JFB Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

Psalms 15

Public-domain commentary by Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown.

Commentary Notes

v1

Psalms 15:1

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).

Ps 15 1-Ps 15 5Ps 5 4Ps 23 6Ps 23 272Sam 6 17Ps 2 6
v2

Psalms 15:2

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).

Ps 1 1Gen 17 1Prov 23 7
v3

Psalms 15:3

3. He neither slanders nor spreads slander.

v4

Psalms 15:4

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

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

Lev 5 4
v5

Psalms 15:5

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).

Lev 25 37Deut 23 19Deut 23 20Exod 23 8Deut 16 19Ps 10 6Ps 13 5