Who is worthy to be a citizen of Zion, to dwell in the immediate presence of Jehovah, to enjoy His protection and blessing (Psalms 15:1)? The question is first answered in general terms (Psalms 15:2). None but the man of integrity, justice, and truthfulness. Then, in Psalms 15:3-5, special instances... [ Continue Reading ]
More exactly: Jehovah, who shall sojourn in thy tent? Who shall dwell in thy holy mountain? Who is worthy to be received as Jehovah's guest, to enjoy His protection and hospitality, to dwell in the place which He has consecrated by His Presence? Cp. Psalms 5:4. It is not as a mere form of speech... [ Continue Reading ]
The conditions of access stated positively. The man must be -integer vitae scelerisque purus." _He that walketh uprightly_ Or, _perfectly. Integrity_is the rule of his life in relation to God as well as man. The word _tâmîm_means (1) _complete_, (2) _without blemish_, of sacrificial victims, (3) in... [ Continue Reading ]
In the preceding verse the present participle is used; but here the perfect tense, describing how his actual behaviour has been governed by the principles of truth and justice. He that hath had no slander on his tongue, Nor done evil to his fellow, Nor taken up reproach against his neighbour. _Ne... [ Continue Reading ]
Render with R.V., In whose eyes a reprobate is despised. The truthfulness of his character is shewn in his estimate of men. The world's false estimates are one of the evils which will disappear in the Messianic age (Isaiah 32:5 ff.). _A reprobate_, one who is not good metal but worthless dross (Je... [ Continue Reading ]
He that hath not put out his money for usury, Nor taken bribes against the Innocent. Two of the most common and flagrant offences against justice. Cp. Isaiah 33:15; Ezekiel 22:12. Taking interest was forbidden by the Law in dealing with a fellow-countryman as an unbrotherly act (Leviticus 25:36-37... [ Continue Reading ]