WHO SHALL DWELL IN THY HOLY HILL?

We have read news of wars, economic uncertainty, job insecurity, etc. which lead to pain and suffering. Indeed, there is suffering on earth. We read of suffering mentioned multiple times in the Bible, and we are able to see that the Bible does not avoid this topic which affects mankind. Christians, like others, suffer too. 

As a result of suffering, pain and torment, Christians look forward to Heaven and an eternal rest, but who are the ones who shall ultimately dwell with God in Heaven? King David was one who went through much suffering in his life. Let us understand what he penned by inspiration in Psalm 15.

Psalm 15 begins with David asking the LORD who will abide in His tabernacle and dwell in His holy hill. A tabernacle is a tent which is temporary and likewise, the word “abide” means to “sojourn” and indicates a timeframe which is temporary. The contrast is painted by David about dwelling (meaning to settle down permanently) in God’s holy hill (a reference to the temple in Solomon’s days located on Mount Moriah in Zion). As David pondered on Psalm 15:1, we may ask how we are able to abide with God in the church on earth and subsequently live with Him eternally in Heaven. How may I be in continued fellowship with God on earth and go to Heaven?

King David provided the answer in Psalm 15:2-5, by painting a portrait of such a person who will be in continued fellowship with God on earth and in Heaven. Such a person:

1.  Walks uprightly (v2). This means that he lives a life which is full of integrity and truth. His ways are above board. He will deny ungodliness, worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously and godly in this world (Titus 2:12). He will not live by the advice of the ungodly and be in the company of those who mock God (Psalm 1:1). He seeks spiritual things which will allow him to continue to walk uprightly.

2. Works righteousness (v2). This means he does what is right and pleasing to God. This will include his thoughts, speech, actions and behaviour. His ways are righteous because he seeks after God’s Word which is righteous, and he lives it out in his life (Psalm 119:172). A person who has faith and is obedient to God will have works of righteousness because he wants to do what is right. He knows that faith without works is dead (James 2:17).

3. Speaks the truth (v2). He does not lie, give any false impressions and there is no hypocrisy. He understands that God hates lying (Proverbs 12:22) and that truth lasts forever (Proverbs 12:19). There is no need to cover up a lie with more lies because he speaks the truth. He knows that God does not lie (Numbers 23:19), and he will do so likewise because he wants to please God.

4. Does not backbite (v3). He does not speak evil of another person, not a talebearer nor slanderer. He will not put another person in a bad light. He understands that backbiters are condemned by God (Romans 1:29).

5. Does no evil to his neighbour (v3). This means he will seek the good of others and will not do any harm to anyone.

6. Takes no reproach against his neighbour (v3). He gives people the benefit of doubt and does not taunt, disgrace or hurt others in whichever ways and means. 

7. Has no fellowship with the ungodly (v4). He understands the importance of keeping himself pure and not influenced by the ungodly (Ephesians 5:11).

8. Honours those who fear the LORD (v4). He extends fellowship to those who show a reverential fear towards the LORD. He gives them respect because they acknowledge our Creator.

9. Keeps to his word (v4). He will stay true to his side of the agreement even if it means he receives the short end of the stick or suffers loss. 

10. Does not charge interest (v5). In those days, charging interest to people who borrow money was against Jewish law. Thus, a person needed to be merciful and fair in order to be pleasing to God.

11. Does not take bribes (v5). He will be upright and not receive bribes nor remuneration to harm others. He will also not show favouritism as a result of receiving favours. His ways will be clean and aboveboard.

King David ended this short psalm with a promise (v5) - that the righteous man, one who is approved of by God, shall never be moved. He will not falter, because he depends on God’s instructions in living his life, rather than his own counsel. Indeed, the choice is up to the individual if he will follow the Truth or persist in man’s ways. Thanks be to God, even if one has not always made the right choice, there is still opportunity to put off his old ways (2 Corinthians 5:17), no longer be conformed to the ways of the world (Romans 12:2), and put to death all ungodly things (Colossians 3:5) as long as he is still alive.

In suffering, one can be sure that one will not be moved nor falter. If one chooses to do what God decrees, he will abide in God’s tabernacle (church) and dwell in His holy hill (Heaven).