Dwelling in God’s Tent – Psalm 15

Here is a wisdom psalm, like psalm 1 or psalm 73.  You will find similar themes in Proverbs.  David wants to (figuratively) live in Yahweh’s tent, to be in right relationship with Yahweh, and to tell others how to have that right relationship.  And it requires righteousness, living in a way that reflects the character and will of God.  If you were dwelling with a friend or relative, you would need to conduct yourself as they do to remain in favor with them and a guest in their home.

A Psalm of David.

O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent?  Who shall dwell on your holy hill?  He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things shall never be moved.  (Psalm 15 ESV)

How must a guest in Yahweh’s house live?  What qualifies him or her to remain in His holy presence?  What constitutes blameless and right living?  David gives us his answer in terms that shows the true intent of the law.

• It is not enough to be a truth teller.  One must speak truth in one’s heart from which all speech derives.
• Loving your neighbor means not speaking evil against him or doing him evil of any kind.
• Being true to your friend means not turning on him when others accuse him.
• Despising the vile person means I value the honor of God above all else and honor those who honor Him.
• If I make a promise I keep it because I have brought the name of Yahweh into testimony of my honesty.
• When someone is in need I don’t take advantage of them and charge interest on a loan.
• I do not subvert justice.

The one who lives this way has the guarantee that Yahweh will keep him steadfast and stable in his life.