Psalm 26:2

Modern

Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.

Traditional

Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

Literal

Examine me, O YHWH, and test me; refine my kidneys and my heart.

Latin

Proba me, Domine, et tenta me; ure renes meos et cor meum.

Hebrew

English

Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.

The psalmist opens himself to divine examination of his life, especially in the areas of his character and devotion.

In this personal lament, the psalmist prays for redemption because of his innocence and the Lord's justice.

These psalms develop the importance of:

integrity (Psalms 25:4–7, 12–14, 21; 26:6, 11; 27:7–12),
God's care as a shepherd (Psalms 23:1; 28:9),
God's guidance (Psalms 23:2–3; 25:5; 27:11),
God's goodness (Psalms 23:6; 25:7–8; 27:13), and
living in his house (Psalms 23:6; 26:8; 27:4, 8).

Theme notes and profiles

Psalm 139:23–24
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.
Psalm 7:9
Put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds.
Psalm 17:3
You have tried my heart; You have visited me in the night. You have tested me and found no evil; I have resolved not to sin with my mouth.
Zechariah 13:9
This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”
Job 13:23
How many are my iniquities and sins? Reveal to me my transgression and sin.
Psalm 66:10
For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us like silver.
Jeremiah 20:12
O LORD of Hosts, who examines the righteous, who sees the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.
Job 31:4–6
Does He not see my ways and count my every step?