Psalm 15

In this psalm David reflected on the importance of a pure character for those who would worship God and have an intimate relationship with Him.

"The pattern of question and answer here may possibly be modelled on what took place at certain sanctuaries in the ancient world, with the worshipper asking the conditions of admittance, and the priest making his reply. But while the expected answer might have been a list of ritual requirements (cf. Ex. 19:10-15; I Sa. 21:4f.), here, strikingly, the Lord's reply searches the conscience."⁴⁹

 1. David's question 15:1

In prayer the psalmist asked Yahweh who could have fellowship with Him. Abiding in the Lord's tent or sanctuary (i.e., the tabernacle David had pitched) and dwelling on His holy hill (i.e., Mt. Zion) picture a person who is the guest of God. Guests in the ancient Near East were those who had an intimate relationship with their host who had extended his protection and provisions to them (cf. 5:4).

 2. David's answer 15:2-5

15:2a-b In this section the psalmist summarized what was necessary to have an intimate relationship with the Lord. First, he or she must have a pattern of life that is blameless (Heb. tamim). This word means genuine, free from moral or ethical spots, corruption, and inconsistencies, though not morally perfect since this is humanly impossible. In other words, such a person is a man or woman of upright integrity (cf. Job 1:1). Second, his actions are righteous. He lives in harmony with God's will and standards.

15:2c-5a Eight characteristics describe this kind of person in more detail. Together they picture a person of integrity.

1. He speaks the truth sincerely rather than being double-tongued, saying what is true some of the time and lying at other times (2c).

2. He does not slander other people by saying things that are untrue and destructive about them (3a).

3. He does not do evil to his neighbor (i.e., anyone with whom he comes in contact, 3b; cf. Prov. 14:17-24).

4. He does not initiate or propagate information that would discredit others (3c).

5. He does not approve of those who turn away from the Lord but honors others when they choose to follow God's ways (4a-b).

6. He keeps his promises even when it costs him to do so (4c).

7. He does not charge interest on money he loans to his brethren thus taking advantage of their weakness (5a; cf. Exod. 22:25; Lev. 25:36).

8. He does not pervert justice for his own advantage and so bring hardship on others (5b; cf. Deut. 27:25).

15:5c In conclusion David observed that such a person will experience stability in his life as well as enjoying intimate fellowship with God.

The fact that David listed 10 moral qualities in this psalm may indicate that he wanted to suggest a comparison with the Ten Commandments. Though the contents of these lists are not the same, they both identify traits that mark a person who is walking in the will of God.

A believer needs to make sure he is walking in the will of God consistently to enjoy fellowship with God and stability in his life.⁵⁰