Psalm 26:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes.

NIV: in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.

NASB: In whose hands is a wicked scheme, And whose right hand is full of bribes.

CSB: in whose hands are evil schemes and whose right hands are filled with bribes.

NLT: Their hands are dirty with evil schemes, and they constantly take bribes.

KJV: In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.

NKJV: In whose hands is a sinister scheme, And whose right hand is full of bribes.

The Hebrew term translated "devices" here is zimmāh, which refers to plans or, perhaps most accurately, "schemes." The English term "devices" has also been used to mean plotting or conspiring. The idea, here, is that of evil intent. This same term appears in other Scriptures warning against underhanded plans (Proverbs 21:27). Used as a criticism, the word is strong: zimmāh is frequently used in reference to gross sexual immorality or other shameless acts (Leviticus 18:17; Jeremiah 13:27).

Bribes—exchanging money or favors to violate some rule or law—are routinely condemned in the Bible. "'Cursed be anyone who takes a bribe to shed innocent blood.' And all the people shall say, 'Amen.'" (Deuteronomy 27:25). Micah 7:2–3 issues an indictment against the ungodly element in Israel. It states that "they all lie in wait for blood, and each hunts the other with a net. Their hands are on what is evil, to do it well; the prince and the judge ask for a bribe." Bribes have been a common problem in every culture because they are effective ways to take advantage of human greed (Proverbs 17:8).

Psalm 26:4–12 is practical evidence of the commitment David expressed in this psalm's introduction. While imperfect, David's life demonstrated consistent emphasis on godliness and obedience to the Lord. David draws a contrast between him and the evildoers that corrupted the worship of God (Psalm 26:5). David loves God's house and thanks the Lord for His miracles. David notes that because he does not associate with those who are evil, he does not expect to be caught up in their judgment.

Some of David's psalms connect directly to events recorded in Scripture. Psalm 26, however, does not seem to match any biblical events in David's life. This might have been David's response to a specific challenge, or a general plea for God to preserve him from deceptive attacks. In this psalm, David reaffirms his lifestyle of godliness and integrity. He is confident that he will not be judged with the wicked; the psalm offers evidence that he honors the Lord.

This Davidic psalm affirms David's integrity and his deliberate separation from evildoers. It also reveals his love for the tabernacle on Mount Zion. In several ways Psalms 26 resembles Psalm 25, though this song does not include a request for forgiveness (Psalm 25:18). David declares his sincere pursuit of the Lord, including attention to genuine worship. He does not participate with evildoers—likely meaningfalse worship —and he recognizes that the Lord will sweep away the souls of sinners.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.