What does Psalm 26:6 teach about purity before approaching God's altar? “I wash my hands in innocence and go around Your altar, O LORD” The picture in David’s words - “Wash my hands” evokes the priestly ritual at the bronze basin (Exodus 30:17-21). - “Innocence” points to moral blamelessness, not mere outward ceremony. - “Go around Your altar” reflects confidence to draw near once purity is established. Purity required before the altar - God’s altar represents His holy presence; unclean worshipers invite judgment (Leviticus 10:1-3). - Clean hands symbolize integrity of actions; the heart must match the hands (Psalm 24:3-4). - Innocence is affirmed before approaching, not achieved afterward. Related Scriptures reinforcing the principle - Exodus 30:20-21—priests must wash “so that they will not die.” - Isaiah 1:15-16—“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean… cease to do evil.” - James 4:8—“Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts.” - Hebrews 10:22—“Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean.” - 1 Timothy 2:8—prayer is lifted “with holy hands,” not hypocritical ones. Practical takeaways for believers today - Examine actions and motives before worship; confess known sin (1 John 1:9). - Remember purity is grounded in Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice, yet lived out daily (Titus 2:14). - Approach God with sincere obedience, not empty ritual; authenticity matters more than form. - Corporate worship is strengthened when individual believers pursue holiness first. Summary Psalm 26:6 teaches that moral and spiritual purity—“clean hands” verified by a clear conscience—must precede any approach to God’s altar. Only then can worship be accepted and fellowship enjoyed. |
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