Psalm 15:1

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

Study Bible

O LORD
The term "LORD" here is translated from the Hebrew "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God, often vocalized as "Yahweh." This name signifies God's eternal existence and His covenantal relationship with His people. In the context of this Psalm, it emphasizes the personal nature of the inquiry, as the psalmist seeks to understand who can be in close fellowship with the Almighty. The invocation of "O LORD" sets a tone of reverence and submission, acknowledging God's sovereignty and holiness.

who may abide
The Hebrew word for "abide" is "gur," which conveys the idea of sojourning or temporarily dwelling. This suggests a sense of pilgrimage or journey, reflecting the transient nature of human life and the desire for a deeper, more permanent relationship with God. The question implies a longing for intimacy with God, seeking to understand the conditions necessary to remain in His presence.

in Your tent
The "tent" refers to the Tabernacle, the portable dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. It symbolizes God's presence and His willingness to dwell among His people. Historically, the Tabernacle was central to Israelite worship and community life, representing a place of meeting between God and man. The imagery of the tent evokes thoughts of hospitality, protection, and divine fellowship.

Who may dwell
The word "dwell" is translated from the Hebrew "shakan," which means to settle down or reside permanently. Unlike "abide," which suggests a temporary stay, "dwell" implies a lasting, stable relationship. This progression from "abide" to "dwell" indicates a deepening of the relationship with God, moving from a temporary visit to a permanent residence in His presence.

on Your holy hill
The "holy hill" refers to Mount Zion, the location of the Temple in Jerusalem, which was considered the dwelling place of God on earth. In a broader sense, it represents the ultimate place of divine presence and worship. The term "holy" underscores the sacredness and set-apart nature of this place, highlighting the purity and righteousness required to approach God. Historically, Mount Zion was not only a physical location but also a symbol of God's kingdom and His rule over His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. In this context, it highlights God's holiness and the reverence due to Him.

2. Tent (Tabernacle)
Refers to the dwelling place of God among His people, symbolizing His presence and the place of worship and communion with Him.

3. Holy Hill (Zion)
Represents the location of the Temple in Jerusalem, a place of divine presence and worship, symbolizing God's kingdom and His rule.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Integrity
To dwell in God's presence, one must pursue a life of holiness and integrity. This involves aligning one's actions and heart with God's standards.

Worship and Communion
Abiding in God's tent signifies a life of worship and communion with Him. Believers are called to cultivate a relationship with God through prayer, worship, and obedience.

Spiritual Readiness
Just as the Israelites prepared to enter the Tabernacle, believers must prepare their hearts to enter God's presence, seeking forgiveness and purity.

Community and Fellowship
The imagery of the tent and holy hill also points to the importance of communal worship and fellowship with other believers, encouraging mutual edification and accountability.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does it mean to "abide" in God's tent, and how can we apply this concept to our daily lives?

2. How does the requirement to dwell on God's holy hill challenge our current lifestyle and spiritual practices?

3. In what ways can we cultivate the characteristics described in Psalm 15 to ensure we are living in a manner pleasing to God?

4. How do the themes of holiness and integrity in Psalm 15 connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt particularly close to God. What practices or attitudes helped you to "dwell" in His presence, and how can you incorporate these into your regular spiritual routine?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 24
This psalm also asks who may ascend the hill of the LORD, emphasizing the need for clean hands and a pure heart, connecting the idea of moral integrity with access to God's presence.

Isaiah 33:14-16
These verses describe the characteristics of those who can dwell with God, such as walking righteously and speaking truthfully, reinforcing the theme of holiness and integrity.

Hebrews 12:22-24
This passage speaks of believers coming to Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, drawing a parallel between the earthly and heavenly dwelling places of God.