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Who May Dwell on Your Holy Mountain?
Psalm 15 asks who may dwell with Yahweh. The answer lists the qualities of a person whose life is truthful, just, faithful and steady before him.
Understanding the passage
Read these words in context
This song speaks directly to Yahweh. It opens with two questions about his sanctuary and holy hill, then answers by naming the kind of conduct that fits life near him. The psalm closes by saying such a person will not be shaken.
Psalms 15:1–5Main takeaway
Psalm 15 teaches that the one fit to dwell with Yahweh is recognised by integrity in speech, relationships, commitments and justice.
Explore the poem and its images
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Who may live with Yahweh?The psalm begins with two matching questions about dwelling in Yahweh’s sanctuary and living on his holy hill.
Explanation
The psalm begins with two matching questions about dwelling in Yahweh’s sanctuary and living on his holy hill. The poem answers these questions by describing the kind of person who belongs there. It is asking what sort of life matches Yahweh’s holy presence.
02A life of truth and rightThe answer starts with a person who walks blamelessly and does what is right. “Walks” points to a settled way of living.
Explanation
The answer starts with a person who walks blamelessly and does what is right. “Walks” points to a settled way of living. Truth also reaches inward, because this person speaks truth in his heart. The psalm joins outward conduct with inward honesty.
03Words and relationshipsVerse 3 gives clear examples. This person does not slander with the tongue, does not do evil to a friend, and does not cast slurs on a fellow man.
Explanation
Verse 3 gives clear examples. This person does not slander with the tongue, does not do evil to a friend, and does not cast slurs on a fellow man. Speech is not treated as small. In this psalm, harmful words belong with harmful actions.
04Honour, costly faithfulness and justiceThe poem continues with moral judgement and steadfastness. In this person’s eyes a vile man is despised, while those who fear Yahweh are honoured.
Explanation
The poem continues with moral judgement and steadfastness. In this person’s eyes a vile man is despised, while those who fear Yahweh are honoured. He keeps an oath even when it hurts. He also refuses unfair gain through usury or a bribe against the innocent.
05Not shakenThe last line gives the result: the one who does these things shall never be shaken. The psalm ends with firmness and stability.
Explanation
The last line gives the result: the one who does these things shall never be shaken. The psalm ends with firmness and stability. That stability is tied, in the poem’s own words, to a life marked by truth, faithfulness and justice.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01How does the psalm answer its opening questions about Yahweh’s sanctuary and holy hill?
Trace how the poem moves from asking who may dwell there to listing the person’s qualities and actions.
02What does Psalm 15 say about speech?
Compare speaking truth in the heart with slander and casting slurs against another person.
03Which lines show faithfulness when it is costly or inconvenient?
Look for the oath that is kept even when it hurts, and the refusal to profit through usury or bribery.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Psalms 15:1–5
1Yahweh, who shall dwell in your sanctuary? Who shall live on your holy hill?
2He who walks blamelessly and does what is right, and speaks truth in his heart;
3he who doesn’t slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his friend, nor casts slurs against his fellow man;
4in whose eyes a vile man is despised, but who honors those who fear Yahweh; he who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and doesn’t change;
5he who doesn’t lend out his money for usury, nor take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be shaken.