◄ Psalm 34 ►
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Summary Taste and See That the LORD Is Good Psalm 34 provides a profound and moving reflection of God's character and His divine care for those who seek Him. It assures us of His constant protection, attentive care, and just judgment. It reminds us of the call to righteousness, the blessings that it brings, and the beauty of praising and trusting God. Verses 1-3: Constant Praise David starts with a declaration of his intent to constantly bless the Lord and boast about His goodness. He encourages others to join him in exalting God's name. Verses 4-7: Personal Testimony of God's Deliverance In these verses, David gives a personal testimony about how God answered his prayers and delivered him from all his fears. He further assures that anyone who looks to the Lord will experience radiant joy and not be put to shame. An angelic encampment surrounds and delivers those who fear God. Verses 8-10: An Invitation to Experience God’s Goodness David invites his listeners to taste and see the Lord’s goodness, and assures them that those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. Verses 11-14: Instruction in Righteous Living David instructs the people on righteous living, encouraging them to refrain from evil, speak truth, do good, and seek peace. Verses 15-18: The Lord’s Attention and Judgement The Psalmist assures that the Lord is attentive to the righteous and hears their cries. Conversely, the Lord is against those who do evil, removing their memory from the earth. He saves the brokenhearted and delivers the distressed. Verses 19-22: Assurance of God’s Deliverance and Justice David concludes by assuring that despite the afflictions of the righteous, God delivers them from all. However, evil will slay the wicked and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems the life of His servants and none who take refuge in Him will be condemned. Psalm 34 is a rich, heartfelt composition by David. It provides a broad array of spiritual insights about God's divine character, His protection, His deliverance, and the wisdom in fearing Him. Through David's words, we're invited to explore the divine power and loving mercy of God, His relationship with the righteous, and His judgment upon the wicked. Teaching Points Praise and Worship David begins with a commitment to bless the Lord at all times. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips (Psalm 34:1). This sets the tone for a life of continuous worship, regardless of circumstances. Deliverance from Fear David testifies of God's deliverance from fear. I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears (Psalm 34:4). Seeking God in prayer is key to overcoming fear. The Radiance of Trust Those who look to God are radiant and unashamed. Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces shall never be ashamed (Psalm 34:5). Trusting in God brings a transformation that is visible to others. God's Nearness to the Brokenhearted The Lord is close to those who are brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit (Psalm 34:18). God's presence is a comfort in times of deep sorrow. Righteous Living and God's Protection The psalm emphasizes living righteously and the protection that comes with it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry (Psalm 34:15). Practical Applications Cultivate a Habit of Praise Make it a daily practice to praise God, regardless of your circumstances. This can transform your perspective and bring peace. Seek God in Times of Fear When fear arises, turn to God in prayer and trust Him to deliver you. Remember that He is faithful to answer. Reflect God's Radiance As you trust in God, let His joy and peace shine through you, impacting those around you. Find Comfort in God's Presence In moments of heartbreak or distress, draw near to God, knowing that He is close and ready to save. Pursue Righteousness Strive to live a life that is pleasing to God, knowing that His protection and guidance are with the righteous. People 1. David The author of the psalm, who is traditionally identified as King David. He is the speaker throughout the psalm, expressing his praise and gratitude to God for deliverance from his fears. The psalm is attributed to the time when David pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed. 2. The LORD (YHWH) The central figure in the psalm, referred to as "the LORD" (YHWH in Hebrew). God is depicted as a deliverer, protector, and provider for those who fear Him. The psalm emphasizes God's responsiveness to the cries of the righteous and His ability to save and redeem. 3. The Angel of the LORD Mentioned in verse 7, "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them." This figure is often understood as a manifestation of God's presence and protection, providing deliverance to the faithful. 4. The Righteous Referred to multiple times throughout the psalm, the righteous are those who live in accordance with God's will and fear Him. They are promised God's attention, deliverance, and protection. 5. The Wicked Contrasted with the righteous, the wicked are those who oppose God's ways. The psalm describes the eventual downfall and destruction of the wicked as a result of their actions. 6. The Afflicted Mentioned in verse 6, "This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles." The afflicted are those who are in distress or trouble, and the psalm assures them of God's attentive care and deliverance. Places 1. The Cave of Adullam While not mentioned directly in Psalm 34, the superscription of the psalm refers to the time "when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he left." This historical context places David in the region of the Cave of Adullam (1 Samuel 21-22), where he sought refuge. The cave symbolizes a place of safety and divine protection. 2. The Presence of the LORD Throughout Psalm 34, there is a recurring theme of being in the presence of the LORD. Verses like "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous" (Psalm 34:15) suggest a spiritual place of divine attention and care. In Hebrew, the word for presence is often "פָּנִים" (panim), meaning "face," indicating a personal and intimate encounter with God. 3. The Place of Deliverance Psalm 34:4 states, "I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." This verse implies a metaphorical place of deliverance, where God rescues the faithful from distress. The Hebrew root "נָצַל" (natsal) means to snatch away or deliver, emphasizing God's active role in providing safety. 4. The Place of Refuge In verse 8, "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" the concept of refuge is central. The Hebrew word "חָסָה" (chasah) means to seek shelter or trust, indicating a place of spiritual security and trust in God. 5. The Place of Brokenness and Healing Verse 18 states, "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit." This suggests a place of emotional or spiritual brokenness where God is especially present to heal and restore. The Hebrew word "דַּכָּא" (dakka) for contrite means crushed or humbled, highlighting a state of vulnerability where divine healing occurs. Events 1. David's Commitment to Praise David begins by expressing his intention to bless the Lord at all times. He states, "I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips" (Psalm 34:1). The Hebrew word for "bless" here is "בָּרַךְ" (barak), which conveys a sense of kneeling or giving adoration. 2. Invitation to Magnify the Lord David invites others to join him in exalting the Lord, saying, "Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together" (Psalm 34:3). The term "magnify" comes from the Hebrew "גָּדַל" (gadal), meaning to make great or to glorify. 3. Testimony of Deliverance David shares his personal testimony of seeking the Lord and being delivered from his fears: "I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4). The Hebrew root "דָּרַשׁ" (darash) for "sought" implies a diligent search or inquiry. 4. Encouragement to Look to the Lord He encourages others to look to the Lord, promising that they will be radiant and unashamed: "Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces shall never be ashamed" (Psalm 34:5). The Hebrew word "נָהַר" (nahar) for "radiant" suggests a shining or beaming with joy. 5. The Poor Man's Cry David recounts how a poor man cried out, and the Lord saved him: "This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles" (Psalm 34:6). The Hebrew "עָנִי" (ani) for "poor" indicates one who is afflicted or humble. 6. The Angel of the Lord's Protection He describes the protection of the angel of the Lord: "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them" (Psalm 34:7). The Hebrew "חָנָה" (chanah) for "encamps" suggests a protective surrounding. 7. Invitation to Taste and See David invites others to experience the Lord's goodness: "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him" (Psalm 34:8). The Hebrew "טָעַם" (taam) for "taste" implies experiencing or perceiving. 8. Call to Fear the Lord He calls the saints to fear the Lord, promising that those who do will lack nothing: "Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing" (Psalm 34:9). The Hebrew "יָרֵא" (yare) for "fear" denotes reverence and awe. 9. Contrast of Lions and Seekers David contrasts young lions lacking food with those who seek the Lord: "The young lions may lack and go hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing" (Psalm 34:10). The Hebrew "בָּקַשׁ" (baqash) for "seek" implies a pursuit or search. 10. Instruction on the Fear of the Lord He offers instruction on fearing the Lord, emphasizing speaking truth and pursuing peace: "Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD" (Psalm 34:11). 11. Promise of the Lord's Attention David assures that the Lord's eyes and ears are attentive to the righteous: "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry" (Psalm 34:15). 12. The Lord's Nearness to the Brokenhearted He highlights the Lord's closeness to the brokenhearted and His salvation for the crushed in spirit: "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). 13. Deliverance from Afflictions David concludes with the promise of deliverance from afflictions for the righteous: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all" (Psalm 34:19). Connections to Additional Scriptures Philippians 4:6-7 Encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, promising peace that surpasses understanding. 1 Peter 5:7 Reminds us to cast all our anxieties on God because He cares for us. Matthew 5:6 Speaks of the blessing for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Isaiah 41:10 Offers assurance of God's presence and strength in times of fear. Prayer Points Praise God for His Faithfulness Thank God for His constant presence and deliverance in your life. Pray for Deliverance from Fear Ask God to remove any fears and replace them with His peace and assurance. Seek God's Radiance Pray for the ability to reflect God's joy and peace to those around you. Comfort for the Brokenhearted Lift up those who are brokenhearted, asking God to draw near and provide comfort. Commitment to Righteous Living Ask for strength and guidance to live a life that honors God and reflects His righteousness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's continual praise of God in verses 1-3 challenge your personal worship practices? 2. What fears do you need God to deliver you from as mentioned in verse 4? 3. What does it mean to you to "taste and see" that the Lord is good (verse 8)? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's goodness as David describes in verses 8-10. What was that like? 5. How does David’s instruction on righteous living in verses 11-14 apply to your daily life? 6. How can you actively seek peace in your life as directed in verse 14? 7. In what ways have you felt God's attentiveness as expressed in verses 15-18? 8. How do you interpret the contrast between God's attention to the righteous and His judgment of the wicked in verses 15-18? 9. How does the assurance of God’s deliverance in verses 19-22 provide comfort in your current situation? 10. How might the idea that God removes the memory of the wicked from the earth (verse 16) shape your view on immortality and legacy? 11. In what ways can you apply the lessons of this Psalm to your interactions with others? 12. How does Psalm 34 shape your understanding of what it means to fear God? 13. What actionable steps can you take to seek and live a righteous life as depicted in this Psalm? 14. How does David's perspective on suffering in this Psalm resonate with you? 15. How can this Psalm guide you in dealing with unjust situations? 16. What does this Psalm teach about God's justice? 17. How can we reconcile a loving God with the one who condemns the wicked as depicted in this Psalm? 18. How does David's confidence in God's deliverance influence your trust in God? 19. How does this Psalm encourage you in times of distress and affliction? 20. What role does continual praise play in your relationship with God based on the teaching of this Psalm? Topics 1. Praise and Worship of the Lord Psalm 34 begins with a call to bless and praise the Lord at all times. The psalmist, David, emphasizes the importance of continual worship, stating, "I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips" (Psalm 34:1). The Hebrew word for "bless" here is "בָּרַךְ" (barak), which conveys a sense of kneeling in adoration. 2. Deliverance from Fear David testifies to the Lord's deliverance from fear, saying, "I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4). The Hebrew root "יָרֵא" (yare) for "fear" indicates a deep reverence or terror, which God alleviates. 3. The Radiance of Those Who Seek God The psalmist describes the transformation of those who look to God: "Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces shall never be ashamed" (Psalm 34:5). The Hebrew word "נָהַר" (nahar) for "radiant" suggests a shining or flowing with light. 4. The Lord's Salvation for the Afflicted David recounts his own experience of God's salvation: "This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles" (Psalm 34:6). The term "poor" in Hebrew, "עָנִי" (ani), often refers to the humble or afflicted. 5. The Angel of the Lord as Protector The psalm highlights divine protection: "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them" (Psalm 34:7). The Hebrew "מַלְאָךְ" (malak) for "angel" signifies a messenger or representative of God. 6. Invitation to Experience God's Goodness An invitation is extended to taste and see God's goodness: "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him" (Psalm 34:8). The Hebrew "טוֹב" (tov) for "good" encompasses moral goodness and benevolence. 7. Fear of the Lord as the Path to Lack Nothing The psalmist teaches that fearing the Lord leads to provision: "Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing" (Psalm 34:9). The Hebrew "יָרֵא" (yare) again emphasizes reverence and awe. 8. Instruction in the Fear of the Lord David offers instruction on living in the fear of the Lord: "Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD" (Psalm 34:11). The Hebrew "לָמַד" (lamad) for "teach" implies learning through practice and experience. 9. The Lord's Attention to the Righteous The psalm assures that God is attentive to the righteous: "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry" (Psalm 34:15). The Hebrew "צַדִּיק" (tzaddik) for "righteous" denotes those who are just and upright. 10. The Lord's Nearness to the Brokenhearted A comforting promise is given: "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). The Hebrew "נִשְׁבָּר" (nishbar) for "brokenhearted" conveys a sense of being crushed or shattered. 11. Deliverance from Many Troubles The psalm concludes with assurance of deliverance: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all" (Psalm 34:19). The Hebrew "צָרָה" (tzarah) for "afflictions" refers to distress or trouble. 12. Preservation of the Righteous God's protection is further emphasized: "He protects all his bones; not one of them will be broken" (Psalm 34:20). This verse is often seen as prophetic, relating to the Messiah. 13. Condemnation of the Wicked The fate of the wicked is contrasted with the righteous: "Evil will slay the wicked, and the haters of the righteous will be condemned" (Psalm 34:21). The Hebrew "רָשָׁע" (rasha) for "wicked" indicates those who are morally wrong or guilty. 14. Redemption for the Servants of the Lord The psalm concludes with a promise of redemption: "The LORD redeems His servants, and none who take refuge in Him will be condemned" (Psalm 34:22). The Hebrew "פָּדָה" (padah) for "redeems" signifies a ransom or rescue. Themes 1. Praise and Worship of God Psalm 34 begins with a call to bless the Lord at all times, emphasizing continuous praise. The Hebrew word for "bless" (בָּרַךְ, barak) conveys a sense of kneeling or showing reverence. The psalmist declares, "I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips" (Psalm 34:1). 2. Deliverance from Fear The psalmist speaks of seeking the Lord and being delivered from fears, highlighting God's role as a deliverer. The Hebrew root for "deliver" (נָצַל, natsal) implies rescue or snatching away from danger. "I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4). 3. The Radiance of Those Who Trust in God Trusting in God brings a transformation that is visible. The psalmist notes, "Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces shall never be ashamed" (Psalm 34:5). The Hebrew word for "radiant" (נָהַר, nahar) suggests a shining or flowing with light. 4. God's Provision and Protection The theme of God's provision and protection is evident as the psalmist recounts how God hears and saves the afflicted. "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them" (Psalm 34:7). The Hebrew word for "encamps" (חָנָה, chanah) indicates a protective surrounding. 5. The Goodness of God The psalm invites believers to experience God's goodness firsthand. "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him" (Psalm 34:8). The Hebrew word for "taste" (טָעַם, taam) implies a personal experience or perception. 6. The Fear of the Lord Reverence for God is a central theme, with a call to fear the Lord as a path to lacking nothing. "Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing" (Psalm 34:9). The Hebrew word for "fear" (יָרֵא, yare) encompasses awe and reverence. 7. Righteous Living and Its Rewards The psalm outlines the blessings of righteous living, including God's attentive care. "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry" (Psalm 34:15). The Hebrew word for "righteous" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq) refers to those who are just and upright. 8. God's Nearness to the Brokenhearted God's compassion is highlighted as He is described as being close to those who are brokenhearted. "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). The Hebrew word for "brokenhearted" (נִשְׁבָּר, nishbar) conveys a sense of being crushed or shattered. 9. Deliverance from Afflictions The psalmist assures that though the righteous face many troubles, God delivers them from all. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all" (Psalm 34:19). The Hebrew word for "afflictions" (רָעָה, raah) can mean evil or distress. 10. The Ultimate Justice of God The psalm concludes with a promise of divine justice, where the wicked will face condemnation. "Evil will slay the wicked, and the haters of the righteous will be condemned" (Psalm 34:21). The Hebrew word for "condemned" (אֲשֵׁם, ashem) implies being held guilty or accountable. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions