A psalm of David.
Psalm 15: 1, Who can reside with YHWH?
LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?
This psalm is reminiscent of Old Testament Proverbs and also the first psalm. It asks a "wisdom" question: "Who can walk with God?" Who can really be involved in a relationship with the Almighty? (In New Testament terms, what is the citizenship of the Kingdom of God? of Heaven?
The answer is:
Psalm 15: 2-5a, Only the blameless
He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart
and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,
who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath even when it hurts,
who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
In summary, a relationship with God requires blameless action, speaking truth, right action with ones neighbor, passionate opposition to injustice, promise keeping, lending without greed.
There is one final verse. The reward was walking in God presence, like the actions, is strong and unequivocal.
Psalm 15: 5b, Unshaken
He who does these things will never be shaken.
The answer has the simplicity of the Old Testament wisdom literature, concentrating on two options and two outcomes. There is no ambiguity or complexity here.
A follow-up study. Let's compare this psalm with other similar Bible passages.
Read Matthew 22: 36-40. Which of the two commandments is being stressed in this psalm?
Read II Samuel 6: 1-19. What does this event say about being in God's presence?
The New Testament has an updated understanding of the location of God's temple and God's presence -- Read I Corinthians 3:16-17.
What is God's plan for his citizens? Read I Peter 2: 4-12 for the New Testament viewpoint.
Hebrews 11: 1-16 also describes citizens of God's country.
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