Psalm 15 is written by David and we have no clear evidence about the instance in which he wrote this psalm, but many believe that this was written when he was bringing the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6).
Devotional Portion: Psalms 15:1
Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?
The psalm begins with a question to the Lord. A sense of God’s glory and the holiness in the house of the Lord, and the expected purity in the walk of His servants, made David to analyse, humble and to ask this solemn question. This question is for us too. In the new testament, though we have access to the throne of glory at any time, are we truly worthy enough to come to His holy presence? The sense of holiness is the base of our worship.
Who may abide in Your tabernacle?
The word abide can be better translated as a sojourn- visitor, the one who is receiving the hospitality of the host. “Who shall be admitted to be one of the households of God, to sojourn under His roof and enjoy communion with himself?“ Charles Spurgeon.
The tabernacle was the place where man met with God through the work of the priests and the practice of sacrifices. David was longing to be in the presence of the Lord- where the Lord met His workmanship. David’s mind was overflowing with the joy that he received in the presence of the Lord. We could compare it with a passage in John 6:68 where Simon Peter asks, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” The one who has tasted the presence of the Lord will have an unquenching thirst for it. If we have lost the joy, thirst and longing for the presence of the Lord, we have drifted from the Lord and His words.
As Enoch walked with the Lord, we must develop a habit of living along with the Lord.
Who may dwell in Your holy hill?
David used another word here- Dwell. Abide was a form of visiting nature, but here David is quoting a permanent sense. To live, or to be a citizen on His holy hill. The second question David asked is more intense too. Being a citizen takes more responsibility, they have to abide by rules and regulations, and there is a price for it. The call to dwell in His presence demands denying ourselves, taking up the cross, and following the Master. (Matthew 16:24). “Without the wedding-dress of righteousness in Christ Jesus, we have no right to sit at the banquet of communion. Without the uprightness of walk we are not fit for the imperfect church on earth, and certainly, we must not hope to enter the perfect church above.” Charles Spurgeon.
Reflection: Are we meeting the LORD in prayer each day of our life? Do we still have the longing for His presence?
