Psalms – Chapter 15

Old Testament11 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 15 of Psalms begins: "The inscription of a title to David himself. Preserve me, O Lord, for I have put my trust in thee." David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 11 verses, two threads run through the text: God's covenant promises and hope in God's promises. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1The inscription of a title to David himself. Preserve me, O Lord, for I have put my trust in thee.

2I have said to the Lord, thou art my God, for thou hast no need of my goods.

3To the saints, who are in his land, he hath made wonderful all my desires in them.

4Their infirmities were multiplied: afterwards they made haste. I will not gather together their meetings for bloodofferings: nor will I be mindful of their names by my lips.

5The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup: it is thou that wilt restore my inheritance to me.

6The lines are fallen unto me in goodly places: for my inheritance is goodly to me.

7I will bless the Lord, who hath given me understanding: moreover, my reins also have corrected me even till night.

8I set the Lord always in my sight: for he is at my right hand, that I be not moved.

9Therefore my heart hath been glad, and my tongue hath rejoiced: moreover, my flesh also shall rest in hope.

10Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; nor wilt thou give thy holy one to see corruption.

11Thou hast made known to me the ways of life, thou shalt fill me with joy with thy countenance: at thy right hand are delights even to the end.

Important Verses in Psalms 15

The inscription of a title to David himself. Preserve me, O Lord, for I have put my trust in thee.

Psalms 15:1

The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup: it is thou that wilt restore my inheritance to me.

Psalms 15:5

I set the Lord always in my sight: for he is at my right hand, that I be not moved.

Psalms 15:8

Thou hast made known to me the ways of life, thou shalt fill me with joy with thy countenance: at thy right hand are delights even to the end.

Psalms 15:11

Historical Context

Psalms belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for god's people at prayer in every age. Chapter 15 of 150 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 11 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on David, the principal figures named in this chapter. The chapter begins: "The inscription of a title to David himself. Preserve me, O Lord, for I have put my trust in thee." It concludes: "Thou hast made known to me the ways of life, thou shalt fill me with joy with thy countenance: at thy right hand are…" Read against its original backdrop, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

This psalm is a prayer-poem that Israel sang in Temple worship and private devotion. A pivotal line is verse 1: "The inscription of a title to David himself. Preserve me, O Lord, for I have put my trust in thee." The passage repeatedly touches on God's covenant promises.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1814).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: God binds Himself to His people by covenant, and He never breaks His word.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • God binds Himself to His people by covenant, and He never breaks His word.
  • Christian hope rests not on circumstances but on the unfailing promises of God.
  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

The early section of Psalms—Chapter 15 of 150—opens a particular moment in the story of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

According to Catholic teaching, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). This chapter especially highlights the role of the sacraments in sanctification, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 958).

Let Psalms Chapter 15 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 15 about?

Psalms 15 contains 11 verses. It opens with "The inscription of a title to David himself. Preserve me, O Lord, for I have put my trust in thee." and closes with "Thou hast made known to me the ways of life, thou shalt fill me with joy with thy countenance: at thy right hand are…". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 15?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "The inscription of a title to David himself. Preserve me, O Lord, for I have put my trust in thee." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 15?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

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