Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 15:1

"Jehovah, who shall sojourn in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?" — Psalms 15:1 (ASV)

Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? — Margin, “sojourn.” The Hebrew word properly means to “sojourn”—that is, to abide in a place as a sojourner or stranger, not permanently, but only for a while. The idea in this place is taken from the word “tabernacle” or “tent,” with which one naturally associates the thought of sojourning, rather than that of a permanent abode .

It should not be inferred, however, that this means the residence with God would be “temporary.” The idea of permanency is fully expressed in the other member of the sentence. The language here is only such as was customary in speaking of the righteous—language derived from the fact that in early times people dwelt in tents rather than in permanent habitations.

Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? — This refers to Zion, regarded as the dwelling-place of God and the type of heaven—the eternal abode of the Most High (See the note at Psalms 2:6). The question is equivalent to asking: Who is qualified to dwell with God? Who may properly be regarded as his friend? Who has a title to his favor? Who is truly pious?

For us, the same question would be put in another form, though implying the same thing: Who is qualified to become a member of the church? Who has evidence of true conversion and real piety? Who is the one who is prepared for heaven?