I struggled with this passage…with David claiming to have led a “blameless life”. After reading some commentaries, I learned that is not really what he was stating, but here are a couple of different versions that helped me to better understand what this psalm was really about…he was pleading with God to clear his name because he was being falsely accused (or, as stated on Biblegateway.com with the NASV version, “Protestation of Integrity and Prayer for Protection.”)
May we all be able to pray this prayer when faced with similar circumstances.
The Message:
1 Clear my name, God; I've kept an honest shop. I've thrown in my lot with you, God, and I'm not budging.
2 Examine me, God, from head to foot, order your battery of tests. Make sure I'm fit inside and out
3 So I never lose sight of your love, but keep in step with you, never missing a beat.
4-5 I don't hang out with tricksters, I don't pal around with thugs; I hate that pack of gangsters, I don't deal with double-dealers.
6-7 I scrub my hands with purest soap, then join hands with the others in the great circle, dancing around your altar, God, singing God-songs at the top of my lungs, telling God-stories.
8-10 God, I love living with you; your house glows with your glory. When it's time for spring cleaning, don't sweep me out with the quacks and crooks, men with bags of dirty tricks, women with purses stuffed with bribe-money.
11-12 You know I've been aboveboard with you; now be aboveboard with me. I'm on the level with you, God; I bless you every chance I get.
NASV:
1Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
2Examine me, O LORD, and try me; test my mind and my heart.
3For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth.
4I do not sit with deceitful men, nor will I go with pretenders.
5I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked.
6I shall wash my hands in innocence, and I will go about Your altar, O LORD,
7That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving and declare all Your wonders.
8O LORD, I love the habitation of Your house and the place where Your glory dwells.
9Do not take my soul away along with sinners, nor my life with men of bloodshed,
10In whose hands is a wicked scheme, and whose right hand is full of bribes.
11But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me.
12My foot stands on a level place; in the congregations I shall bless the LORD.
1 comment:
When I read today's Psalm earlier this morning, I was wondering where you would go with it (and I was also thankful it wasn't my turn today;-). You did good. I usually don't like "The Message" version, but it did capture the tone pretty well.
I think there does come a time in all of our lives when we (almost stubbornly) say "I've thrown in my lot with you, God, and I'm not budging!"
Thanks.
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