Bible Commentaries
Psalms 34

Verses 1-22

Psalms 34

PROTECTED BY THE LORD

Verses 1-22:

This Psalm is believed to have been written when David changed his behavior before Abimelech (to save his life) and was driven away from him, with disdain, 1 Samuel 21:13-14.

Verses 1, 2 recount David’s resolve to "bless the Lord at all times," with his praises "continually," in his mouth or upon his lips There was purpose and intent in his resolve to "boast in the Lord." It was that (in order that) "the humble should hear it and be glad," come to rejoice also, Psalms 107:2; Matthew 5:15-16. Daily mercies of Divine care and special thanksgiving from all men, especially those who are redeemed by His power, Jeremiah 9:23-24; Philippians 4:4.

Verse 3 admonishes "O magnify the Lord with me (in colleague of spirit and worship service with me) and let us exalt His name together," in assembly, affinity worship, or joint worship, in the house of the Lord, Psalms 122:1; 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 10:14-15; John 4:14; John 17:17.

Verse 4 witnesses "I have sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Blessed are all who do likewise, Isaiah 55:6-7; Isaiah 45:22; Psalms 40:1-2; Psalms 145:18-19; Hebrews 2:9; Hebrews 2:14-15; Romans 8:15; 1 John 4:18; John 8:32; John 8:36; Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9.

Verses 5, 6 relates that "they," the humble, looked to him and were lightened (of their burdens and fears) and their faces were not ashamed or blushing, but lighted up. Serenity, peace, and calm came over their races, Psalms 4:6; Numbers 6:26. It is added "this poor man cried and the Lord (living Jehovah) heard, gave heed to him, and saved (liberated) him out of all his troubles, John 8:32; Genesis 48:16; 2 Samuel 22:1.

Verse 7 declares that the camp-guard-angel of the Lord encampeth continually round about (in an outer circle) those who fear the Lord and continually delivers them, Genesis 32:1; 2 Kings 6:17; Zechariah 9:8, as a protectorate guard of the redeemed, Hebrews 1:14.

Verse 8 exhorts "O taste and see, comprehend for yourself, that the Lord is good;" It is added "Blessed (spiritually prosperous) is (exists) the man who trusts in Him," Isaiah 55:1; 1 Peter 2:3, for he shall, not be disappointed, confounded, or brought to shame, Proverbs 3:3-5; 1 Peter 2:6; Romans 1:16.

Verse 9 exhorts "O fear the Lord, ye (you all) who are His saints; for there is no want (lack or desertion) to them that fear him," as certified Genesis 48:15; Philippians 4:19; Hebrews 13:5.

Verse 10 declares, however, that the "young lions," meaning powerful oppressors of the saints, do lack and suffer, Job 4:10-11; Psalms 57:4; Ezekiel 38:13; Ezekiel 19:2-3. It is then reaffirmed that they who seek (look to) the Lord shall not want or lack any good thing, any lasting thing, Philippians 4:19; Psalms 84:11; Matthew 6:32-33. Tho temporary trials come here, eternal life for body and soul are certified, with increased rewards in eternity, as pledged Romans 8:11; Philippians 1:21-22; 2 Corinthians 2:9. See also Mark 10:30; 1 Timothy 4:8.

Verse 11 calls "come ye children, hearken (give attention) to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord," to respect Him, Proverbs 1:7-8; Psalms 32:8; Proverbs 14:26-27. For this is the "whole duty" of men, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

Verse 12 inquires "just what man is there who desires life?" To live it at its best. Is there any who doesn’t desire to get the best out of life? Who doesn’t desire "many days," that he may see or realize good, real achievement in life? 1 Peter 3:10. Such is found only in seeking to know and glorify God in every day living, Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Verse 13,14 advise "keep or guard your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking guile or deceit," James 3:3-5; 1 Peter 2:21-22. For our Lord "did no evil, neither was guile found in his mouth." It is added, "depart (turn way from, turn your back upon) evil, and do good; Seek (search for) peace and pursue it," 1 Peter 3:8-12.

Verse 15 adds "the eye of the Lord are upon the righteous (with compassionate care) and His ears are open unto their cry," Job 36:7. The righteous are those who "fear him," v.9, and "hope in his mercy," Psalms 33:18.

Verses 16, 17 assert further that "the face (favour) of the Lord is against those who do (practice) evil, with a view, resolve to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth," as certified Leviticus 17:10; Jeremiah 44:11; Amos 9:4; Proverbs 10:7; Jeremiah 21:10. But the righteous cry and the Lord heeds and liberates them out of all their troubles, v.15.

Verse 18 adds that the Lord is nigh (at hand) to those who are of a broken heart and saves those who are of a contrite, penitent spirit or disposition; Tho residing in heaven, at his holy place, He stoops to lift the lowliest on earth who earnestly calls upon Him, Isaiah 57:15; Isaiah 51:1; Luke 4:18: Psalms 51:17; Psalms 147:3; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1-2; 1 John 1:8-9.

Verses 19, 20 assert that the righteous do experience many afflictions, as subjects of the law of sin and death, but the Lord delivers them out of them all, v.6, 17. Such was the case of Joseph, Job, and the 3 Hebrew children. Verse 20 adds, "He keepeth all his bones, not one of them is broken. Of Daniel in the den of lions it was true; Perhaps as a type of our Lord, of whom it was typified and Divinely decreed in the paschal sacrifice, repeatedly, "a bone of him shall not be broken," Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; John 19:36. Paul asserted that the whole body, soul, and spirit would be preserved, every seed having (possessing) his own (Gk. soma) body, in the resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:38; 1 Thessalonians 5:23. Since "the very hairs of your head are all numbered," Matthew 10:30, is it not reasonable to believe that such is for a Divine, eternal purpose, even beyond this life, in the resurrection and restitution of all things. Acts 3:20-21.

Verse 21 adds that "evil shall slay the wicked," meaning "evil affliction," v. 19, shall slay them, whereas the Lord delivers the righteous out of all them. It is further declared that those who "hate the righteous" shall be desolate, be made desolate, or desolated, Psalms 5:10; Hosea 13:1; Psalms 9:17.

Verse 22 concludes with assurance that the Lord "continually redeems," the "soul of his servants," his own property-people, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. It is added negatively, "none (not even one) that trusts in him shall be desolate," come to be desolated. This is Divine security that is also restated under the new covenant of our Lord, repeatedly, John 7:37; John 10:27-30; 1 John 5:13; 2 Samuel 4:9; Psalms 71:23; Psalms 103:4; La 3:58.