  5. ^ "Matthew 27:24 when Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "You bear the responsibility."".
  6. ^ The Complete Artscroll Siddur, page 12
  7. ^ D’après le Complete Artscroll Siddur, compilation des prières juives.
  8. ^ Psautier latin-français du bréviaire monastique, p. 73,
  9. ^ Règle de saint Benoît, traduction par Prosper Guéranger, (Abbaye Saint-Pierre de Solesmes, réimpression 2007) p. 46.
  10. ^ Church of England, Book of Common Prayer: The Psalter as printed by John Baskerville in 1762, pp. 196ff

External links[]

  • Psalm 26 in Hebrew and English - Mechon-mamre
  • Psalm 26 King James Bible - Wikisource
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