Single lesson
Psalm 15: Who May Dwell on Your Holy Mountain?
Psalms 15:1–5
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.
Before you teach
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.
Describe the central teaching of Psalm 15: Who May Dwell on Your Holy Mountain?, using two details from the reading. Psalm 15 teaches that the one fit to dwell with Yahweh is recognised by integrity in speech, relationships, commitments and justice.
Welcome: Psalm 15: Who May Dwell on Your Holy Mountain?
4 minIntroduce “Who May Dwell on Your Holy Mountain?” and locate Psalms 15:1–5. Psalm 15 teaches that the one fit to dwell with Yahweh is recognised by integrity in speech, relationships, commitments and justice. Invite each learner to name a detail or question they will listen for.
Psalms 15:1, Psalms 15:3, Psalms 15:5
Read and explain the passage
8 minThe 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.
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.
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.
Read the selected verses together, pausing at “Who May Dwell on Your Holy Mountain?”. Use the source reading below and check the explanation against the words of the passage.
Psalms 15:1, Psalms 15:3, Psalms 15:5
Discuss the details and their meaning
6 minUse the three questions below. Begin with “How does the psalm answer its opening questions about Yahweh’s sanctuary and holy hill?” and allow time to find the supporting verses. Psalm 15 teaches that the one fit to dwell with Yahweh is recognised by integrity in speech, relationships, commitments and justice. Ask learners to explain which details support their answer and to identify a question they would like to explore further.
Psalms 15:1, Psalms 15:2, Psalms 15:3, Psalms 15:4, Psalms 15:5
Make and respond: Words and images response sheet
9 minWork on “Psalm 15: Who May Dwell on Your Holy Mountain?: Words and images response sheet”. Follow the materials and steps below, using “Who May Dwell on Your Holy Mountain?” as reading headings. Each learner should include at least two accurate details and their verse references. Share one observation from the finished sheet and explain how it connects with the central teaching.
Psalms 15:1, Psalms 15:3, Psalms 15:5
Closing: return to Who May Dwell on Your Holy Mountain?
3 minRevisit Psalms 15:1–5. Invite a learner to summarise what the group has learned about Who May Dwell on Your Holy Mountain? and another to support the summary with a verse. Give learners a moment to complete their response sheet. They can share a question or, if appropriate for the group, join the optional prayer.
Psalms 15:1, Psalms 15:3, Psalms 15:5
Questions to explore
How 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.
Psalms 15:1, Psalms 15:2, Psalms 15:3, Psalms 15:4, Psalms 15:5
What does Psalm 15 say about speech?
Compare speaking truth in the heart with slander and casting slurs against another person.
Psalms 15:2, Psalms 15:3
Which 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.
Psalms 15:4, Psalms 15:5
Make, think or respond
Psalm 15: Who May Dwell on Your Holy Mountain?: Words and images response sheet
What you’ll need
- plain paper or card
- pencils or pens
- coloured pencils or crayons
Try it together
- Fold a sheet into three panels or draw three columns. Label them “A repeated word or image”, “Its verse reference”, “What it expresses”.
- Read Psalms 15:1–5. Use “Who May Dwell on Your Holy Mountain?” as your reading headings and add a short quotation or detail with its verse reference to each panel.
- Talk through your notes with an adult. Add a word, drawing or short quotation that helps you remember each part.
- Choose one image and add a short written response or a simple drawing. Explain how it connects with the passage.
The finished sheet keeps the details of Psalm 15: Who May Dwell on Your Holy Mountain? connected to their Bible references and gives the group a way to explain what they noticed.
Adapt for your group
- For younger children, read the selected verses aloud, prepare the three panels and let them respond with drawings or a few words. Use Who May Dwell on Your Holy Mountain? as the retelling prompt.
- For older children, add verse references to the response sheet and explain a connection between Who May Dwell on Your Holy Mountain? and the final part of the reading.
An optional closing prayer
“God, help us listen carefully as we read Psalms 15:1–5. Help us understand what we have read, ask thoughtful questions and respond with care for others. Amen.”
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Psalms 15
1 Yahweh, who shall dwell in your sanctuary? Who shall live on your holy hill?
2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right, and speaks truth in his heart;
3 he who doesn’t slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his friend, nor casts slurs against his fellow man;
4 in 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;
5 he 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.
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.