Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 73:13

13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain b, and washed my hands in innocency .

(i. e.) Kept my Hands (the great Instrument of Action, and consequently the rest of the Members of my Body) innocent and pure from evil Practises. I have washed my Hands, not onely Ceremonially with water, wherewith Hypocrites satisfie themselves, but also Morally, or with the Waters of God's Grace and Spirit, Innocency or Purity.

l Hence I was sometimes tempted, to think that Religion was a vain and unprofitable thing, at least as to the Happiness of this Life, which yet God had promised as a reward to Piety. True Religion is here fitly and fully described by its two Principal parts and works, the cleansing of the Heart from sinful Lusts and Passions, and of the Hands, or outward Man from a Course of sinful Actions. And although it be God's work to cleanse the Heart, yet he saith; I have cleansed it, because every good man doth Cooperate with God's Grace in cleansing it. Compare 2 Cor. 6. 1. and 7. 1.

Marginal references: Job. 21. 15. & 34. 9. & 35. 3.; Psal. 26. 6.