Overview: NET, This psalm describes the character qualities that one must possess to be allowed access to the divine presence.
In v.1, David mentioned the LORD's home/tent and His holy hill. Those are the terms about the worship place or the tabernacle in the Old Testament. Later on the worship place was the temple in Jerusalem. Someone think perhaps the question and answer format in Psalm 15 preserves an entrance liturgy.
(Walton)
In OT the worshiper needed to present the animal as a sacrifice when they entered the courtyard. Then the priest will take the animal and he himself need to be wash before he entered the tabernacle. Then with the blood of the animal the high priests could only entered the holy of holy once a year. However, this is not what Psalm 15 was talking about.
From v.2-5 David said the worshiper needed to live a blameless life: including what they do and what they say.
v.2 Worship is not just about the ritual. In our terms, we worship not only on Sunday, but every day.
v.2c-5
1. About his words
(BKC)
(1) The first characteristic of the righteous is that he speaks … truth sincerely. He is not like double-minded flatterers (cf. 12:2). (2) A righteous person does not slander maliciously. (3) Nor does he harm or (4) discredit his neighbor. A neighbor (or friend) is anyone with whom he comes in contact. A blameless individual’s remarks do not harm or destroy any neighbor.
In v.3-5 David focused more on the "dont" more than the "do." e.g. "does not slander, or do harm...or insult" v.4, "does not renege on his promise"
I think it is because the world around us do those things and it is easy for believers to copy what other people do and therefore, David warned against us not to do that. To sin is easier than Not to sin.
However, if we always have these in our mind, thinking of entering the present of God or to present ourselves to worship Him, then these things will become our motivation to live a blameless life.
2. (BKC)
Who else could help David to live a blameless life?
v.4a He despises a reprobate,
but honors the LORD’s loyal followers.
NET, "reprobate" who has been rejected by God because of his godless behavior. It stands in contrast to “those who fear God” in the following line.
"those who fear the LORD.” The one who fears the LORD respects his sovereignty and obeys his commandments.
Knowing that there are other God-fearer will help. Plus, we need to honors these people and despises those who rejected God. In other words, we need to be emotionally involved in this matter.
3. About his promise
v.3c who swears to his own hurt and does not change; (ESV)
(NET) In this context the phrase must refer to an oath to which a self-imprecation is attached. The godly individual takes his commitments to others so seriously he is willing to “swear to his own hurt.” For an example of such an oath, see Ruth 1:16–17.
4. About his money
v.4, "does not charge interest... does not take bribes," v.5.
Reflection: Do we live a live that is following the world or do we alert and dare to make be difference because we want to worship God with our lives? Are we emotionally involved in treating those who follow God, fears Him, respects His sovereignty and obeys His commandments?
Do you have any testimony to share for those who fears the LORD respects his sovereignty and obeys his commandments?
Audrey
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