What is the meaning of Psalm 26:2?

Test me

David invites God to scrutinize him. This is no casual request; it is an open-handed surrender to divine inspection.

• Psalm 139:23–24 likewise asks, “Search me, O God, and know my heart… see if there is any offensive way in me.”

• Job 23:10 affirms that when God tests, He refines like gold.

• 1 Peter 1:6-7 explains that tested faith is “more precious than gold that perishes.”

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O LORD

By addressing Yahweh, David appeals to the covenant-keeping God who knows and loves His people.

• Exodus 34:6 reveals the LORD as “compassionate and gracious.”

• 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “The eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him.”

• Because God is perfectly just (Deuteronomy 32:4), His verdict on David’s life will be true and trustworthy.

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and try me

“Try” carries the flavor of refining metal—heat applied to remove impurities.

• Malachi 3:2-3 pictures the LORD as a refiner’s fire purifying silver.

• James 1:2-4 reminds believers that trials produce perseverance and maturity.

• 1 Corinthians 3:13 foretells that each work “will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work.”

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examine my heart and mind

David does not limit God to external deeds; he opens the inner chambers.

• Jeremiah 17:10 records God saying, “I, the LORD, search the heart and examine the mind.”

• Hebrews 4:12 declares that the word of God judges “the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

• 1 Samuel 16:7 teaches that “man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

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summary

Psalm 26:2 shows a believer’s willingness to place every motive, thought, and action before God’s all-seeing eye. David seeks cleansing, authenticity, and refined faith, trusting the righteous LORD to expose sin, burn away dross, and strengthen integrity so that his life aligns with God’s covenant standards.