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PSALM 15
THE ARGUMENT
The occasion and time of composing this Psalm is uncertain; but the scope of it is plain, which is to give the character of a holy and happy man, and to describe the way to true blessedness; wherein this is observable, that he is wholly silent as to the ceremonial or ritual observations of the law; not that he doth disown them, or allow the neglect of them, as is manifest from David’s constant practice, an from many other passages; but that he might undeceive the hypocritical Israelites, who laid too great a stress upon those things, as the diligent performance thereof would excuse their wicked lives, which error almost all the prophets do observe and condemn in them; and that he might inform the church of that and all succeeding ages, that the substance of religion did consist in the practice of true holiness and righteousness.
David describeth a citizen of Zion, Psa_15:1, i.e. he is pure in heart, Psa_15:2; governeth his tongue, Psa_15:3; contemns a vile person, but honours him that fears God, Psa_15:4. He is no usurer, Psa_15:5.
O thou who art the sovereign Lord of this holy hill and tabernacle, to whom it belongs to give laws to it, and to admit or reject persons as thou seest fit, I beg of thee the resolution of this important question. And he proposeth this question to God, that the answer coming from him may have the greater authority and influence upon men’s consciences.
Who shall abide, Heb. sojourn, to wit, so as to dwell, as it is explained in the next clause; unless this clause be meant of sojourning in the church here, and the next of dwelling in heaven hereafter. Who shall enter thither and abide there, with thy good leave and liking?
In thy tabernacle, i.e. in thy church; either,
1. Militant. Who is a true and will be a persevering member of this church? Or,
2. Triumphant, or in heaven; which is called the true tabernacle, not made with man’s hands, Heb_8:2 9:11 Rev_21:3.
In thy holy hill, to wit, of Zion, so called Psa_2:6, which is oft put for the church and for heaven. Who shall so dwell in thy church here as to dwell with thee for ever hereafter in heaven?