Dwelling on Thy Holy Hill

(1) Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
(2) He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
(3) He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
(4) In whose eyes a vile person is condemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
(5) He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
--Psalm 15 KJV Bible

Psalm 15 is a psalm of David. Here David describes the character of the person who qualifies keep company with God.

David's repeated question in verse 1 emphasizes its importance. It is answered by the verses that follow, which contain eleven descriptions of one that is righteous. He or she is upright in deed, word, attitude, and finances. These qualities, not natural to mankind, are given by God.

In verse 5 David references the financial concept of loaning money for usury--interest. As Moses recorded in the law (examples are in Leviticus 25:35-46 and Deuteronomy 24:10-13), poor Israelites were to be assisted in every way and without interest. A pledge could be taken--an article of the debtor held by the loaner until the debt was paid. This pledge could not be something that would jeopardize the debtor's livelihood his life. For example the loaner could not take the debtor's mantle--his coat--which he used as a cover when sleeping. Also, the loaner could not take the debtor's daily wage.

A loaner who charged interest or endangered the life a poor fellow countryman was not counted among the righteous. The same were those who where deceitful or self-serving in their deeds, words or attitude.

O Lord, I want to abide with You. I want dwell on Your holy hill. Help me to walk upright. Help me to be righteous.

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