Two questions presented concern the approachability of anyone to God. Since the earth is the LORD’s and everything in it, what can anyone build that they could ask God to move into it. Since God founded the earth as a temple is founded, and since God established the earth as a temple is established, what could anyone make that God would desire to be in it?
The temple was built by Solomon, David’s son. (1 Kings 6-8) So it existed only in David’s mind when this psalm was written. David did move the ark of the LORD and the tent of meeting to a hill in Jerusalem. (1 Chronicles 16) Since God is holy and all are sinful, who may ascend the hill of the LORD and enter the tent of meeting? Who may stand in his holy place? The Lord told Moses, “Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals because the place you are standing on is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5) The character of God is so holy, magnificent, and glorious who could endure his purity?
The answer is presented in verse 4, “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.” Well, that excludes me, David, and Solomon. In fact, the Bible is clear, “No one is righteous, no not one.” (Psalm 143:2; Romans 3:10; Galatians 3:11) Does hope exist for me? Yes.
Thanks be to God who made a way for my heart to be pure through the blood of the lamb. Apostle Peter wrote, “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1 Peter 1:18-19)
