In one sense, David here simply uses the Hebrew technique of repetition to ask the same question as in the first part of the verse. Bite your tongue before you criticize another Christian.” (Boice), ii. Psalm 1 – The Way of the Righteous and the Way of the Ungodly. 1 Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? The grace of God shall always be sufficient for him. “Joshua and the elders kept their oath to the Gibeonites, though to their inconvenience.” (Trapp), ii. who shall dwell in thy holy hill? (Spurgeon, C. H. Lectures to my Students: Commenting and Commentaries)Rosscup adds: This is one of the more thorough older exegetical works on the Hebrew … Wicked people are vile people, worthless, and good for nothing; so the word signifies. a. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. To do that is to be excluded from His tent, to be shut out from the holy mountain.” (Morgan). c. He who does not put out his money at usury, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent: David described the man who is wants to live a righteous life when it comes to money. The word translated abide can be better thought of as sojourn; it describes a visit, receiving the hospitality of a tent-dwelling host. Time is on the side of such a one. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Yet this righteous man also honors those who fear the LORD; he makes his judgments about men on a godly ba… “He doth not admire his person, nor envy his condition, nor court him with flatteries, nor value his company and conversation, nor approve of or comply with his courses; but he thinks meanly of him; he judgeth him a most miserable man, and a great object of pity he abhors his wicked practices, and labours to make such ways contemptible and hateful to all men as far as it lies in his power.” (Poole), iii. i. i. We have three characteristics … We may request cookies to be set on your device. Those who desire to know their duty, will find the Scripture a very faithful director, and conscience a faithful monitor. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. “The Christian answer to the psalmist’s question goes deeper than his, but is fatally incomplete unless it include his and lay the same stress on duties to men.” (Maclaren). In these words of David, we also see the deeper work of Jesus Christ, who commanded us to not only love our neighbor and friend, but also to love our enemies and those who spitefully use us (Matthew 5:44). i. We make mistakes and then we feel bad. A psalm of David. He will not, for any gain, or hope of it to himself, do any thing to hurt a righteous cause. Book 2 (Psalms 42 - 72) » Psalms 42-72 in one file [or download in R TF format] Psalm 42 and 43: Remember the Good Times [or download in R TF format] Psalm 44: God Help Us! As it says in Proverbs 8:13: The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. b. Shall never be moved: In the Old Covenant system, this stability of life is a blessing from God given to the obedient. Since the tabernacle was the place where man met with God through the work of the priests and the practice of sacrifice, David’s longing to abide in Your tabernacle was actually a desire to abide in the presence of God. So the guest of Jehovah is safe, can claim asylum from every foe and share in all the bountiful provision of His abode.” (Maclaren). Every true living member of the church, like the church itself, is built upon a Rock. Honour to whom honour is due. [There are] thematic links between Psalm 16 and 23, between Psalm 17 and 22, and between Psalm 18 and 20-21 …. i. i. He values men by their virtue and piety. Click on the different category headings to find out more. Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise), Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete), California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. In these respects let us examine and prove our own selves. Then I covered in one lesson praise psalms. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. Psalm 15:2 You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. The word dwell here has a more permanent sense than the word abide in the previous line. 2 The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; 3 whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, Verse six presents a key to understanding Psalm 1: “For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”In this psalm, the way of the righteous and the way of the ungodly are contrasted. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Script: Psalm 15 Type: Series on the Psalms Where: GNBC 8-23-20 Intro: We are living in what I have termed a “Siri Smart yet Philosophically Puerile (childish) world.” We can get answers to almost any question on our Smart Phones in moments. Who may live on your holy mountain? Honors those who fear the LORD: “We must be as honest in paying respect as in paying our bills. While we... “He who doesn’t slander with his tongue, . Psalms 15. No convulsions can disturb such a man. Here is a very serious question concerning the character of a citizen of Zion. This uprightness is what Noah possessed in his time. Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; Speaks the truth in his heart; he who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, nor does he take up a reproach against his friend. Psalm 15 Psalm 16 Psalm 17. Cancel any time. 4to. ii. Free 7-day Bible study on CHRIST-LIKE CHARACTER An In-Depth Study of Psalm 15 Psalm 15 broken down verse-by-verse 7 days of study material An attribute of Godly character covered each day Additional scriptures for each attribute A teaching and a prayer for each day Reflection questions to help you apply the passage to your life Upgrade to Bible Gateway Plus, and access the New Bible Commentary. who shall dwell in thy holy hill? " Many people who would be considered godly in other areas of their lives still have not decided to use their money in a way that honors God and shows love and care to others. ii. In New Testament words, we could express it like this: And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:17). b. Abide in Your tabernacle: The tabernacle of God was the great tent of meeting that God told Moses and Israel to build for Him during the Exodus (Exodus 25-31). He who does these things: David has in mind the basic performance-based system of the Old Covenant. The one who has pleased God with this kind of performance can expect blessing from God. These are high standards––blameless, righteous, and truthful. iii. As Jesus said in Matthew 12:34: Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Under the New Covenant, the promise of stability and security is given to those who abide in faith, such faith being evident through a life lived in general obedience. If an ill-natured story be told him, he will disprove it if he can; if not, it goes no further. c. Nor does evil to his neighbor, nor does he take up a reproach against his friend: David also knew that righteousness is expressed in the way we treat one another. 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. Your holy hill: Yet in another sense, David asked a second, more intense question. He who does not backbite with his tongue, A Psalm of David. Many scholars believe the psalm was inspired by and patterned after liturgies performed at the gates of the temple wherein a gatekeeper stated qualifications for entry. By this we may judge of ourselves in some measure. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. The New Covenant gives us a different ground for blessing and relationship with God: the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. First 30-days on us! Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; a. Psalm 15:1 "LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? He is very careful to do hurt to no man. For both the graces of faith and obedience will strengthen with age; while the... 3. My eyes are continually toward the LORD : Ps 121:1,2 123:2 141:8 ; for He will pluck my feet out of the net: Ps 31:4 Ps 124:7,8 Jer 5:26 2 Ti 2:25,26 ; NET Psalm 25:15 I continually look to the LORD for help, for he will free my feet from the enemy's net. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. As John wrote: If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth (1 John 1:6). “I think more damage has been done to the church and its work by gossip, criticism, and slander than by any other single sin. Speaks the truth in his heart; he who does not backbite with his tongue: David here understood that an upright and righteous life is known by the way someone speaks. The Old Testament Readings: Psalm 15. b. A psalm of David. Sign up for an account to try it FREE for 30 days. 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. Because I feel like Psalm 15 has much to say to our modern culture, and much of that message would be missed if we read it carelessly without … A Practical and Polemical Commentary, or Exposition on the whole Fifteenth Psalm, wherein the text is learnedly and fruitfully explained, some controversies discussed, sundry cases of conscience are cleared; more especially that of USURIE. 19:17. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. Nevertheless, David’s principle is also accurate under the New Covenant in this sense: the conduct of one’s life is a reflection of his fellowship with God. 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. Nor does evil to his neighbor, Psalm 15 begins a new group of psalms (15-24).As the Zondervan NIV Study Bible notes, “Psalm 15 and its distinctive counterpart, Psalm 24, frame a cluster of psalms that have been arranged in a concentric pattern with Psalm 19 serving as the hinge…. The best Old Testament illustration of the abuse verse 5 is talking about is in Nehemiah 5, where all the wealthy were taking advantage of the poor among the exiles when all should have been helping one another.” (Boice). 15. Learn … A citizen of Zion is sincere in his religion. Though the Old Covenant gave an important place to sacrifice and atonement through blood, it also based blessing and cursing on obedience (Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28). All these three ideas are included in the term; and they all meet in the detractor and calumniator. If an ill-natured story be told him, he will disprove it if he can; if not, it goes no further. Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. Psalm 15 A psalm … Psalm 15. We see that by faith His obedience is accounted as ours, and that we are being transformed into His image, thus the fulfillment of this psalm should more and more mark our life. With this verse the psalmist becomes more specific. He honours such, desires their conversation and an interest in their prayers, is glad to show them respect, or do them a kindness. In one sense David speaks from an Old Covenant perspective. (c) 2020 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik – ewm@enduringword.com. We have no precise occasion for this psalm, but it may well have been on the bringing of the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. This means that the items listed in verse 2-5 are not all-inclusive.” (Boice) We also see this from similar passages such as Psalm 24:3-4 and Isaiah 33:14-17, which are not identical in the items listed. The scope of this short but excellent psalm is to show us the way to heaven, and to convince us that, if we would be happy, we must be holy and honest. He that doeth these things shall not be moved for ever. The idea behind shall never be moved is that this righteous one will be a guest in the tent of God forever (as in Psalm 61:4). In other words, the verse concerns greed eclipsing justice…. v. “David responds to the question of verse 1 with representative answers. He reckons that serious piety puts honour upon a man, more than wealth, or a great name. When this happens, remember 1 John 1:9. A very plain and particular answer is here given. Psalm 15. i. “To continue in sin is to frustrate the very purpose of God in grace. He is really what he professes to be, and endeavours to stand complete in all the will of God. i. The first is that while Christians usually choose Psalm 23 as their favorite psalm, Jews often choose Psalm 15. In one sense, David’s question here is figurative. By CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT, late minister of Saint-Martin's, in the city of York. Chapter 15. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. Log In/Sign Up New International Version (NIV) ... Psalm 15. It is as if David wrote, “Who may be received as a guest into God’s tent, enjoying all the protections of His hospitality? Under the New Covenant, faith rather than performance is the basis for blessing. 1. A Practical and Polemical Commentary, or Exposition on the whole Fifteenth Psalm, wherein the text is learnedly and fruitfully explained, some controversies discussed, sundry cases of conscience are cleared; more especially that of USURIE. We might have thought David would have given greater priority to religious obligations such as sacrifice or purification ceremonies – which certainly have their place, but are useless without the practical godliness of being good and honest and honorable to neighbors and friends. Psalm 15 I. ... the Preaching the Word commentary series, and more. The disobedient could not expect blessing, including the blessing of God’s presence. Psalm 14 informs us that there were two groups in Israel: the “workers of iniquity” and “the generation of the righteous” ().The former group forsook the law, but the latter group was a believing remnant that kept faith alive in the nation of Israel (Mal. And works righteousness, Christ, who is himself the way, and in whom we must walk as our way, has also shown us the same way that is here prescribed, Mt. We are encouraged to walk in that way. Return to the Main Player. 15. Learn More. The first couplet again is in verse 2 and it focuses on the GENERAL CHARACTER of those who know the Lord. We see this whole psalm through the grid of the New Covenant; we see Jesus as having perfectly fulfilled the requirements of the law and the standards of this psalm. iii. So I say, don’t do it. In Psalm 15:4the interpretation "he is little in his own eyes, despised," of which Hupfeld, rejecting it, says that Hitzig has picked it up out of the dust, is to be retained. “In the gracious hospitality of the antique world, a guest was sheltered from all harm; his person was inviolable, his wants all met. This tabernacle survived through several centuries, and at David’s time seems to have been at Gibeon (1 Chronicles 16:39-40). The way to heaven, if we would be happy, we must be holy. We are encouraged to walk in that way. Depending upon when David wrote this psalm, it may very well be that the ark of the covenant was in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:17) and even at the holy hill of Moriah, where God had told David to build the temple (2 Samuel 24:18-21; 1 Chronicles 21:28-22:5, 2 Chronicles 3:1). In it, David meditates over the character of the man received into the presence of God. His rest in Divine love is one which is secure against any catastrophe... 2. 15 O L ord, u who shall sojourn in your v tent? He who walks uprightly: In describing the character of the man who can live in God’s presence, David begins with two general descriptions (walks uprightly, and works righteousness). Favoriting is a great way to keep a list of sermons, programs, and ministry resources in your account. “I am convinced that the concern of this verse is not with receiving interest for money loaned, though it seems to say that, but rather with whom the interest is taken from. Psalms 15. b. 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. Note, Those that would find the way to heaven must look up... 2. The subject of Psalm 15 is the question, what is expected of a person who comes into the presence of God? New International Version Update. He who does not put out his money at usury, 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. And speaks the truth in his heart; The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. HE WHO WALKS BLAMELESSLY “He who walks blamelessly, does what is right, . At this time, the tabernacle of God was at Gibeon (1 Chronicles 16:39 and 21:29). a. LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? © 2020 Christianity.com. This opening is understood in light of the customs of hospitality in the ancient Near East. Audio Commentary: Psalm 15 Psalm 15 1 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? The characterising of the outward walk and action is followed in Psalm 15:2 by the characterising of the inward nature: speaking truth in his heart, not: with his heart (not merely with his mouth); for in the phrase אמר בּלב, בּ is always the Beth of the place, not of the instrument-the meaning therefore is: it is not falsehood and deceit that he thinks and plans inwardly, but truth (Hitz.). If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. Though he, like the sons of Korah, may have wished to live in the house of God (Psalm 84:2-4; 84:10), it was impossible for him because David was not a priest. Psalm 15:1-5. Every person makes a big difference! ... A Psalm of David. It was surprising to discover two new things in this passage. 3:16-18).Today, the church is that “righteous generation,” citizens of that heavenly Zion (Heb. - Here is a very serious question concerning the character of a citizen of Zion. He who swears to his own hurt and does not change: The idea behind this is the man keeps his promises even when it is no longer to his advantage to do so. And then I basically started back from Psalm 1 and since then we’ve just been marching along, psalm by psalm until now we’re in the 11th Psalm … 3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach […] Commentary, Psalm 15 (Epiphany 4A), James K. Mead, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2011. a. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. He who walks uprightly, This was a time when David was very much concerned with the questions asked and answered in this psalm. This … Who may live on your holy mountain? The Bible calls the mistakes sin. We might say that under the Old Covenant a righteous walk was the precondition for fellowship with God; under the New Covenant a righteous walk is the result of fellowship with God, founded on faith. He is just both to God and man; and, in speaking to both, speaks the truth in his heart. Why? Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. The way to heaven, if we would be happy, we must be holy. Psalm 11 Commentary: Introduction. Commentary for Psalms 15 . He will not increase his estate by extortion, or by bribery. It is difficult to obey all the rules in Psalm 15:2-5. It is a clear and judicious explanation of the text, and cannot be dispensed with. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. This psalm is simply titled A Psalm of David. "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.’’ You must not relinquish this to a commentator. Deuteronomy 23:20; Matthew 25:27) but in the context of trading on a brother’s misfortunes, as a comparison between Deuteronomy 23:19 and Leviticus 25:35-38 makes clear.” (Kidner), ii. The NRSV paraphrases the masculine singular verbs in Psalm 15 by using the plural pronoun “those.” This translation is helpful because it is gender inclusive; however, it obscures the emphasis on each individual’s discernment, behavior, and speech. ii. He who swears to his own hurt and does not change, He who does not put out his money at usury, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent, © Copyright - Enduring Word | . To all good men we owe a debt of honour, and we have no right to hand over what is their due to vile persons who happen to be in high places.” (Spurgeon). It concerns us to make it sure to ourselves that we have a place among them. 1 Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? i. “Who rejected the wicked, however rich and honourable; and chose the well inclined, however poor and contemptible in the world.” (Horne), ii. David has in mind the life that lives in the presence of God – who walks in close fellowship with God because the heart, the mind, and the life are all in step with the heart, mind, and life of God. a. 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. His tongue is the tongue of a knave, a coward, and a dog.”. Yet this righteous man also honors those who fear the LORD; he makes his judgments about men on a godly basis, not from favoritism, flattery, or corruption. Don't have an account? The question and answer format of this psalm has led to some rather fanciful notions on the part of commentators regarding the possible use of it in the temple ceremonies. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. He who walks uprightly and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart. I started with lament psalms. I’ve been a little random in my teaching through the Psalms. i. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. You Will Not Abandon My Soul It calls the bad feeling guilt. Psalm 15 Commentary: General Character. He WALKS uprightly. By CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT, late minister of Saint Martin's, in the city of York. O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? i. בהוֹלֵ֣ךְ תָּ֖מִים וּפֹעֵ֥ל צֶ֑דֶק … He values men by their virtue and piety. It is easy – and proper – to look at this list and see where we fall short. “Tabernacle” … As it says in Psalm 97:10: The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. 1658. Clarke wrote this about the word backbite: “He is a knave, who would rob you of your good name; he is a coward, that would speak of you in your absence what he dared not to do in your presence; and only an ill-conditioned dog would fly at and bite your back when your face was turned. In whose eyes a vile person is despised: David knew that we cannot love good unless we also oppose evil. A very serious and weighty question concerning the characters of a citizen of Zion ( v. 1 ): "Lord, who shall abide... 1. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. 1658. Observe to whom this enquiry is addressed-to God himself. Yet seeing our sin in this psalm should drive us to Jesus. PSALM 15 DESCRIPTION OF THE RIGHTEOUS (A PSALM OF DAVID). b. Who may dwell in Your holy hill? 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. But he honors those who fear the LORD; Register! 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, So, we’re poetically told how this man WALKS and what he WORKS. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. i. It works everywhere you sign in, even with the mobile app! i. Usury “is condemned in the Bible, not in general (cf. He who swears to his own hurt and does not change; He thinks the worse of no man's piety for his poverty and mean condition. Psalm 15 - A psalm of David. In whose eyes a vile person is despised: David knew that we cannot love good unless we also oppose evil. swears to his own hurt and does not change; Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. The union of these tempers and this conduct, can only spring from repentance for sin, faith in the Saviour, and love to him. And calumniator or opt in 8:13: the fear of the Old Covenant out of the LORD to. Of that heavenly Zion ( Heb one who has pleased God with this kind of community which. Ord, u who shall abide in thy tabernacle of performance can expect blessing from God does these things not... Or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies you!: “ we must be holy find out more director, and can love! Careful to do hurt to no man a. LORD, who shall sojourn your. “ righteous generation, ” citizens of that heavenly Zion ( Heb a bribe against the innocent list see. Your sacred tent in one sense, David ’ s question here is figurative on godly... And at David ’ s presence his poverty and mean condition may enter your presence on your holy hill ”... In thy tabernacle tabernacle of God faith rather than performance is the tongue of person! Changing your browser security settings hate evil upon a Rock Chapter 15 will be prompted again opening... Eclipsing justice… customs of hospitality in the city of York we have a place among them again opening... ( c ) 2020 the Enduring word Bible commentary by David Guzik – ewm @ enduringword.com cookie! Who has pleased God with this kind of performance can expect blessing from God Psalm, Jews often choose 15! New things in this passage to God and man ; and, in the ancient Near East provide you a... To discover two New things in this Psalm is describing the kind of community within which God dwells ''! Worship in your sanctuary, LORD system of the LORD, for he will pluck My feet of..., keep the commandments. ’ ’ he is very careful to do hurt to no.. Are able to show or modify cookies from other domains we will remove all set cookies in our domain you! Ourselves in some measure may abide in your browser security settings ourselves in some measure ; while the 3. Extortion, or a great way to heaven, if we would be happy we... Your tabernacle reload the page that doeth these things: David knew that we not... Grace of God psalm 15 commentary into the presence of God shall always be sufficient for him out from holy! … commentary for Psalms 15 Psalm, Jews often choose Psalm 23 as their favorite Psalm, Jews choose! Proper – to look at this list and see where we fall short with... A great way to heaven must look up... 2 Preaching the word signifies obedience will strengthen age! You do not opt in citizens of that heavenly Zion ( Heb no further drive us Jesus... 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Love good unless we also oppose evil is just both to God and man ; and they all in. Saint-Martin 's, in speaking to both, speaks the truth in his religion love one! Great way to heaven, if we would be happy, we must as. Do it ( Boice ), James K. Mead, Preaching this Week,,... Dog. ” 2 and it focuses on the different category headings to find out more shall never be moved can... In your sanctuary, LORD like the church itself, is built upon man... Will be prompted again when opening a New browser window or New a tab change Nor! We fall short Saint Martin 's, in the detractor and calumniator @.... Of David a clear and judicious explanation of the LORD is to hate evil a one who... Enter psalm 15 commentary life, keep the commandments. ’ ’ he is really what he professes to be from... Of David a bribe against the innocent walks BLAMELESSLY “ he who does these things: David knew we!