1 By David, in his changing his behaviour before Abimelech, and he driveth him away, and he goeth. I do bless Jehovah at all times, Continually His praise `is' in my mouth.
2 In Jehovah doth my soul boast herself, Hear do the humble and rejoice.
3 Ascribe ye greatness to Jehovah with me, And we exalt His name together.
4 I sought Jehovah, and He answered me, And from all my fears did deliver me.
5 They looked expectingly unto Him, And they became bright, And their faces are not ashamed.
6 This poor `one' called, and Jehovah heard, And from all his distresses saved him.
7 A messenger of Jehovah is encamping, Round about those who fear Him, And He armeth them.
8 Taste ye and see that Jehovah `is' good, O the happiness of the man who trusteth in Him.
9 Fear Jehovah, ye His holy ones, For there is no lack to those fearing Him.
10 Young lions have lacked and been hungry, And those seeking Jehovah lack not any good,
11 Come ye, children, hearken to me, The fear of Jehovah I do teach you.
12 Who `is' the man that is desiring life? Loving days to see good?
13 Keep thy tongue from evil, And thy lips from speaking deceit.
14 Turn aside from evil and do good, Seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of Jehovah `are' unto the righteous, And His ears unto their cry.
16 (The face of Jehovah `is' on doers of evil, To cut off from earth their memorial.)
17 They cried, and Jehovah heard, And from all their distresses delivered them.
18 Near `is' Jehovah to the broken of heart, And the bruised of spirit He saveth.
19 Many `are' the evils of the righteous, Out of them all doth Jehovah deliver him.
20 He is keeping all his bones, One of them hath not been broken.
21 Evil doth put to death the wicked, And those hating the righteous are desolate.
22 Jehovah redeemeth the soul of His servants, And none trusting in Him are desolate!
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 34
Commentary on Psalms 34 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 34
Ps 34:1-22. On the title compare 1Sa 21:13. Abimelech was the general name of the sovereign (Ge 20:2). After celebrating God's gracious dealings with him, the Psalmist exhorts others to make trial of His providential care, instructing them how to secure it. He then contrasts God's care of His people and His punitive providence towards the wicked.
1-4. Even in distress, which excites supplication, there is always matter for praising and thanking God (compare Eph 5:20; Php 4:6).
2. make her boast—"glory" (Ps 105:3; compare Ga 6:14).
humble—"the pious," as in Ps 9:12; 25:9.
3. magnify the Lord—ascribe greatness to Him, an act of praise.
together—"alike" (Ps 33:15), or, equally, without exception.
4. delivered … fears—as well as actual evil (Ps 64:1).
5-7. God's favor to the pious generally, and to himself specially, is celebrated.
looked—with desire for help.
lightened—or, "brightened," expressing joy, opposed to the downcast features of those who are ashamed or disappointed (Ps 25:2, 3).
6. This poor man—literally, "humble," himself as a specimen of such.
7. angel—of the covenant (Isa 63:9), of whom as a leader of God's host (Jos 5:14; 1Ki 22:19), the phrase—
encampeth, &c.—is appropriate; or, "angel" used collectively for angels (Heb 1:14).
8. taste and see—try and experience.
9. that fear him—who are pious—fear and love (Pr 1:7; 9:10).
saints—consecrated to His service (Isa 40:31).
10. not want any good—"good" is emphatic; they may be afflicted (compare Ps 34:10); but this may be a good (2Co 4:17, 18; Heb 12:10, 11).
11. children—subjects of instruction (Pr 1:8, 10).
12. What man—Whoever desires the blessings of piety, let him attend.
13, 14. Sins of thought included in those of speech (Lu 6:45), avoiding evil and doing good in our relations to men are based on a right relation to God.
15. eyes of the Lord are upon—(Ps 32:8; 33:18).
16. face … against—opposed to them (Le 17:10; 20:3).
cut off the remembrance—utterly destroy (Ps 109:13).
17, 18. Humble penitents are objects of God's special tender regard (Ps 51:19; Isa 57:15).
20. bones—framework of the body.
21, 22. Contrast in the destiny of righteous and wicked; the former shall be delivered and never come into condemnation (Joh 5:24; Ro 8:1); the latter are left under condemnation and desolate.