A psalm of David.
15:1 Lord, who may be a guest in your home? 2
Who may live on your holy hill? 3
15:2 Whoever lives a blameless life, 4
does what is right,
and speaks honestly. 5
15:3 He 6 does not slander, 7
or do harm to others, 8
or insult his neighbor. 9
1 sn Psalm 15. This psalm describes the character qualities that one must possess to be allowed access to the divine presence.
2 tn Heb “Who may live as a resident alien in your tent?”
3 sn In this context the Lord’s holy hill probably refers to Zion/Jerusalem. See Isa 66:20; Joel 2:1; 3:17; Zech 8:3; Pss 2:6; 43:3; 48:1; 87:1; Dan 9:16.
4 tn Heb “one who walks blamelessly.”
5 tn Heb “one who speaks truth in his heart”; or “one who speaks truth [that is] in his heart.” This apparently refers to formulating a truthful statement in one’s mind and then honestly revealing that statement in one’s speech.
6 sn Hebrew literature often assumes and reflects the male-oriented perspective of ancient Israelite society. The principle of the psalm is certainly applicable to all people, regardless of their gender or age.
7 tn Heb “he does not slander upon his tongue.” For another example of רָגַל (ragal, “slander”) see 2 Sam 19:28.
8 tn Or “his fellow.”
9 tn Heb “and he does not lift up an insult against one who is near to him.”