Psalms Chapter 15

“Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? etc.] This question, with the following, is put by the psalmist in a view of the sad corruption and degeneracy of mankind described in the preceding psalm, which renders the sons of men unfit for the presence of God, and communion with him; and it is put to the Lord himself, the founder of Zion, who has set his King over this holy hill of his; who has enacted laws for the good of it, and brings his people thither, making them meet for it, and so is most proper to give the qualifications of such as are admitted here; for by the tabernacle is meant not the human nature of…”

“Those who are fit for communion with God may be known by a conformity to His law, which is illustrated in various important particulars. (Psa 15:1-5) abide--or, "sojourn" (compare Psa 5:4), where it means under God's protection here, as (Psa 23:6, Psa 27:4, Psa 27:6) communion. tabernacle--seat of the ark (Sa2 6:17), the symbol of God's presence. holy hill--(Compare Psa 2:6).”

“Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? - Margin, “sojourn.” The Hebrew word means properly to “sojourn;” that is, to abide in a place as a sojourner or stranger; not permanently, but only for a while. The idea in this place is taken from the word “tabernacle” or “tent,” with which one naturally associates the thought of sojourning, rather than that of a permanent abode. Compare Hebrews 11:9. It should not be inferred, however, that it is meant here that the residence with God would be “temporary.” The idea of permanency is fully expressed in the other member of the sentence, and the language here is only such…”

“Who - Who shall so dwell in thy church here, as to dwell with thee for ever in heaven? Psalms 15:2”

“Pss 15–19 The psalms in this section affirm integrity and purity (17:15; 18:20-26; 19:13-14). They refer to people as dwelling in God’s presence (16:9-11; 17:15) and as not being shaken (15:5; 16:8). Ps 15 In this wisdom poem, the psalmist contrasts the lifestyle of the godly with the actions of fools (Ps 14). The questions in this psalm invite readers to examine themselves and to look away from problems with the wicked. The question of who dwells in God’s presence leads into a description of godly character qualities (cp. 24:3-6; Isa 33:14-16). 15:1 Only the godly may reside in the Lord’s presence (5:4). As his…”

“Lord: Psa 1:1-4, Psa 23:6, Psa 21:3-5, Psa 27:4, Psa 61:4, Psa 84:4, Psa 92:13; Joh 3:3-5, Joh 14:3, Joh 17:24; Rev 7:14-17, Rev 21:3, Rev 21:4, Rev 21:23, Rev 21:24 abide: Heb. sojourn holy: Psa 2:6, Psa 3:4, Psa 43:3, Psa 43:4, Psa 87:1-3; Heb 12:22; Rev 14:1 Psalms 15:2”

“That which is expanded in the tristichic portion of the Psalm, is all contained in this distichic portion in nuce. The address to God is not merely a favourite form (Hupfeld), but the question is really, as its words imply, directed to God. The answer, however, is not therefore to be taken as a direct answer from God, as it might be in a prophetical connection: the psalmist addresses himself to God in prayer, he as it were reads the heart of God, and answers to himself the question just asked, in accordance with the mind of God. גּוּר and שׁכן which are usually distinguished from each other like παροικεῖν and…”