Psalm 34

Magnifying the Lord (vs. 1-22)—This psalm is an acrostic, which means each verse starts with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet, in sequence. There is a place or two where the sequence is not perfect, but for the most part it is consecutive. There are a few psalms like this. Such is done for ease of memorization; since most people had very little education in the ancient world, and thus couldn’t read, poetry was frequently used to help remember the material presented. A full one-third of the Old Testament is written in poetic form. The acrostical nature of this psalm makes it a little difficult to outline; David jumps from subject to subject, so I’ll just give a running summary of what he says.

The title of the psalm, “A psalm of David when he pretended madness before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed” is problematic. As I’ve pointed out before, these “titles” were added by later editors, so we aren’t sure they are accurate. But they could be.

David starts the psalm with a praise and magnification of Jehovah (vs. 1-3). Verse 4 states the immediate reason: “I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Others also “looked to Him…and were not ashamed” (v. 5), and this included “the poor man” (v. 6). Fearing (reverencing) the Lord is mentioned in verses 7 and 9; He will protect us if we do (v. 7), and provide for us (v. 9). Even the “young lions” don’t have that assurance (v. 10). The Lord is “good,” and we are blessed if we trust in Him (v. 8). David then provides some lessons for “you children.” This probably not literally “children,” but those of a contrite, teachable spirit. If a man wants to live a long life (v. 12), he should use his tongue righteousness—not speak evil or deceitfully (v. 13), “depart from evil and do good,” and “seek peace and pursue it” (v. 14). These things won’t guarantee a long life, of course, but they are certainly good principles that will largely prevent us from being in situations that are dangerous. Remember the poetic nature of the language; the principles, though true, are general and not specific. The Lord watches over His people (v. 15), hears them and delivers them (v. 17), and “is near those who have a broken heart”—broken by sin (v. 18). The contrite, humble spirit is something else He looks at (v. 18), but he is opposed to those who do evil (v. 16). “Many are the afflictions of the righteous” (v. 19); He allows us to be tried and tested, but He will deliver us—righteousness is the key here. Verse 20 has a Messianic fulfillment—“He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken.” Its immediate application is a general supplement to verse 19, but again, has a long range fulfillment in what happened to Jesus. John makes the reference in John 19:36: “For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, "Not one of His bones shall be broken.” Evil is the downfall of the wicked, and condemnation follows “those who hate the righteous.” But contrary, “The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned” (v. 22). It’s a lovely psalm with some very comforting, encouraging thoughts.