Psalms 15-17

Thoughts

Psalm 15

A Psalm of David.

O LORD, who shall sojourn in Your tent? Who shall dwell on Your holy hill?

• “Tent” recalls God’s dwelling in the tabernacle 
• “Holy hill” could mean Zion, or Moriah (where temple was to be built), or Gibeon (where tabernacle was)

He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart;
who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend;

• Truth is rooted “in his heart.”
• The righteous avoids not just big sins, but subtle ones: slander, betrayal.

in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD;

• The righteous person does not call evil “good.”
• He respects people who walk with God

who swears to his own hurt and does not change;

• If he makes a promise, he keeps it 

who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent.

• In Israel, charging interest to the poor was exploitation 

He who does these things shall never be moved.

• The heart that aligns with God’s character stands firm, regardless of circumstance.

Psalm 16

A Miktam of David.

• “Miktam” is uncertain, but could mean “engraved” or “a golden song.”

Preserve me, O God, for in You I take refuge.

• God is not just a shield from danger but He is the place where David lives.

I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from You.”

• “No good apart from You” means God is the source and definition of every good thing.

As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.

• David loves those who love God.

The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.

• Idolatry brings sorrow, not satisfaction.
• David refuses to even speak the names of false gods.

The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; You hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

• “Portion” and “cup” were words for one’s share in life.
• David says: God Himself is my inheritance.

I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.

• God guides David in the day and teaches him in the stillness of night.

I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

• Stability comes from placing God at the center.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.

• Security is physical, emotional, and spiritual.

For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let Your holy one see corruption.

• Peter and Paul both say this verse prophesies Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 2:25–32; 13:35–37).
• God’s “Holy One” would not remain in the grave which points to Christ’s victory over death.

You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

• God doesn’t just show a way , but He shows the path that leads into His presence. 
• Fullness of joy, pleasures forevermore!

Psalm 17

A Prayer of David.

Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!

• David begins by appealing to God as the righteous Judge.

From Your presence let my vindication come! Let Your eyes behold the right.

• “Vindication” means God revealing the truth about David’s heart and actions.

You have tried my heart, You have visited me by night, You have tested me, and You will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.

• God examines the heart “by night” meaning in the unseen spaces.
• David isn’t claiming sinlessness, but probably free of unconfessed sin in this situation. 

With regard to the works of man, by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. My steps have held fast to Your paths; my feet have not slipped.

• God’s Word directs David away from violent and corrupt paths. It shapes his behavior.

I call upon You, for You will answer me, O God; incline Your ear to me; hear my words.

• David’s request isn’t wishful thinking but confidence. 

Wondrously show Your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at Your right hand. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.

• “Steadfast love” (hesed) 
• “Apple of Your eye” אִישׁוֹן בַּת־עָיִ ishon bat-ayin – The little man in the daughter of the eye.

From the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me.
They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
They have now surrounded our steps; they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.

• David is surrounded physically and emotionally.
• The wicked lack compassion and display pride.

He is like a lion eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush.

• David describes the enemy as a predator 

Arise, O LORD! Confront him, subdue him! Deliver my soul from the wicked by Your sword,
from men of the world whose portion is in this life.

• The wicked seek their reward only in this life… temporal comfort,

As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with Your likeness.

• David seems to have a small grasp of heaven (debated before)

Questions

Application
Psalms 15-17 show a nice thread – from letting God shape our character in Psalm 15 “He who does these things shall never be moved”, to finding our joy in God I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from You”,  to fully depending on God “Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.” A life shaped by God shapes our integrity, joy, and dependance.