Psalms Chapter 15 A Psalm by David.
1 LORD, who shall dwell in your sanctuary? Who shall live on your holy hill?
2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right, and speaks truth in his heart;
3 he who doesn't slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his friend, nor casts slurs against his fellow man;
4 in whose eyes a vile man is despised, but who honours those who fear the LORD; he who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and doesn't change;
5 he who doesn't lend out his money for usury, nor take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be shaken.
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Psalms Chapter 15 A Psalm by David. Guide
This psalm declares the terms of friendship between man and Jehovah. The opening questions describe the privileges of friendship. To sojourn does not necessarily mean to stay for a brief time. Length of stay is not suggested by the word, but rather the position of one who receives hospitality, a guest. To dwell is to reside permanently. The picture is of a resident of the City of God, who has free and welcome access to God's presence. To whom are such high privileges granted? The answer is first stated in general terms and then illustrations are given.
In general terms, the friend of God is one whose general deportment is perfect, whose activity is right, whose inner thoughts are pure. The test of all this is in a man's attitude to his fellow man, which is described. The man fulfilling these conditions is never moved from his residence on the holy hill nor excluded from the hospitality of Jehovah's tent. The outcome of true friendship with Jehovah is friendship for man. Therefore the condition for continued friendship with Jehovah is loyal friendship to man.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
Psalms Chapter 15 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- The way to heaven, if we would be happy, we must be holy. We are encouraged to walk in that way.
Verses 1-5
Here is a very serious question concerning the character of a citizen of Zion. It is the happiness of glorified saints, that they dwell in the holy hill; they are at home there, they shall be for ever there. It concerns us to make it sure to ourselves that we have a place among them. A very plain and particular answer is here given. Those who desire to know their duty, will find the Scripture a very faithful director, and conscience a faithful monitor. A citizen of Zion is sincere in his religion. He is really what he professes to be, and endeavours to stand complete in all the will of God. He is just both to God and man; and, in speaking to both, speaks the truth in his heart. He scorns and abhors wrong and fraud; he cannot reckon that a good bargain, nor a saving one, which is made with a lie; and knows that he who wrongs his neighbour will prove, in the end, to have most injured himself. He is very careful to do hurt to no man. He speaks evil of no man, makes not others' faults the matter of his common talk; he makes the best of every body, and the worst of nobody. If an ill-natured story be told him, he will disprove it if he can; if not, it goes no further. He values men by their virtue and piety. Wicked people are vile people, worthless, and good for nothing; so the word signifies. He thinks the worse of no man's piety for his poverty and mean condition. He reckons that serious piety puts honour upon a man, more than wealth, or a great name. He honours such, desires their conversation and an interest in their prayers, is glad to show them respect, or do them a kindness. By this we may judge of ourselves in some measure. Even wise and good men may swear to their own hurt: but see how strong the obligation is, a man must rather suffer loss to himself and his family, than wrong his neighbour. He will not increase his estate by extortion, or by bribery. He will not, for any gain, or hope of it to himself, do any thing to hurt a righteous cause. Every true living member of the church, like the church itself, is built upon a Rock. He that doeth these things shall not be moved for ever. The grace of God shall always be sufficient for him. The union of these tempers and this conduct, can only spring from repentance for sin, faith in the Saviour, and love to him. In these respects let us examine and prove our own selves.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.