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Psalms 15:1-5 American Standard (ASV)

1 Jehovah, who shall sojourn in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, And speaketh truth in his heart;

3 He that slandereth not with his tongue, Nor doeth evil to his friend, Nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor;

4 In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, But who honoreth them that fear Jehovah; He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not;

5 He that putteth not out his money to interest, Nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. Psalm 16 Michtam of David.

Commentary on Psalms 15 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


PSALM 15

Ps 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 Ps 5:4), where it means under God's protection here, as (Ps 23:6, 27:4, 6) communion.

tabernacle—seat of the ark (2Sa 6:17), the symbol of God's presence.

holy hill—(Compare Ps 2:6).

2. walketh—(Compare Ps 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).

3. He neither slanders nor spreads slander.

4. Love and hate are regulated by a regard to God.

sweareth … hurt—or what so results (compare Le 5:4).

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 (Ps 10:6; 13:5).