Everyone wants access to God though our core being is also repulsed by the nature of God (Romans 1). The essence of this psalm, composed by David, is how one gains access to God. Access to God is of course granted by God. Without permission, a person may not enter the King of kings presence. David is considering who the King of kings wants in his presence. What quality must he and everyone else have to be given permission to enter and remain in God’s sanctuary?
God established through Moses hundreds of years before David the Tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting (Exodus 28:43, 29:4, 30, 42). Exodus 25:8-9 states, “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.” Only Aaron and his descendants could enter the Tent of Meeting at designated times. Exodus 30:20-21 states, “Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting, they shall wash with water so that they will not die. Also, when they approach the altar to minister by presenting an offering made to the LORD by fire, they shall wash their hands and feet so that they will not die. This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron and his descendants for the generations to come.” If a person were to not be presentable when they entered the Tent of Meeting they would die.
David wanted to dwell with God in his Tabernacle even though he was not a descendant of Aaron. He was wondering how this might be possible. He wanted to be God’s guest.
God is holy, holy, holy. David accepted that only the blameless can be in God’s presence. A blameless person is guilt-free. David states items beyond the basic tenets of the covenantal law (Exodus 20:1-17). He concludes moral righteousness gives access to God. He was correct for Jesus commanded, “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) How can the sinful be perfect? Only by grace through faith in Jesus. Jesus also said, “No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
