INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 15
A PSALM OF DAVID. As in the preceding psalm, according to Theodoret,
the salvation of the inhabitants of Jerusalem is foretold, and the
liberty of the captives; so in this advice is given to them, and the
life they ought to live proposed, who should share in such benefits.... [ Continue Reading ]
LORD, WHO SHALL ABIDE IN THY TABERNACLE?.... This question, with the
following, is put by the psalmist in a view of the sad corruption and
degeneracy of mankind described in the preceding psalm, which renders
the sons of men unfit for the presence of God, and communion with him;
and it is put to the... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT WALKETH UPRIGHTLY,.... Or "perfectly" e; see
Genesis 17:1; not so as to be without sin entirely, but as not to be
chargeable with any notorious crime, and living in it; moreover,
perfection and uprightness often signify sincerity, and the phrase
here may design an Israelite indeed, in whom... [ Continue Reading ]
[HE THAT] BACKBITETH NOT WITH HIS TONGUE,.... Is not a slanderer, a
defamer, a tale bearer; a backbiter is one who privately, secretly,
behind a man's back speaks evil of him, devours and destroys his
credit and reputation: the word here used comes from רגל, which
signifies the "foot", and denotes s... [ Continue Reading ]
IN WHOSE EYES A VILE PERSON IS CONTEMNED,.... A "vile" man is a very
wicked, profligate, and abandoned creature, one that is to every good
work reprobate; and such sometimes are in high places, Psalms 12:8;
and are greatly caressed and esteemed by the men of the world; but
then, as they are an abomi... [ Continue Reading ]
[HE THAT] PUTTETH NOT OUT HIS MONEY TO USURY,.... To the poor, in an
extravagant and exorbitant way, by which he bites, devours, and
destroys his little substance, and sadly afflicts and distresses him;
see Exodus 22:25; otherwise, to lend money on moderate interest, and
according to the laws, custo... [ Continue Reading ]