Psalm Category: Temple Entrance Psalm

Central Thought: Psalm 15 reminds us that Jesus Christ renders His people and their worship acceptable to God.

Key Word: Gur (v. 1). This word is translated “dwell” in verse 1. Gur means to sojourn, abide, inhabit, or reside for a time. It is used in the Old Testament to refer to a foreigner who is allowed to reside in the Promised Land (Ex. 12:48; Lev. 17:8, 19:33). The psalmist employs this term to describe our status in the sanctuary of God. Christians, like the foreigner in the Old Testament, are graciously granted permission to dwell in the heavenly Promised Land. The promise of the Scriptures is that one day we will dwell there forever (Rev. 21:3)!

Psalm 15

Psalm 15 asks and answers the question: “Who is good enough to dwell in the presence of the holy God?”

The Question (v. 1): The psalmist begins by posing this question to God. There are two questions posed, but the psalmist really is asking the same question in two different ways (a poetic device known as synonymous parallelism). He is asking who may come into the special presence of God.

We know the psalmist is referring to the special presence of God because he employs words such as “sanctuary” and “holy hill.” These words are references to the Tabernacle and Temple. However, these words take us beyond these earthly sanctuaries as we examine them in light of the progressive unfolding of Scripture. The New Testament informs us that we draw near to God in a heavenly tabernacle that resides in a heavenly Jerusalem (Heb. 9:11; 12:22). Therefore, the psalmist is asking: “Who can come into the heavenly sanctuary and stand before the holy God?”

Remember, the Old Testament teaches us that it is a dangerous activity to draw near to God. Nadab and Abihu attempted to draw near to God carelessly and they died before the Lord (Lev. 10:1-10). Uzzah tried to steady the ark of God, and due to his irreverence God struck him dead (2 Sam. 6:7). When David heard the news about Uzzah, he was too afraid to have the ark return to Jerusalem; he instead directed it to the house of Obed-Edom (vv. 9-10). Before you think this is only an Old Testament concern, note what the writer to the Hebrews says to us: “Worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire’” (12:28-29). It remains a very dangerous activity to draw near to God. Are you good enough to dwell in the presence of God?

The Answer (vv. 2-5b): These verses answer the psalmist’s question. The psalmist lists the qualities of a covenant keeper in a series of positive and negative statements. The person qualified to enter the presence of God has a blameless walk, does righteous deeds, has truthful speech, does not slander, does no wrong, does not cast reproach, despises the vile, keeps his word (even when it hurts), does not burden the desperate (is not usurious), and does not promote injustice (takes no bribe). The structure and wording of this section indicate that the qualified man renders complete and perfect obedience to God. He has not even the slightest chink in his armor of righteousness. Again, let me ask, Are you good enough to dwell in the presence of God?

The Promise (v. 5c): The psalm concludes with a promise: “He who does these things will never be shaken.” However, we know we cannot do these things (Rom. 3:23)! We are covenant breakers, and this psalm demands a covenant keeper. Ultimately,Jesus is the man depicted in this psalm. He walked blamelessly (Heb. 4:15); He is the truth (John 14:6); He never did His neighbor wrong (John 4:7-26); He despised vile men (Matt. 12:34); He kept His oath (John 17:4); He never burdened the desperate (Matt. 11:28); and He never promoted injustice (John 8:7).

It is proper for us to pray this psalm and to seek, through our union with Christ, to be men and women who fit its description. However, we must recognize that only Jesus can meet the qualifications of this psalm. The good news for us is that through our union with Christ we too are considered qualified to dwell in God’s presence (Heb. 4:15-16; 9:23-24).

Let me ask you again, Are you good enough to dwell in the presence of God? The amazing promise of this psalm is that you are good enough if you are wrapped in the righteousness of Jesus Christ!

—Anthony T. Selvaggio