Psalms 15:1

KJV

¶ A Psalm of David. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

KJV (with Strong's)

A Psalm {H4210} of David {H1732}. LORD {H3068}, who shall abide {H1481} in thy tabernacle {H168}? who shall dwell {H7931} in thy holy {H6944} hill {H2022}?

Complete Jewish Bible

A psalm of David: ADONAI, who can rest in your tent? Who can live on your holy mountain?

Berean Standard Bible

O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy mountain?

American Standard Version

Jehovah, who shall sojourn in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 15:1 opens with a profound and timeless inquiry from King David, posing the fundamental question of who is truly qualified to dwell in God's sacred presence. This verse serves as the gateway to a "Torah Psalm," setting the stage for a detailed exposition of the ethical and moral character required for intimate fellowship with a holy God, encapsulating humanity's deep longing for divine proximity and spiritual integrity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 15 is often categorized as an "Entrance Liturgy" or "Torah Psalm," a genre that outlines the moral and ethical qualifications for approaching God in His sanctuary. The opening questions, "LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?", are rhetorical, designed not for a direct answer in the verse itself, but to introduce the detailed list of righteous behaviors and character traits that follow in verses 2-5. This structure invites the worshiper to self-examine against God's standards, making the psalm both an instructional guide and a call to introspection. It stands alongside other psalms that explore the nature of true worship and access to God, such as [Psalm 24](/psalms/24 "Psalm 24 - The King of Glory"), which similarly asks about ascending the Lord's hill.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The terms "tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, *mishkan*) and "holy hill" (הַר קָדְשׁוֹ, *har qodsho*) are central to understanding the historical and cultural setting. The "tabernacle" refers to the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings and before the construction of the Temple, as described in [Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8-9 "Exodus 25:8-9 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). The "holy hill" is widely understood to be Mount Zion in Jerusalem, where David brought the Ark of the Covenant ([2 Samuel 6:12](/2_samuel/6-12 "2 Samuel 6:12 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")) and where Solomon later built the First Temple. These locations were the physical and spiritual epicenters of Israelite worship, symbolizing God's tangible presence and sovereign rule. The psalm reflects a time when physical access to these sacred spaces was regulated, underscoring the ancient Israelite understanding of God's holiness and the necessary purity of those who would approach Him.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces several overarching themes that permeate the psalm and broader biblical theology. The most prominent is **Access to God's Presence**, highlighting the yearning to draw near to God's dwelling place and the sacredness of His presence. This theme is echoed in [Psalm 24:3](/psalms/24-3 "Psalm 24:3 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?"), which asks a similar question about ascending God's holy hill. Closely related is the theme of **Holiness and Righteousness**, as the psalm immediately raises the standard for those who wish to commune with a holy God, implying that proximity to God is not merely physical but spiritual, requiring a specific character and conduct. Finally, the verse foreshadows the theme of **Ethical Conduct**, which, though not detailed here, is the explicit focus of the subsequent verses, providing a list of moral and ethical behaviors that define a person fit for God's fellowship and underscoring that true piety is demonstrated through practical living.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the tetragrammaton, YHWH, the personal, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the Lord." It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal One," emphasizing God's unchanging, sovereign nature and His covenant faithfulness to Israel. Addressing God by this name immediately establishes the seriousness and sacredness of the inquiry.
* **abide (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** From a primitive root, this verb means "to sojourn," "to dwell as a guest," or "to reside temporarily." In this context, it implies more than a fleeting visit; it suggests an intimate, sustained, though perhaps not permanent, dwelling in God's presence. It speaks to a relationship of trust and belonging, where one is welcomed into the divine household, akin to a cherished guest.
* **tabernacle (Hebrew, _ʼôhel'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to be clearly conspicuous from a distance," refers to a tent or covering. In this specific biblical context, it denotes the portable sanctuary, the Tent of Meeting, where God manifested His presence among His people in the wilderness and before the Temple's construction. It signifies God's dwelling place on earth, the focal point of Israel's worship and the tangible symbol of His covenant relationship with them.
* **dwell (Hebrew, _shâkan'_):** This primitive root means "to reside or permanently stay." While "abide" (gûr) can imply temporary sojourning, "dwell" (shâkan) suggests a more settled, permanent residence. It is the root from which *mishkan* (tabernacle) is derived, further emphasizing the idea of God's permanent dwelling among His people and the aspiration for a lasting, intimate relationship with Him.
* **holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** This word signifies a sacred place or thing, or abstractly, sanctity. It implies being set apart, consecrated, or dedicated to God. When applied to the "hill," it designates Mount Zion as a place sanctified by God's choice and presence, reserved for His divine purposes and requiring purity from those who approach it.
* **hill (Hebrew, _har'_):** A shortened form of *harar*, meaning a mountain or range of hills. In this context, "holy hill" refers to Mount Zion in Jerusalem, which became the spiritual and political capital of Israel under David. It is called "holy" because it was chosen by God as the site for His dwelling (the Tabernacle, and later the Temple). The "holy hill" thus symbolizes God's sovereign domain, His sacred space, and the center of His rule and worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle?":** This opening clause is a direct address to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, immediately establishing a personal and reverent tone. The question "who shall abide?" is a profound inquiry into the qualifications for intimate fellowship and sustained presence in God's designated dwelling place. It highlights the sacredness and exclusivity of divine communion, implying that not everyone is permitted or prepared to enter such a holy space. The use of "tabernacle" points to the physical locus of God's presence, yet the question transcends mere physical proximity.
* **"who shall dwell in thy holy hill?":** This second clause functions as a synonymous parallel, reinforcing and expanding upon the first. "Dwell" (יִשְׁכֹּן, *yishkōn*) is a strong verb for permanent residence, echoing the idea of the *mishkan* (tabernacle) as a dwelling place. The "holy hill" (Mount Zion) serves as a symbolic extension of the tabernacle, representing God's sovereign territory and the place of His manifest presence. The repetition emphasizes the gravity of the inquiry and the dual aspects of God's presence: His intimate dwelling among His people and His sovereign rule from His sacred mountain.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 15:1 effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, where the second line ("who shall dwell in thy holy hill?") reiterates and reinforces the meaning of the first line ("who shall abide in thy tabernacle?") using different but equivalent terms. This technique adds emphasis and depth to the central inquiry about access to God's presence, creating a strong poetic rhythm. The verse also functions as a **Rhetorical Question**, designed not to elicit a direct answer within the verse itself, but to introduce the subsequent detailed exposition of righteous character in the psalm. This draws the reader into a contemplative mode, prompting self-reflection and setting up the answer that follows in the rest of the psalm. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is heavily at play with "tabernacle" and "holy hill" serving as powerful symbols for God's dwelling place, His manifest presence, and His sovereign domain. These symbols evoke the sacredness and exclusivity of divine communion, setting the stage for the ethical qualifications that follow.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 15:1 encapsulates a foundational theological truth: access to God's presence is not automatic but requires a certain character and conduct. While the Old Testament context points to physical entry into a sacred space, the underlying principle is profoundly spiritual: a holy God demands holiness from those who would draw near to Him. This psalm, therefore, sets a high standard for true piety, demonstrating that genuine worship extends beyond ritual to encompass every aspect of one's life, demanding integrity, justice, and love for one's neighbor. It teaches that the desire to "abide" with God must be matched by a life that reflects His righteousness, emphasizing that external proximity is meaningless without internal purity. This pursuit of holiness is a lifelong journey for believers, rooted in God's own character.

* [Psalm 24:3-4](/psalms/24-3-4 "Psalm 24:3-4 - Who Shall Ascend the Hill of the Lord?")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")
* [Matthew 5:8](/matthew/5-8 "Matthew 5:8 - Blessed are the Pure in Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 15:1 serves as a powerful and enduring call to introspection for every believer, regardless of era. It prompts us to move beyond superficial religiosity and genuinely examine our lives, asking if our character, integrity, and relationships truly reflect the heart of God. While the Old Testament worship involved physical access to the Tabernacle or Temple, the spiritual principle articulated here remains eternally relevant: a pure heart and righteous living are indispensable for true fellowship with God. For Christians, this verse reminds us that while we have been granted direct and bold access to God through the finished work of Christ, the desire to "abide" and "dwell" in His presence should motivate us to live lives that honor Him, striving for holiness not as a means to earn salvation, but as a joyful and grateful response to His transformative grace. It challenges us to consider if our daily walk aligns with our profession of faith, ensuring that our inner convictions are outwardly expressed through ethical and loving conduct in all spheres of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily conduct reflect my desire to "abide" in God's presence and draw closer to Him?**
* **What specific areas of my life might need adjustment to align more closely with the ethical standards implied by this psalm's call for righteous character?**
* **In what ways does my understanding of God's holiness impact my pursuit of personal righteousness and integrity in all my dealings, both public and private?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "tabernacle" and "holy hill" in this verse?**

Answer: Both "tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, *mishkan*) and "holy hill" (הַר קָדְשׁוֹ, *har qodsho*) are deeply symbolic of God's dwelling place and His sovereign presence. The tabernacle was the portable sanctuary where God manifested His presence among His people, as described in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Dwelling Among His People"), symbolizing His desire to dwell intimately with His people. The "holy hill" refers to Mount Zion in Jerusalem, which became the spiritual and political center of Israel, where the Ark of the Covenant resided and later the Temple was built. It represents God's chosen place of residence and the seat of His divine rule, as seen in [Psalm 2:6](/psalms/2-6 "Psalm 2:6 - God's King on Zion"). Together, these terms emphasize the sacredness of God's presence and the profound privilege of drawing near to Him, setting the stage for the ethical qualifications required for such proximity.

**Is this psalm suggesting that access to God is earned through good works?**

Answer: While Psalms 15 lists ethical and moral qualifications for those who would "abide" in God's presence, it is crucial to understand this within the broader biblical framework. The psalm describes the *character* and *lifestyle* of one who is already in a covenant relationship with God, or one who genuinely seeks to draw near to a holy God. It outlines the *fruit* of true faith and genuine devotion, rather than a merit-based system for earning salvation or access. In the Old Testament, access to God's presence was always by His grace, through covenant and sacrifice. The ethical requirements highlight that a relationship with God is transformative and demands a corresponding life of righteousness. The New Testament clarifies that ultimate access to God's presence is not earned by human effort but is freely given through faith in Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and made the way for us to approach God's throne of grace with confidence ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 15:1, with its profound inquiry into who may dwell in God's holy presence, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the only one who perfectly embodied every qualification outlined in this psalm and beyond, living a life of absolute integrity, truthfulness, and selfless love, without blemish or sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our Sinless High Priest")). Jesus is the true "dweller" in God's tabernacle and holy hill, being eternally one with the Father. More significantly, through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus has opened the way for all believers to "abide" in God's presence. He is the new and living way, the ultimate High Priest who grants us boldness to enter the Holiest Place, not by our own merit, but by His blood ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Boldness to Enter the Holiest")). Thus, the question "who shall abide?" is answered in Christ: those who are in Him, for He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He makes us a "royal priesthood, a holy nation," enabling us to draw near to God and offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable through Him ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). In Christ, we are not merely visitors but adopted children who have been granted permanent residence in God's household ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 24:3

¶ Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?

Psalms 24:5

He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Psalms 84:4

Blessed [are] they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.

Psalms 61:4

I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

Psalms 92:13

Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.

Revelation 21:23

And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof.

Revelation 21:24

And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.