Psalm 34
Psalm 34 is a psalm of thanksgiving written by David after being delivered from danger when he feigned madness before King Abimelech. It expresses gratitude for God's rescue and emphasizes the importance of seeking Him in times of trouble. The psalm encourages believers to trust in God's goodness and to live righteously, knowing that He protects the righteous and listens to their prayers.
Psalm 34:1-10 (NKJV)
1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.
6 This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
9 Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints!
There is no want to those who fear Him.
10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger;
But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.
David emphasizes continual praise to God, encouraging others to join him in exalting God's name. He testifies that God answered his prayers and delivered him from fear and shame. The angel of the Lord protects those who fear God, and believers are invited to personally experience God's goodness. Trusting in God leads to blessings and provision, even in times when others may suffer need.
Psalm 34:11-14 (NKJV)
11 Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Who is the man who desires life,
And loves many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil,
And your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.
David invites his listeners to learn the fear of the Lord, which leads to a fulfilled and peaceful life. He highlights practical steps to honor God: avoiding evil speech, rejecting deceit, and actively pursuing goodness and peace. This reflects the importance of both righteous actions and peaceful relationships in living according to God's will.
Psalm 34:15-18 (NKJV)
15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their cry.
16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil,
To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
David assures that God's eyes are on the righteous, showing His attentiveness to their needs. The Lord listens to their cries for help, but opposes the wicked, ensuring their destruction. He is particularly close to the brokenhearted and those with a humble spirit, bringing comfort and salvation in times of distress.
Psalm 34:19-22 (NKJV)
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.
20 He guards all his bones;
Not one of them is broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked,
And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.
22 The Lord redeems the soul of His servants,
And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.
Though the righteous may face many hardships, David assures that the Lord provides complete deliverance. God's protection is so thorough that He even guards their physical well-being. In contrast, the wicked are destroyed by their own evil. God offers redemption to His faithful servants, promising that no one who trusts in Him will face condemnation.