1Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.
📖 Chapter study
Summary
David asks who may dwell in God's tabernacle and answers with a list of qualities: integrity, truth, justice in dealing with one's neighbor, and financial honesty.
Explanation
This short psalm functions as an 'entrance liturgy' — likely recited by pilgrims as they arrived at the temple, asking what is required to draw near to God. The answer speaks not of rituals or sacrifices, but of character: truthfulness, integrity in speech, care for one's neighbor, and refusal to exploit others financially (usury). It is a reminder that true worship is bound up with everyday ethics, not separate from it — seeking God's presence is pointless while harming one's neighbor in business or in words.
Fun facts
- Psalms like this one (called 'entrance liturgies') had a parallel in ancient Egypt, where lists of virtues required to enter temples also existed — but here the emphasis is on social ethics, not magical rituals.
- The prohibition of 'usury' (lending at exploitative interest to one's own people) appears repeatedly in the Law of Moses (Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 25:36) as protection for the poorest members of the community.