Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.
David appeals to God as judge and advocate because men have offered him neither equity nor help. Oppressed by false accusations, he calls God to take up his cause and vindicate his innocence, for he has walked in integrity and trusted without wavering.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 26:1-12
There are three modes of trial here challenged, which are said in the original to refer to trial by touch, trial by smell, and trial by fire. The psalmist was so clear from the charge laid against him, that he submitted himself unconditionally to any form of examination which the Lord might see fit to employ. Examine me, O Lord.
It is probable that David penned this psalm when he was persecuted by Saul and his party, who, to give some colour to their unjust rage, represented him as a very bad man, and falsely accused him of many high crimes and misdemeanors, dressed him up in the skins of wild beasts that they might bait him.
Commenting on Psalm 26:1-5