By David Phillips
Psalm 34:1-8
The superscription (the short statement at the beginning of many of the Psalms, giving the writer and often the circumstances of writing) at the beginning of Psalm 34 identifies it as having been written during the time recorded in 1 Samuel 21-22. David had fled to Gath and was hiding from Saul among the Philistines. The servants of Achish, King of Gath recognized David and reported him to the king. Fearful for his life, David pretended to be insane, scratching on the doors and even drooling on himself. The act was convincing, and Achish drove David away. Fleeing to the cave of Adullam, he was joined there by his family members and everyone who was in distress…and in debt…and discontented…and he became captain over them (1 Samuel 22:2).
Relieved and obviously very grateful for his deliverance from Gath, David then likely wrote the words contained in Psalm 34 for those who gathered around and followed him as their leader. Let’s briefly take a look at the first few verses.
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together! I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
The phrase bless the Lord, in verse 1, occurs often in the Psalms, and is an expression of praise. We sing the song, I will bless Thee, O Lord as an offering of praise and glory to God. The word rendered continually in verse 1 comes from a root word which means “to stretch”, as to always continue. The point is similar to 1 Thes.5:17 …pray without ceasing…
In verse 2, credit is given to God as the only One who can deliver David, and us. 1 Corinthians 1:31 says as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” Those described as the humble includes the afflicted, troubled and distressed. God is their relief.
Two words in verse 3 call our attention to our obligation to maintain a worshipful attitude: O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together!
In verse 4-7, David reminds us of the dependability of God in several terms. He hears and answer our prayers, delivers us from our fears, and keeps a perpetual watch over us.
Verse 8 is one of my favorites. Taste and see… Check it out, see for yourself. Don’t just take my word for it, take your refuge in Him and He will bless you!
We’ve made it to the beginning of the end of the week. Don’t forget to give God credit for bringing us safely this far, and trust Him to carry us through. The Lord’s Day is right around the corner. It’s not too early to start preparing for it.
God bless.