Salmos 15

Salmos 15:1-5

15:1 "Lord" This is the covenant name for Deity (first used in Gen. 2:4) from the Hebrew VERB "to be." See SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, D. ▣ "who" Verse 1 is a question which may be a textual marker for a type of liturgy used for those who enter the temple on a feast day. SPECIAL TOPIC: FEASTS OF ISRAEL ▣ "Your tent. . .Your holy hill" These are parallel which means the VERBS ("abide" and "dwell") are also. The concept of being in YHWH's temple permanently (cf. Ps. 23:6b) is eternal fellowship with God that reaches beyond this life involves intimacy has a daily aspect Psalm 27:4-6 expresses this same thought in a non-hyperbolic way (i.e., "all the days of my life," cf. Ps. 23:6a). Also note that in Ps. 5:4b "no evil abides/resides with YHWH," but the faithful follower desires to live with Him (cf. Ps. 61:4; 84:10). 15:2-5 These verses describe (in balanced positive and negative attributes) the kind of person who will dwell with God (cf. Ps. 24:3-6). walks in integrity ("blameless," BDB 1071, cf. Ps. 18:23,32; 119:80; Prov. 28:18; see SPECIAL TOPIC: BLAMELESS, INNOCENT, GUILTLESS, WITHOUT REPROACH) works righteousness (see SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS) speaks truth (see SPECIAL TOPIC: BELIEVE, TRUST, FAITH AND FAITHFULNESS IN THE OT) in his heart does not slander does not do evil to his neighbor does not take up a reproach against his friend despises reprobates honors those who fear the Lord (i.e., covenant partners; see SPECIAL TOPIC: FEAR) swears to truth (i.e., a vow, cf. Leviticus 27) does not change (renege on a vow for self interest) does not charge interest (cf. Exod. 22:25; Lev. 25:36) does not take a bribe against the innocent (cf. Exod. 23:8; Deut. 16:19) Notice that all of these characterizations describe how a godly person lives and treats others. To know God is to respect people. Faithful followers are meant to live and love so that the world may come to know the Creator God. 15:4b "those who fear the Lord" This is a recurrent description of faithful followers (cf. Ps. 25:12,14; 103:11,13; 118:4). They are described in several ways. what they do praise, glorify, and stand in awe of YHWH, Ps. 22:23 walk in His way, Ps. 128:1 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: THE PATH, THE WAY) what He does for them explains His covenant, Ps. 25:14 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT) brings salvation near, Ps. 85:9 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: SALVATION [OT term]) is their help and shield, Ps. 115:11 blesses them, Ps. 115:13; 128:1 (see SPECIAL TOPIC: BLESSING) fulfills their desires, Ps. 145:19 (also "hears their cry and will save them") 15:5c This is the summary statement. Those who live in covenant with God and their brothers/sisters will never be shaken (BDB 556, KB 555, Niphal IMPERFECT, cf. Ps. 17:5; 30:6; Prov. 10:30; 12:3). TEV translates it as "will always be secure." Isaiah 33:15 seems to parallel the glorification of those who can approach and dwell with YHWH. If so, then Isa. 33:16 is parallel to Ps. 15:5c. The purpose of salvation is not just individual-focused but societal! A love for God should issue in love for each other! We must not separate justification from justice! The Fall of Genesis 3 affected all mankind (cf. Ps. 14:1-3). The image of God (cf. Gen. 1:26-27) in mankind was damaged. Mankind has turned inward. Selfishness and independence now characterize his/her thoughts and actions. A new encounter with God changes this focus (cf. Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:25-27). The new person again has a sense of dependance. He/she lives for God/for others. SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FALL OF MANKIND ▣ "never" See SPECIAL TOPIC: FOREVER.