Psalm 15 begins a new group of psalms (15-24). As the Zondervan NIV Study Bible notes, "Psalm 15 and its distinctive counterpart, Psalm 24, frame a cluster of psalms that have been arranged in a concentric pattern with Psalm 19 serving as the hinge.... [There are] thematic links between Psalm 16 and 23, between Psalm 17 and 22, and between Psalm 18 and 20-21.... The framing psalms (15; 24) are thematically linked by their evocation of the high majesty of God and their insistence on moral purity 'without {which} no one will see the Lord' (Hebrews 12:14). At the center, Psalm 19 uniquely combines a celebration of the divine majesty as displayed in the creation and an exposition of how moral purity is attained through God's law, forgiveness and shepherding care. Together, these three psalms (15; 19; 24) provide instructive words concerning the petitioners heard in the enclosed psalms, offer a counterpoint to Psalm 14, and reinforce the instruction of Psalm 1."

Psalm 15 identifies some of the important requirements for someone coming into God's presence. The psalm brings to mind pilgrims making their way to Jerusalem for the annual worship festivals. "As the pilgrims approached Jerusalem—the city of God, where His 'sanctuary' was located on the 'holy hill'—they had to examine themselves before entering the courts of God's sanctuary" (Expositor's Bible Commentary, note on verse 1).

In a larger sense, the psalm presents a number of points of examination for anyone who wants to be in God's presence. Such an individual 1) follows what is right as a general way of life, 2) obeys God's commandments, 3) speaks truthfully, 4) doesn't make spiteful remarks about others, 5) doesn't intentionally hurt others, 6) doesn't spread false accusations against others; 7) shuns the wicked and their ways, 8) honors godly people, 9) keeps promises even when it hurts, 10) doesn't take advantage of those in need, 11) doesn't act against innocent people for gain.

God's sanctuary today, His spiritual temple or house, is the Church. Yet the figure surely extends to the future temple of God in His Kingdom. Of course, just trying to follow these points will not gain us access to God through entrance into His Church and Kingdom—because no one is innocent and no one can succeed in this effort on his own. God imputes true righteousness to those "who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification" (Romans 4: 24-25). For those who are so justified, the points of Psalm 15 constitute one of many "lists" of right things to practice as part of building on a strong foundation (Matthew 7:24-25)—so that they "will never be shaken" (Psalm 15:5, NIV).