Bible Commentaries
Psalms 15

Verses 1-5

This psalm declares the terms of friendship between man and Jehovah. The opening questions describe the privileges of friendship. To sojourn does not necessarily mean to stay for a brief time. Length of stay is not suggested by the word, but rather the position of one who receives hospitality, a guest. To dwell is to reside permanently. The picture is of a resident of the City of God, who has free and welcome access to God's presence. To whom are such high privileges granted? The answer is first stated in general terms and then illustrations are given.

In general terms, the friend of God is one whose general deportment is perfect, whose activity is right, whose inner thoughts are pure. The test of all this is in a man's attitude to his fellow man, which is described. The man fulfilling these conditions is never moved from his residence on the holy hill nor excluded from the hospitality of Jehovah's tent. The outcome of true friendship with Jehovah is friendship for man. Therefore the condition for continued friendship with Jehovah is loyal friendship to man.