1 [[A Psalm of David, H1732 when he changed H8138 his behaviour H2940 before H6440 Abimelech; H40 who drove him away, H1644 and he departed.]] H3212 I will bless H1288 the LORD H3068 at all times: H6256 his praise H8416 shall continually H8548 be in my mouth. H6310
2 My soul H5315 shall make her boast H1984 in the LORD: H3068 the humble H6035 shall hear H8085 thereof, and be glad. H8055
3 O magnify H1431 the LORD H3068 with me, and let us exalt H7311 his name H8034 together. H3162
4 I sought H1875 the LORD, H3068 and he heard H6030 me, and delivered H5337 me from all my fears. H4035
5 They looked H5027 unto him, and were lightened: H5102 and their faces H6440 were not ashamed. H2659
6 This poor man H6041 cried, H7121 and the LORD H3068 heard H8085 him, and saved H3467 him out of all his troubles. H6869
7 The angel H4397 of the LORD H3068 encampeth H2583 round about H5439 them that fear H3373 him, and delivereth H2502 them.
8 O taste H2938 and see H7200 that the LORD H3068 is good: H2896 blessed H835 is the man H1397 that trusteth H2620 in him.
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.