Thematic Selections from the Bible

Ps 15:1-5

1 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

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

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

4 In 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.

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

In vs 1, the question is, who shall be permitted to reside with God in His tabernacle? Who shall be entitled to the privilege of dwelling on His holy hill? In other words, who has such a character as to be entitled to hope for the favour and friendship of God? The answer: The man who is upright, just, honest, truthful, (vs 2) The man who treats his neighbour properly; who does not slander or reproach him; who does not readily listen to defamatory reports regarding him, (vs 3) The man who regards the righteous and the wicked as they should be regarded; who looks with proper disapproval on all who are “vile” in their character, and with true respect on all who fear the Lord, (vs 4) The man who is faithful to a commitment, though it proves to be against his own interest, (vs 4) The man who does not take advantage of others, who does not put out his money “to usury,” and who, if a magistrate, does not take a bribe to induce him to condemn the innocent, (vs 5)

What does this passage teach us about God and His character? What practical implications does this have in our preparation for worship? Pray and meditate on the passage again and write down what is God’s message for you today.

Note: The word ‘tent’ here means the Tent of Meeting which housed the Ark of the Covenant, which was the centre of worship for Jews during David’s time. Holy Hill was commonly used to describe Mt Zion. It was God’s mountain, a holy mountain, set apart for His use and kept pure for His glory.