1
From David, when he pretended to be out of his mind before Abimelech, so that he was driven away, and went.
(34-2) I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2
(34-3) My soul shall boast in the LORD; let the humble hear it and rejoice.
3
(34-4) Magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!
4
(34-5) I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
5
(34-6) Look to him, and your faces will be radiant, and you will not be put to shame.
6
(34-7) This afflicted one cried out, and the LORD heard; he saved him out of all his troubles.
7
(34-8) The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
8
(34-9) Taste and see how good the LORD is! Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him!
9
(34-10) Fear the LORD, you his holy ones, for those who fear him lack nothing.
10
(34-11) Young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
11
(34-12) Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD!
12
(34-13) Who is the man who desires life, who longs for many days to enjoy what is good?
13
(34-14) Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit;
14
(34-15) turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it!
15
(34-16) The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, and his ears toward their cry for help;
16
(34-17) the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17
(34-18) When the righteous cry out, the LORD hears, and delivers them from all their troubles.
18
(34-19) The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and he saves those who are crushed in spirit.
19
(34-20) Many are the troubles of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all;
20
(34-21) he protects all his bones; not one of them is broken.
21
(34-22) Trouble will put the wicked to death, and those who hate the righteous will be held guilty.
22
(34-23) The LORD redeems the soul of his servants, and none of those who take refuge in him will be held guilty.
🕊️🙏📖 Summary of Psalm 34 – “Praise in Flight and the Promise of Protection for the Righteous”
Psalm 34 was written by David after he fled from Abimelech and escaped by pretending to be insane (1 Samuel 21:10–15). In that shameful and urgent situation, David instead lifted up heartfelt praise. He invites the people to taste the goodness of God, seeks his protection, and walks in the fear of the LORD.
This psalm emphasizes God’s care for the righteous, as well as the promise that the LORD is near to the brokenhearted.
📌 1. Personal Praise and an Invitation to Glorify the Lord (verses 1–3)
➡️ “I will bless the LORD at all times…”
➡️ David invites others to magnify the Lord together.
🎯 True praise does not depend on circumstances — but on awareness of who God is.
📌 2. Testimony of the Lord’s Protection (verses 4–7)
➡️ David testifies that the Lord hears and delivers him from fear.
➡️ “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him.”
🎯 Fear of the Lord draws divine protection.
📌 3. An Invitation to Experience God (verses 8–10)
➡️ “Taste and see that the LORD is good!”
➡️ Those who fear the Lord lack nothing.
🎯 The goodness of God can be experienced personally, not only known.
📌 4. Living in the Fear of the Lord (verses 11–14)
➡️ To fear the Lord means to guard the tongue, turn away from evil, and pursue peace.
🎯 Fear of the Lord is not merely reverence, but a righteous way of life.
📌 5. The Lord Hears and Saves the Righteous (verses 15–22)
➡️ The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
➡️ Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them all.
➡️ Not even one of his bones will be broken.
🎯 The Lord does not promise a life without suffering, but He is present and saves.
📖 Main Teaching
- Praise should be a constant response, not a seasonal one
- The Lord hears the prayers of those who cry out sincerely
- The fear of the Lord is the source of protection and sufficiency
- The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and crushed in spirit
- The suffering of the righteous is not in vain — God is with them
✨ Spiritual Meaning (New Testament)
📖 1 Peter 3:10–12
Peter quotes Psalm 34:12–16 to teach righteous living and guarding one’s speech.
📖 John 19:36
“Jesus died on the cross and not one of His bones was broken” —
➡️ A literal fulfillment of Psalm 34:20 — “He protects all his bones.”
📖 Matthew 5:6
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…”
➡️ In line with the promise that those who fear the Lord lack nothing.
📖 2 Corinthians 4:8–9
“We are hard pressed… but not crushed.”
➡️ A vivid picture of Psalm 34:19 — “Many troubles come to the righteous, but the Lord delivers.”
🕊️ “Taste and see that the LORD is good!” – Psalm 34:8
🕊️ “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted.” – Psalm 34:18
🕊️ “Many troubles come to the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” – Psalm 34:19
🕊️ “He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken.” – Psalm 34:20
