Psalm 15 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
1 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
Psalms Chapter 15 (Old Testament)
4 In whose eyes a vile person is condemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
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.
Key Takeaways from This Psalm:
Psalm 15:1
Verse: יְהוָה, מִי יִשְׁכֹּן בְּאָהֳלֶךָ?
Transliteration: Adonai, mi yishkon b’oholekha?
English: “Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?”
Focus Word: שָׁכַן (Shakan)
- Root: ש-כ-נ (Shin-Kaf-Nun)
- Meaning: “To dwell,” “to inhabit,” “to abide.”
- Deeper Insight: Hebrew shakan implies permanent, intimate residence, often used for God’s presence. The question points to the character qualities that allow closeness with God.
Biblical Scholars on This Chapter:
| Scholar (Institution & Dates) | Work | View on Psalm 15 |
|---|---|---|
| John Lightfoot (Jesus College, Cambridge, 1602–1675) | Commentarius Hebraicus in Psalmos | Lightfoot highlights the Psalm as defining moral integrity and upright conduct required by God. |
| Thomas Manton (Christ’s College, Cambridge, 1620–1677) | Exposition of the Psalms | Manton emphasizes walking blamelessly and living faithfully according to God’s commands. |
| Matthew Henry (Christ Church, Oxford, 1662–1714) | Exposition of the Old and New Testament | Henry interprets the Psalm as providing a practical guide to godly character and relationships. |
| John Owen (University of Oxford, 1616–1683) | A Commentary on the Psalms | Owen stresses that righteousness, honesty, and humility are markers of those who dwell with God. |
| Richard Sibbes (Pembroke College, Cambridge, 1577–1635) | The Bruised Reed | Sibbes focuses on the inward qualities—integrity, truth, and faithfulness—required to enjoy God’s presence. |
| Scholar & Work | View |
|---|---|
| H. C. Leupold – Early German Exegetical Articles (distinct) | Leupold interprets this psalm as a liturgical question and answer about who may dwell in God’s sanctuary. The moral qualities listed reveal the ethical demands of covenant life. God’s steadfastness toward the upright mirrors their steadfastness in conduct. |
| Franz Reuss – Geschichte der Heiligen Schriften des Alten Testaments | Reuss sees this psalm as describing the ethical prerequisites for worship. He stresses the psalm’s practical emphasis on truthfulness and moral integrity. The promise of stability for the righteous highlights the reward of virtuous living. |
| Christian David Ginsburg – Early Notes on Hebrew Poetry | Ginsburg emphasizes the psalm’s structure as a covenant code. Moral purity is presented as the indispensable requirement for entering God’s presence. The upright person stands firm because his life is aligned with divine truth. |
| James Robertson – The Poetry and Religion of the Psalms | Robertson views the psalm as a catechism for godly living. The ethical demands reflect the holiness of the sanctuary. Stability in life corresponds to moral rootedness. |
| A. Maclaren – Additional Sermon Notes (distinct) | Maclaren stresses that the psalm outlines the character of the true worshipper. Integrity, charity, and righteousness are placed above ritual. The stability promised reflects moral solidity before God. |
| J. E. H. Thomson – The Psalms with Exposition | Thomson sees this psalm as a portrait of the citizen of Zion. Truth in speech and justice in conduct stand at its center. The promise that such a one shall never be moved expresses divine approval. |
| **A. Briggs – Commentary on the Psalms (Early Edition) ** | Briggs interprets the psalm as a moral entrance liturgy. The integrity described is both ethical and social. God grants unshakable security to such a person. |
| C. F. Kent – Israel’s Psalms and Their Origins | Kent reads the psalm as a summary of the Old Testament ideal of holiness. The ten moral qualities recall the Decalogue in ethical spirit. The person who embodies these qualities finds stability through harmony with God’s will. |
| William Alexander – Sermons and Treatises | Alexander stresses the interior transformation that produces outward righteousness. The psalm reveals that fellowship with God requires truth in the innermost being. The stability experienced is rooted in divine fidelity. |
| J. J. Stewart – Critical Notes on Psalms and Wisdom Literature | Stewart views the psalm as a practical test of character. The standard is not ceremonial but moral excellence. The unshakable stability at the end arises from God’s sustaining approval. |
Prayer: Thank You, Righteous Father for this wisdom in this psalm. Thank you Lord that Your blessing is upon those who fear you, keeping Your commandments and thus showing that they love You. Thank you God that You are so wonderful and gracious to me. I bless You and thank You that in serving You with all of my being I shall never be moved in Jesus' Name. Amen!
