Psalms 15

¹A Psalm of David. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

Psa 15:1-5. Those who are fit for communion with God may be known by a conformity to His law, which is illustrated in various important particulars. 1. abide--or, “sojourn” (compare Psa 5:4), where it means under God’s protection here, as (Psa 23:6, 27:4, 6) communion. tabernacle--seat of the ark (2Sa 6:17), the symbol of God’s presence. holy hill--(Compare Psa 2:6).

²He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

2. walketh--(Compare Psa 1:1). uprightly--in a complete manner, as to all parts of conduct (Ge 17:1), not as to degree. worketh--or, “does.” righteousness--what is right. in his heart--sincerely (Pr 23:7).

³He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

3. He neither slanders nor spreads slander.

⁴In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

4. Love and hate are regulated by a regard to God. sweareth ... hurt--or what so results (compare Le 5:4).

⁵He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

5. (Compare Le 25:37; De 23:19, 20). usury is derived from a verb meaning “to bite.” All gains made by the wrongful loss of others are forbidden. taketh reward, &c.--The innocent would not otherwise be condemned (compare Ex 23:8; De 16:19). Bribery of all sorts is denounced. doeth these, &c.--Such persons admitted to God’s presence and favor shall never be moved (Psa 10:6; 13:5).