PSALM 15

Ps 15:1-5. Those who are fit for communion with God may be known by a conformity to His law, which is illustrated in various important particulars.

1. abide-or, "sojourn" (compare Ps 5:4), where it means under God's protection here, as (Ps 23:6, 27:4, 6) communion.

tabernacle-seat of the ark (2Sa 6:17), the symbol of God's presence.

holy hill-(Compare Ps 2:6).

2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

2. walketh-(Compare Ps 1:1).

uprightly-in a complete manner, as to all parts of conduct (Ge 17:1), not as to degree.

worketh-or, "does."

righteousness-what is right.

in his heart-sincerely (Pr 23:7).

3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

3. He neither slanders nor spreads slander.

4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.

4. Love and hate are regulated by a regard to God.

sweareth . hurt-or what so results (compare Le 5:4).

5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

5. (Compare Le 25:37; De 23:19, 20).

usury is derived from a verb meaning "to bite." All gains made by the wrongful loss of others are forbidden.

taketh reward, &c.-The innocent would not otherwise be condemned (compare Ex 23:8; De 16:19). Bribery of all sorts is denounced.

doeth these, &c.-Such persons admitted to God's presence and favor shall never be moved (Ps 10:6; 13:5).