Psalms 15: Who Shall Abide in God’s Tabernacle

Introduction: Psalms 15, a Psalm of David, poses a fundamental question: who can stand in God’s holy place? The answer given is a detailed description of the character of a person who can dwell with the Lord. This Psalm is a call to a faithful life, outlining the qualities of a person living in alignment with God. It acts as a timeless guide for every believer seeking to lead an upright and godly life.

I. Psalms 15:1 – The Qualification Question

The Psalm begins with David asking two important questions: “Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?” (Psalms 15:1). David, with these questions, is seeking clarity on the qualifications needed to be in God’s presence. This searching inquiry reminds us of similar questions posed in other parts of the Bible such as Exodus 3:5, where God commands Moses to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground and Hebrews 12:14, which emphasizes living a life of peace and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.

II. Psalms 15:2-3 – The Ethical Standards

Verses 2 and 3 provide the answer to the questions posed in verse 1. The person who can dwell with God is one who “walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor.” These verses remind us of the ethical standards emphasized throughout Scripture, such as Ephesians 4:25’s call to speak truthfully to our neighbors, and Leviticus 19:18’s command not to bear a grudge or seek revenge against one’s neighbor.

III. Psalms 15:4-5 – The Character Requirements

The concluding verses (4-5) continue listing the qualities of a person who can dwell with God, including despising the vile person, honoring those that fear the Lord, keeping oaths even when it hurts, not lending money with interest, and not accepting bribes against the innocent. These qualities echo other biblical passages, such as Proverbs 14:21, which states that those who despise their neighbors are sinners, but those who have mercy on the poor are blessed. They resonate with Exodus 22:25’s prohibition against charging interest on loans to the poor and Exodus 23:8’s warning against taking bribes.

Conclusion: Psalms 15 offers a comprehensive blueprint for Godly living. It challenges us to examine our lives and align them with these divine standards. For us to experience the fullness of God’s presence, we must walk uprightly, speak truth, and show love to our neighbors, among other virtues. This is not an easy path, but it is the one that leads to a closer relationship with God. In the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:14, “Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” May we strive to be among those few, guided by the timeless wisdom found in Psalms 15.