Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 15

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's verse-by-verse commentary on Psalms 15, from Commentary Critical and Explanatory. Read it alongside the full text of the chapter.

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).

Verse 2

walketh--(Compare Psa 1:1).

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

worketh--or, "does."

righteousness--what is right.

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

Verse 3

He neither slanders nor spreads slander.

Verse 4

Love and hate are regulated by a regard to God.

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

Verse 5

(Compare Lev 25:37; Deu 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 Exo 23:8; Deu 16:19). Bribery of all sorts is denounced.

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

Next: Psalms Chapter 16