What is the meaning of Psalm 26:6? I wash my hands • David begins with a deliberate action. In his day, priests literally washed before serving (Exodus 30:17-21). • For the believer, cleansing still matters. God desires clean hands and a pure heart (Psalm 24:3-4). • It is never mere ceremony; James echoes, “Draw near to God... cleanse your hands, you sinners” (James 4:8). • The image reminds us that holiness involves conscious preparation, not casual approach. in innocence • David is not claiming sinless perfection but a heart free from hypocrisy (Psalm 26:1). • Innocence speaks of integrity—living openly before God like Job, who maintained his innocence (Job 27:5-6). • Paul urges men to pray “lifting up holy hands without anger or dispute” (1 Timothy 2:8). • When we confess and forsake sin, the blood of Jesus cleanses us (1 John 1:7-9), allowing us to stand innocent. that I may go about Your altar • The goal of cleansing is worship. David longs to circle, serve, and linger at the altar where sacrifices were offered (Leviticus 1:11; 6:9). • Worship is active; he wants to “go about,” not just glance at, the place of atonement. • Psalm 43:4 mirrors the desire: “Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy.” • Through Christ we now have “confidence to enter the Most Holy Place” (Hebrews 10:19-22). Pure lives keep that access unhindered. O LORD • The covenant name anchors the verse. David addresses the One who revealed Himself to Moses (Exodus 3:15). • Real communion is always personal: “But as for me, the nearness of God is my good” (Psalm 73:28). • Reverence and intimacy blend; we serve a consuming fire yet approach with grateful awe (Hebrews 12:28). • All purity, innocence, and worship ultimately focus on the LORD Himself—not on our performance but on His presence. summary Clean hands symbolize intentional repentance; innocence reflects a sincere, undivided heart; approaching the altar shows our purpose—wholehearted worship; and calling on the LORD highlights relationship. Psalm 26:6 invites us to keep short accounts with God, walk in integrity, and joyfully draw near to His presence day after day. |
    |