The proper character of a citizen of Zion.
0A Psalm of David.
1LORD, who shall abide in thy 1tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
1 Understand the house of God, or His church, as well militant here on earth, as triumphant in heaven, typified and shadowed forth by the tabernacle and the holy hill of Zion. See Psalm 2 on verse 6.
2Hea that walketh 2uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth 3in his heart.
a Psalm 25:2; Isa. 33:15.
2 See Gen. 6 on verse 9.
3 That is, from the heart, as we commonly say. Other, that speaketh the truth with his heart, that is, thinks or purposes by himself nothing but honesty and faithfulness. Compare Psalm 10 on verse 6.
3He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor 4taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4 Understand, into his mouth, or upon the lips. Compare Psalm 16:4. This can be understood as first of the distribution, as well of the receiving and spreading of slanderous reports, raised and cast abroad by others. See Exod. 20:7; Psalm 50:16, and further Exod. 23:1; Lev. 19:16; Psalm 69:7; Ezek. 36:15.
4In whose eyes a 5vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own 6hurt, and changeth not.
5 He, who by reason of his wicked course of life, is justly rejected and cast off by all the godly.
6 Hebr. properly: to evil, or evildoing, that is, whereby he would hurt himself. The sense is: Although he perceives that the oath he made will prove hurtful to himself, yet he does not recall the oath, but rather violate it, willing to suffer hurt than a lawful oath, made with God. Other, hath he sworn unto his neighbour, he changeth not.
5He that putteth not out his money to 7usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be 8moved.
7 See Lev. 25 on verse 36.
8 Or, not fall away, not be removed, displaced, disowned, namely, out of the state of happiness, that is, he shall never perish, as the Lord Christ speaks in John 10:28. Compare Psalm 10:6; 16:8; 21:7; 55:22; 62:2, compare this with Psalm 62:6; Psalm 66:9; Prov. 10:25, etc.