Psalm 15 (cf. Psalm 24 [see our study], Micah 6.8, and Isaiah 33.14-16)
Verse one provides the context for this chapter, which is service in God’s tabernacle or holy hill. Some have interpreted this chapter as asking the question “who is able to work in God’s service,” rather than who can exist in God’s presence. Both can be given from Psalm 15 and Psalm 24.
The terms for service are found in verse two and expanded in the remaining verses. That person is the one who is blameless, righteous, and pure. The evidence is found in how he treats his brother (3-5). Does he speak well of his neighbor, does he grieve over sin, does he walk in integrity, and does he give financially to help others? These are the ones who are to work in God’s service (1 Timothy 3). If this verses are read correctly, we can see the Greatest Commandment as Jesus presented it in Matthew 22.35-40.
Who is it that dwells in God’s presence? This is the question that is presented and answered in this short psalm. David’s answer is the man who walks blamelessly, righteously, and in purity. None of us attain to that standard. Only One fulfilled this in His life and that One is Christ. These qualities become part of whom we are after we come into union with Him through salvation (Hebrews 4.16). He presents us blamelessly and without a fault in His presence by His righteousness alone (Jude 24-25). We do not come to Him that way, after He saves us, He makes us that way. That is the Good News of the Gospel!
This psalm demands that we examine our life in light of God’s requirements. If you are a Christian, He has saved you and you are in a right relationship with Him. What follows each day is our fellowship with Him. When we are in right fellowship, living out His Word, we have true worship (Hebrews 10.19-25).
A brief note on money. This will become a major post as time passes. Verse five instructs the man of God not to lend money at an interest. The Torah allowed interest to be charged to an outsider, a Gentile, but not to an Israelite (Deuteronomy 23.19-20). However, this law can be interpreted as not lending to those who are unable to pay at an interest (Exodus 22.25 and Leviticus 25.35-37). Loans were meant to help another person get out of financial bondage, not place him deeper into it. Again, more on this later.
The Word in Life Study Bible presents this psalm as a list of ten things a person of integrity shows with application.
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The person of integrity. . . |
How about you? |
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1 Walks uprightly. |
What is your basic ethical commitment? Are you out to honor the Lord or to serve yourself? |
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2 Works righteousness. |
What is the end result of your work? Are you promoting good in the world—or evil? |
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3 Speaks the truth. |
Are you in the habit of telling “little white lies” when it is necessary or convenient? |
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4 Does not backbite. |
Do you tear down others behind their back? |
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5 Does no evil to a neighbor. |
What is your policy on office politics? Do you believe in “doing unto others before they do unto you”? |
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6 Does not take up a reproach against a friend. |
How loyal are you? When everyone is down on a colleague, do you jump on the bandwagon, or do you offer support and seek fair play? |
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7 Honors those who fear the Lord, not the ungodly. |
What is the character of your best friends? What is their attitude toward God and the things of the Lord? |
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8 Keeps his word, even when it is costly. |
Are you trustworthy and reliable? Is your word your bond, or is there always a question whether you will follow through? |
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9 Does not practice usury. |
Do you make it harder or easier for poor people to gain the resources necessary to support themselves? |
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10 Does not take bribes. |
What would it take to get you to compromise your integrity? |