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Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
(Heb.: 34:2-4) The poet begins with the praise of Jahve, and calls upon all the pious to unite with him in praising Him. The substantival clause Psa 34:2, is intended to have just as much the force of a cohortative as the verbal clause Psa 34:2. אברכה, like ויגרשׁהו, is to be written with Chateph-Pathach in the middle syllable. In distinction from עניּים, afflicti, ענוים signifies submissi, those who have learnt endurance or patience in the school of affliction. The praise of the psalmist will greatly help to strengthen and encourage such; for it applies to the Deliverer of the oppressed. But in order that this praise may sound forth with strength and fulness of tone, he courts the assistance of companions in Psa 34:4. To acknowledge the divine greatness with the utterance of praise is expressed by גּדּל with an accusative in Psa 69:31; in this instance with ל: to offer גּדלּה unto Him, cf. Psa 29:2. Even רומם has this subjective meaning: with the heart and in word and deed, to place the exalted Name of God as high as it really is in itself. In accordance with the rule, that when in any word two of the same letters follow one another and the first has a Sheb, this Sheb must be an audible one, and in fact Chateph Pathach preceded by Gaja (Metheg), we must write וּנרוממה.
John Gill Bible Commentary
I will bless the Lord at all times,.... That is, ascribe blessing, give honour, praise, and glory to him, both as the God of nature and providence, for every temporal mercy; and that every day, and at all times in the day; since these are renewed every morning, and continue all the day long: and as the God of grace, for all spiritual blessings; and that continually, because these last always; they are irreversible, unchangeable, and without repentance; yea, saints have reason to bless God in times of adversity as well as prosperity, since it might have been worse with them than it is; they have a mixture of mercy in all, and all things work together for their good; his praise shall continually be in my mouth; not the "praise" of which God is the author, but of which he is the object; which is due unto him, and is given him on account of the perfections of his nature, and the works of his hands, and the blessings of his providence and grace; this, the psalmist says, should be in his mouth: his meaning is, that he should not only retain in his heart a grateful sense of the divine favours, but should express it with his lips; should both make melody in his heart to the Lord, and vocally sing his praise; and that "continually", as long as he lived, or had any being, Psa 146:2.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The title of this psalm tells us both who penned it and upon what occasion it was penned. David, being forced to flee from his country, which was made too hot for him by the rage of Saul, sought shelter as near it as he could, in the land of the Philistines. There it was soon discovered who he was, and he was brought before the king, who, in the narrative, is called Achish (his proper name), here Abimelech (his title); and lest he should be treated as a spy, or one that came thither upon design, he feigned himself to be a madman (such there have been in every age, that even by idiots men might be taught to give God thanks for the use of their reason), that Achish might dismiss him as a contemptible man, rather than take cognizance of him as a dangerous man. And it had the effect he desired; by this stratagem he escaped the hand that otherwise would have handled him roughly. Now, 1. We cannot justify David in this dissimulation. It ill became an honest man to feign himself to be what he was not, and a man of honour to feign himself to be a fool and a mad-man. If, in sport, we mimic those who have not so good an understanding as we think we have, we forget that God might have made their case ours. 2. Yet we cannot but wonder at the composure of his spirit, and how far he was from any change of that, when he changed his behaviour. Even when he was in that fright, or rather in that danger only, his heart was so fixed, trusting in God, that even then he penned this excellent psalm, which has as much in it of the marks of a calm sedate spirit as any psalm in all the book; and there is something curious too in the composition, for it is what is called an alphabetical psalm, that is, a psalm in which every verse begins with each letter in its order as it stands in the Hebrew alphabet. Happy are those who can thus keep their temper, and keep their graces in exercise, even when they are tempted to change their behaviour. In this former part of the psalm, I. David engages and excites himself to praise God. Though it was his fault that he changed his behaviour, yet it was God's mercy that he escaped, and the mercy was so much the greater in that God did not deal with him according to the desert of his dissimulation, and we must in every thing give thanks. He resolves, 1. That he will praise God constantly: I will bless the Lord at all times, upon all occasions. He resolves to keep up stated times for this duty, to lay hold of all opportunities for it, and to renew his praises upon every fresh occurrence that furnished him with matter. If we hope to spend our eternity in praising God, it is fit that we should spend as much as may be of our time in this work. 2. That he will praise him openly: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Thus he would show how forward he was to own his obligations to the mercy of God and how desirous to make others also sensible of theirs. 3. That he will praise him heartily: "My soul shall make her boast in the Lord, in my relation to him, my interest in him, and expectations from him." It is not vainglory to glory in the Lord. II. He calls upon others to join with him herein. He expects they will (Psa 34:2): "The humble shall hear thereof, both of my deliverance and of my thankfulness, and be glad that a good man has so much favour shown him and a good God so much honour done him." Those have most comfort in God's mercies, both to others and to themselves, that are humble, and have the least confidence in their own merit and sufficiency. It pleased David to think that God's favours to him would rejoice the heart of every Israelite. Three things he would have us all to concur with him in: - 1. In great and high thoughts of God, which we should express in magnifying him and exalting his name, Psa 34:3. We cannot make God greater or higher than he is; but if we adore him as infinitely great, and higher than the highest, he is pleased to reckon this magnifying and exalting him. This we must do together. God's praises sound best in concert, for so we praise him as the angels do in heaven. Those that share in God's favour, as all the saints do, should concur in his praises; and we should be as desirous of the assistance of our friends in returning thanks for mercies as in praying for them. We have reason to join in thanksgiving to God, (1.) For his readiness to hear prayer, which all the saints have had the comfort of; for he never said to any of them, Seek you me in vain. [1.] David, for his part, will give it under his hand that he has found him a prayer-hearing God (Psa 34:4): "I sought the Lord, in my distress, entreated his favour, begged his help, and he heard me, answered my request immediately, and delivered me from all my fears, both from the death I feared and from the disquietude and disturbance produced by fear of it." The former he does by his providence working for us, the latter by his grace working in us, to silence our fears and still the tumult of the spirits; this latter is the greater mercy of the two, because the thing we fear is our trouble only, but our unbelieving distrustful fear of it is our sin; nay, it is often more our torment too than the thing itself would be, which perhaps would only touch the bone and the flesh, while the fear would prey upon the spirits and put us out of the possession of our own soul. David's prayers helped to silence his fears; having sought the Lord, and left his case with him, he could wait the event with great composure. "But David was a great and eminent man, we may not expect to be favoured as he was; have any others ever experienced the like benefit by prayer?" Yes, [2.] Many besides him have looked unto God by faith and prayer, and have been lightened by it, Psa 34:5. It has wonderfully revived and comforted them; witness Hannah, who, when she had prayed, went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad. When we look to the world we are darkened, we are perplexed, and at a loss; but, when we look to God, from him we have the light both of direction and joy, and our way is made both plain and pleasant. These here spoken of, that looked unto God, had their expectations raised, and the event did not frustrate them: Their faces were not ashamed of their confidence. "But perhaps these also were persons of great eminence, like David himself, and upon that account were highly favoured, or their numbers made them considerable;" nay, [3.] This poor man cried, a single person, mean and inconsiderable, whom no man looked upon with any respect or looked after with any concern; yet he was as welcome to the throne of grace as David or any of his worthies: The Lord heard him, took cognizance of his case and of his prayers, and saved him out of all his troubles, Psa 34:6. God will regard the prayer of the destitute, Psa 102:17. See Isa 57:15. (2.) For the ministration of the good angels about us (Psa 34:7): The angel of the Lord, a guard of angels (so some), but as unanimous in their service as if they were but one, or a guardian angel, encamps round about those that fear God, as the life-guard about the prince, and delivers them. God makes use of the attendance of the good spirits for the protection of his people from the malice and power of evil spirits; and the holy angels do us more good offices every day than we are aware of. Though in dignity and in capacity of nature they are very much superior to us, - though they retain their primitive rectitude, which we have lost; - though they have constant employment in the upper world, the employment of praising God, and are entitled to a constant rest and bliss there, - yet in obedience to their Maker, and in love to those that bear his image, they condescend to minister to the saints, and stand up for them against the powers of darkness; they not only visit them, but encamp round about them, acting for their good as really, though not as sensibly, as for Jacob's (Gen 32:1), and Elisha's, Kg2 6:17. All the glory be to the God of the angels. 2. He would have us to join with him in kind and good thoughts of God (Psa 34:8): O taste and see that the Lord is good! The goodness of God includes both the beauty and amiableness of his being and the bounty and beneficence of his providence and grace; and accordingly, (1.) We must taste that he is a bountiful benefactor, relish the goodness of God in all his gifts to us, and reckon that the savour and sweetness of them. Let God's goodness be rolled under the tongue as a sweet morsel. (2.) We must see that he is a beautiful being, and delight in the contemplation of his infinite perfections. By taste and sight we both make discoveries and take complacency. Taste and see God's goodness, that is, take notice of it and take the comfort of it, Pe1 2:3. he is good, for he makes all those that trust in him truly blessed; let us therefore be so convinced of his goodness as thereby to be encouraged in the worst of times to trust in him. 3. He would have us join with him in a resolution to seek God and serve him, and continue in his fear (Psa 34:9): O fear the Lord! you his saints. When we taste and see that he is good we must not forget that he is great and greatly to be feared; nay, even his goodness is the proper object of a filial reverence and awe. They shall fear the Lord and his goodness, Hos 3:5. Fear the Lord; that is, worship him, and make conscience of your duty to him in every thing, not fear him and shun him, but fear him and seek him (v. 10) as a people seek unto their God; address yourselves to him and portion yourselves in him. To encourage us to fear God and seek him, it is here promised that those that do so, even in this wanting world, shall want no good thing (Heb. They shall not want all good things); they shall so have all good things that they shall have no reason to complain of the want of any. As to the things of the other world, they shall have grace sufficient for the support of the spiritual life (Co2 12:9; Psa 84:11); and, as to this life, they shall have what is necessary to the support of it from the hand of God: as a Father, he will feed them with food convenient. What further comforts they desire they shall have, as far as Infinite Wisdom sees good, and what they want in one thing shall be made up in another. What God denies them he will give them grace to be content without and then they do not want it, Deu 3:26. Paul had all and abounded, because he was content, Phi 4:11, Phi 4:18. Those that live by faith in God's all-sufficiency want nothing; for in him they have enough. The young lions. often lack and suffer hunger - those that live upon common providence, as the lions do, shall want that satisfaction which those have that live by faith in the promise; those that trust to themselves, and think their own hands sufficient for them, shall want (for bread is not always to the wise) - but verily those shall be fed that trust in God and desire to be at his finding. Those that are ravenous, and prey upon all about them, shall want; but the meek shall inherit the earth. Those shall not want who with quietness work and mind their own business; plain-hearted Jacob has pottage enough, when Esau, the cunning hunter, is ready to perish for hunger.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Ps 34 This wisdom psalm includes a thanksgiving hymn (34:1-7) that celebrates the Lord’s care for and protection of godly sufferers. It also includes an invitation to wisdom (34:8-14) and an exposition of wisdom concerning the Lord’s care for the needy and the suffering of the wicked (34:15-22). 34:title Abimelech is another name for Achish (see 1 Sam 21:10-15). The body of the psalm makes no explicit connection to this event. 34:1-3 The psalmist exhorts the helpless to join him in praise.
Taste and See That the LORD Is Good
1I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. 2My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice.
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Praise - Part 2
By Derek Prince12K29:00PSA 8:2PSA 34:1PSA 149:6MAT 21:16HEB 13:15In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of dancing during a church service and how it brought liberation to the congregation. He encourages everyone to praise God, referencing Psalm 148 and Acts 16 as examples of praising God in both heavenly and earthly realms. The speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God with skill, particularly for those with musical abilities. He also highlights the act of lifting hands as a form of praise. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the power of praise and its ability to bring about God's intervention.
The Importance of Having the Peace of Christ
By David Wilkerson3.9K51:43PSA 34:1MAT 14:27JHN 14:17JHN 14:26ACT 17:111CO 2:10GAL 2:20In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of maintaining a passionate love for Christ. He expresses concern for those who have drifted away from their initial fervor and invites them to come forward for prayer. The speaker emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in teaching and guiding believers. He also highlights the need to trust in God's faithfulness and to praise Him in times of trouble. The sermon concludes with a reminder to not be afraid, but to have faith and give thanks to the Lord.
Prayer and Revival - Part 1
By Bill McLeod2.9K1:07:23Revival PrayingPSA 34:1MAT 6:33EPH 6:151TI 2:8In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful testimony of a man from his church who experienced a deep conviction of sin during a revival. The man was overwhelmed by the realization of his past sins and cried out for forgiveness. The preacher and the congregation prayed for him, and he experienced a transformation, with a radiant expression on his face. The revival continued with testimonies of God's work in people's lives, emphasizing the importance of prayer and seeking God's presence everywhere.
Speechless
By Chuck Smith1.6K35:38SpeechPSA 34:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the marvelous grace of God that has been bestowed upon us. The speaker emphasizes the overwhelming nature of what God has already done and expresses gratitude and love in response to God's love. The speaker encourages listeners to find a quiet place to meditate on what God has done and what He has promised for their lives. The sermon highlights the transformative power of God, who has delivered us from sin, adopted us as His children, and offers fellowship, guidance, and strength. The speaker also references several Bible verses that emphasize the goodness and faithfulness of God.
Setting Fire to Satan's Harvest - Part 2
By Carter Conlon1.2K10:57PSA 28:7PSA 34:12CO 2:112CO 10:5PHP 2:14
This sermon emphasizes the need to identify and address the negative influences and complaints that hinder our relationship with God, urging believers to set fire to the harvest of unrighteousness sown by the enemy. It calls for a shift from complaining to worshiping, trusting in God's faithfulness, and choosing fellowship with the righteous. The message encourages a declaration of faith, surrendering complaints, and embracing God's mercy and strength, leading to a life of praise and trust in His divine purpose.
A Call to Worship Part 1
By Chuck Smith1.1K25:05Sensitivity to God's VoiceWorshipEXO 15:2PSA 34:1PSA 95:1PSA 100:1PSA 118:1ISA 12:5JHN 4:24EPH 5:19COL 3:16HEB 10:25In 'A Call to Worship Part 1', Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of worship through singing, drawing from Psalm 95, which invites believers to joyfully come before the Lord. He highlights that worship is a response to God's greatness rather than a means to receive blessings, encouraging congregants to express their gratitude and praise. Smith illustrates the importance of being sensitive to God's voice and warns against hardening our hearts, using the Israelites' experiences as a cautionary tale. He reminds us that God is present in both our valleys and mountaintops, and calls for a heartfelt, spontaneous worship that reflects our relationship with Him.
Model for Praying - Part 5
By J. Glyn Owen85744:50PrayingEXO 20:3PSA 34:1MAT 6:11MAT 6:33LUK 12:15JHN 1:1ACT 11:29In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of integrating all aspects of life within the orbit of God's purpose and glory. He highlights the twisted nature of sin that leads us to desire more than our necessities, while a large portion of the world lacks even their basic needs. The preacher draws parallels between our lives and the frugality of Jesus in His demands of the Father. He also mentions the model of prayer that Jesus taught, which starts with focusing on God and His kingdom before addressing our own needs.
Jesus Is Precious to Me; Worship
By Edwin H. Waldvogel77929:08WorshipPSA 22:3PSA 23:3PSA 27:1PSA 34:1PSA 34:3MAT 6:33HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising and worshiping Jesus. They encourage the audience to open their hearts to Jesus and ask Him to restore their lost song of praise. The speaker shares their experience of feeling a darkness and then entering into the presence of Jesus, where they witnessed people loving and praising Him. They emphasize the power of praising God and how it can bring victory and change in our lives.
The Soundtrack of Life
By Jim Cymbala61526:25LifePSA 34:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of not making hasty decisions when under pressure. He shares personal experiences of feeling distracted and diverted when faced with emergencies or burdens. The speaker emphasizes the need to stay focused on God and not panic, even when things seem to be falling apart. He also highlights the importance of understanding different seasons in life and knowing when to change our approach or actions. Overall, the message encourages listeners to seek wisdom from God and make decisions based on His guidance rather than succumbing to fear or pressure.
Qualifications of the Followers of Jesus - Part 3
By Loran Helm25845:00JesusPSA 34:1PRO 3:5MAT 19:14JAS 4:15In this sermon, Reverend Lauren Helm shares personal anecdotes and experiences to emphasize the importance of obedience to God's will. He recounts a story of a car accident where he chose to praise God instead of complaining, highlighting the need to trust in God's provision. He also shares the story of a woman who passionately pleaded for obedience to God's will before passing away, urging the congregation to follow her example. Reverend Helm then describes a situation where a young boy's faith inspired others to seek Jesus, emphasizing the importance of childlike faith. He concludes by celebrating the miraculous healing of his son and encouraging the congregation to give all the praise and glory to God. Throughout the sermon, Reverend Helm emphasizes the power of God's grace and the joy that comes from following His will.
(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 16 Psalm 34
By Keith Simons5325:12KJV BibleTrust in GodPraise and WorshipPSA 34:1Keith Simons explores Psalm 34, emphasizing David's experience of seeking refuge in God during a time of fear and danger. He highlights how David, despite his deceptive actions to escape King Abimelech, ultimately honors God for His deliverance and goodness. The psalm serves as a reminder to praise God at all times, to trust in His protection, and to live righteously, as God watches over the humble and delivers them from their troubles. Simons encourages listeners to magnify the Lord and experience His goodness, reinforcing the importance of faith and respect for God in their lives.
When Heaven Comes to My Rescue
By Shane Idleman1840:02Divine RescueSeeking GodPSA 34:1Shane Idleman emphasizes the necessity of inviting God back into our lives and society, warning that the removal of God leads to chaos and depravity. He reflects on Psalm 34, illustrating how David's miraculous deliverance serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of seeking Him amidst fears and struggles. Idleman encourages believers to take a stand for God, to be thankful, and to seek peace while recognizing the power of corporate worship and prayer. He highlights that true deliverance comes from a humble heart that fears the Lord and actively seeks His presence. Ultimately, he reassures that when heaven comes to our rescue, no enemy can prevail against us.
Finally, My Brethren, Rejoice in the Lord
By A.B. Simpson4Rejoicing in the LordThe Power of PraisePSA 34:1PSA 100:4ISA 61:3ROM 6:112CO 5:17EPH 5:2PHP 4:41TH 5:16HEB 13:15JAS 1:2A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in the Lord and the futility of dwelling in depression. He encourages believers to focus on the cross, where they can find cleansing and a new identity in Christ, allowing them to rise above their past faults. By laying down their burdens and embracing their standing in Jesus, they can transform painful experiences into lessons of victory. Simpson highlights that praise is a powerful sacrifice that pleases God and should be offered continually, as it brings light to even the darkest moments. Ultimately, he calls for a life of constant rejoicing, reminding us that a single moment of negativity can overshadow our joy.
Eternal Inheritance
By Joshua Daniel2PSA 31:8PSA 34:1PSA 107:20PSA 119:9ROM 8:232CO 5:12CO 5:4EPH 1:141TH 5:19Joshua Daniel preaches on the eternal inheritance promised to believers in 2 Corinthians 5:1, emphasizing the confidence and assurance we have in God's heavenly dwelling. He challenges listeners to pray for healing and to guard against the worldly influences that can taint our lives and the lives of our children. Daniel encourages believers to groan for heaven, recognizing the impermanence of this world and the need for sanctification in our lives. He urges the congregation to embrace the freedom and opportunities God provides, to seek holiness, and to eagerly anticipate the fullness of eternity with Jesus.
The Ministry of Praise
By John Henry Jowett1PSA 34:1PSA 77:11PSA 103:2PSA 115:12John Henry Jowett emphasizes the importance of reflecting on God's past faithfulness as a source of hope for the future. By remembering and praising God for His blessings and provisions in the past, our hearts are filled with confidence and our worries fade away. Jowett highlights how praise is essential for nurturing other virtues and graces in our lives, breathing life into them and ushering in a radiant spirit of hope.
Psalms 34:1
By Chuck Smith1PraiseFaithPSA 34:1PSA 34:5ROM 4:20Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of praising God at all times, regardless of circumstances, highlighting that while it may be easy to praise during good times, it often requires faith during difficult moments. He illustrates how praise can be contagious, encouraging others to join in worship and creating a positive atmosphere. Smith also points out the reasons for praise, such as God's faithfulness in hearing our cries and delivering us from troubles, reminding us that our attitudes can influence those around us.
The Joy of Church Fellowship Rightly Attended
By Edward Taylor1PSA 34:1PSA 47:6PSA 100:2PSA 150:6Edward Taylor preaches about the joy and praise of the saints who are on their journey to Heaven in Christ's Coach, singing sweet melodies of worship and offering their hearts in divine acts. Those who are not in the Coach yet are like travelers on foot, tracing the road to eventually join in the heavenly singing and ride to glory.
He Appointed Singers Unto the Lord, That Should
By F.B. Meyer0PraiseHoliness2CH 20:21PSA 30:5PSA 34:1PSA 100:4PSA 149:1ISA 61:3EPH 5:19COL 3:161TH 5:16HEB 13:15F.B. Meyer emphasizes the beauty of holiness and the importance of praising God, even before facing life's battles. He reflects on how King Jehoshaphat appointed singers to lead the army in praise, demonstrating faith in God's victory. Meyer encourages believers to cultivate a love for holiness and to express their faith through song, suggesting that true victory comes from a heart filled with praise. He reminds us that when we praise God, He acts on our behalf, turning our battles into blessings. The sermon concludes with a call to recognize the joy and sweetness found in worshiping God.
Do All
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 34:11CO 10:31COL 3:17COL 3:231TH 5:16Mary Wilder Tileston preaches on the importance of living every moment for the glory of God, emphasizing that every action, whether eating, drinking, or any other task, should be done with the intention of glorifying God. The focus is on surrendering our whole being, thoughts, and desires to align with God's will and pleasure, finding peace and tranquility in the midst of daily activities by acknowledging God's presence in all things.
Sing Praise to the Lord!
By Charles E. Cowman02CH 20:22PSA 34:1PSA 147:1EPH 5:19Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the power of singing and praising in the midst of troubles, encouraging a shift from overthinking to joyful worship. He illustrates how singing can release us from burdens and worries, comparing it to the carefree nature of birds. Cowman urges believers to incorporate singing into their daily routines, both in the morning and evening, as a continuous expression of gratitude and praise.
Talk on Praise With Singing ("If You Don't Praise the Lord, You're Going to Fail")
By Hans R. Waldvogel0PraiseJoy in the LordPSA 34:1PSA 100:4PSA 150:6ISA 61:3JHN 15:5PHP 3:1PHP 4:41TH 5:16HEB 13:15JAS 4:10Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the vital role of praise in a believer's life, asserting that without it, one is destined to fail. He draws from the Apostle Paul's exhortation to rejoice in the Lord, even from a dungeon, highlighting that true joy and liberation come through continuous praise. Waldvogel shares personal experiences of overcoming inner bondages through worship, illustrating that praise not only invites God's presence but also transforms the soul. He warns against the pride that hinders joy and encourages believers to focus on rejoicing in the Lord to experience true victory and fruitfulness in their spiritual lives.
Talk on Praise (Praise and Faith, With Stories of Healing and Deliverance)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0PraiseFaithPSA 34:1PSA 50:23ISA 61:3MAT 21:22MRK 11:24JHN 14:13ROM 10:17HEB 11:6JAS 1:61PE 1:3Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the power of praise and faith in the life of a believer, illustrating how offering praise to God is a vital act that glorifies Him and opens the door to His salvation. He shares personal stories of healing and deliverance, highlighting that God desires to heal and deliver us, but we must approach Him with faith, not as beggars but as recipients of His grace. Waldvogel stresses that true faith is rooted in the promises of God, and that through praise, we can experience the fullness of His presence and power in our lives. He encourages believers to reject unbelief and embrace the simple truths of Scripture, which provide the foundation for a victorious Christian life.
We Need Minor Keys Too
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 34:1PRO 3:5ROM 8:28EPH 5:201TH 5:18Charles E. Cowman preaches on the importance of giving thanks to God always for all things, emphasizing that even in the midst of evil or difficulties, God can bring blessings and harmony out of them if we allow Him to work in our lives. He compares the challenges we face to black dots and spots, highlighting that God can turn them into a glorious harmony if we let Him adjust and work through them. Just as a musician needs to touch both the black and white keys on an organ to bring out sweet music, we must allow God to work through all aspects of our lives to reveal His grandeur.
Six Blessed Psalms
By Zac Poonen0Trust in GodPraise and WorshipPSA 3:3PSA 22:1PSA 25:4PSA 27:1PSA 34:1PSA 34:19PSA 101:2Zac Poonen explores the profound lessons found in six psalms, emphasizing how David's experiences of pressure and adversity shaped his trust in God. He highlights Psalms 3, where David declares God as his glory amidst fleeing from Absalom, and Psalms 22, which foreshadows Christ's suffering and the importance of praise and worship. Poonen also discusses Psalms 25's call for guidance, Psalms 27's fearless trust, and Psalms 34's assurance of God's deliverance for the righteous. Finally, he reflects on Psalms 101, urging believers to live blamelessly, especially in their homes. Through these psalms, Poonen illustrates that pressure can lead to deeper faith and richer ministry.
On Offering Praise to God
By Charles Finney0PraiseSpiritual TransformationPSA 34:1PSA 50:23PSA 67:5PSA 100:4PSA 150:6EPH 5:19COL 3:161TH 5:16HEB 13:15REV 4:11Charles Finney emphasizes the significance of offering praise to God, explaining that true praise stems from a heart filled with confidence, affection, and a sense of dependence on Him. He argues that acceptable praise is not merely verbal acknowledgment but requires a sincere appreciation of God's goodness and a union of our will with His. Finney highlights that praising God is a universal duty that not only honors Him but also transforms us spiritually and influences others positively. He warns against the dangers of withholding praise, which can lead to spiritual stagnation and misrepresent God's character to the world. Ultimately, he calls for a revival of the spirit of praise within the church to enhance both personal spirituality and collective witness.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
(Heb.: 34:2-4) The poet begins with the praise of Jahve, and calls upon all the pious to unite with him in praising Him. The substantival clause Psa 34:2, is intended to have just as much the force of a cohortative as the verbal clause Psa 34:2. אברכה, like ויגרשׁהו, is to be written with Chateph-Pathach in the middle syllable. In distinction from עניּים, afflicti, ענוים signifies submissi, those who have learnt endurance or patience in the school of affliction. The praise of the psalmist will greatly help to strengthen and encourage such; for it applies to the Deliverer of the oppressed. But in order that this praise may sound forth with strength and fulness of tone, he courts the assistance of companions in Psa 34:4. To acknowledge the divine greatness with the utterance of praise is expressed by גּדּל with an accusative in Psa 69:31; in this instance with ל: to offer גּדלּה unto Him, cf. Psa 29:2. Even רומם has this subjective meaning: with the heart and in word and deed, to place the exalted Name of God as high as it really is in itself. In accordance with the rule, that when in any word two of the same letters follow one another and the first has a Sheb, this Sheb must be an audible one, and in fact Chateph Pathach preceded by Gaja (Metheg), we must write וּנרוממה.
John Gill Bible Commentary
I will bless the Lord at all times,.... That is, ascribe blessing, give honour, praise, and glory to him, both as the God of nature and providence, for every temporal mercy; and that every day, and at all times in the day; since these are renewed every morning, and continue all the day long: and as the God of grace, for all spiritual blessings; and that continually, because these last always; they are irreversible, unchangeable, and without repentance; yea, saints have reason to bless God in times of adversity as well as prosperity, since it might have been worse with them than it is; they have a mixture of mercy in all, and all things work together for their good; his praise shall continually be in my mouth; not the "praise" of which God is the author, but of which he is the object; which is due unto him, and is given him on account of the perfections of his nature, and the works of his hands, and the blessings of his providence and grace; this, the psalmist says, should be in his mouth: his meaning is, that he should not only retain in his heart a grateful sense of the divine favours, but should express it with his lips; should both make melody in his heart to the Lord, and vocally sing his praise; and that "continually", as long as he lived, or had any being, Psa 146:2.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The title of this psalm tells us both who penned it and upon what occasion it was penned. David, being forced to flee from his country, which was made too hot for him by the rage of Saul, sought shelter as near it as he could, in the land of the Philistines. There it was soon discovered who he was, and he was brought before the king, who, in the narrative, is called Achish (his proper name), here Abimelech (his title); and lest he should be treated as a spy, or one that came thither upon design, he feigned himself to be a madman (such there have been in every age, that even by idiots men might be taught to give God thanks for the use of their reason), that Achish might dismiss him as a contemptible man, rather than take cognizance of him as a dangerous man. And it had the effect he desired; by this stratagem he escaped the hand that otherwise would have handled him roughly. Now, 1. We cannot justify David in this dissimulation. It ill became an honest man to feign himself to be what he was not, and a man of honour to feign himself to be a fool and a mad-man. If, in sport, we mimic those who have not so good an understanding as we think we have, we forget that God might have made their case ours. 2. Yet we cannot but wonder at the composure of his spirit, and how far he was from any change of that, when he changed his behaviour. Even when he was in that fright, or rather in that danger only, his heart was so fixed, trusting in God, that even then he penned this excellent psalm, which has as much in it of the marks of a calm sedate spirit as any psalm in all the book; and there is something curious too in the composition, for it is what is called an alphabetical psalm, that is, a psalm in which every verse begins with each letter in its order as it stands in the Hebrew alphabet. Happy are those who can thus keep their temper, and keep their graces in exercise, even when they are tempted to change their behaviour. In this former part of the psalm, I. David engages and excites himself to praise God. Though it was his fault that he changed his behaviour, yet it was God's mercy that he escaped, and the mercy was so much the greater in that God did not deal with him according to the desert of his dissimulation, and we must in every thing give thanks. He resolves, 1. That he will praise God constantly: I will bless the Lord at all times, upon all occasions. He resolves to keep up stated times for this duty, to lay hold of all opportunities for it, and to renew his praises upon every fresh occurrence that furnished him with matter. If we hope to spend our eternity in praising God, it is fit that we should spend as much as may be of our time in this work. 2. That he will praise him openly: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Thus he would show how forward he was to own his obligations to the mercy of God and how desirous to make others also sensible of theirs. 3. That he will praise him heartily: "My soul shall make her boast in the Lord, in my relation to him, my interest in him, and expectations from him." It is not vainglory to glory in the Lord. II. He calls upon others to join with him herein. He expects they will (Psa 34:2): "The humble shall hear thereof, both of my deliverance and of my thankfulness, and be glad that a good man has so much favour shown him and a good God so much honour done him." Those have most comfort in God's mercies, both to others and to themselves, that are humble, and have the least confidence in their own merit and sufficiency. It pleased David to think that God's favours to him would rejoice the heart of every Israelite. Three things he would have us all to concur with him in: - 1. In great and high thoughts of God, which we should express in magnifying him and exalting his name, Psa 34:3. We cannot make God greater or higher than he is; but if we adore him as infinitely great, and higher than the highest, he is pleased to reckon this magnifying and exalting him. This we must do together. God's praises sound best in concert, for so we praise him as the angels do in heaven. Those that share in God's favour, as all the saints do, should concur in his praises; and we should be as desirous of the assistance of our friends in returning thanks for mercies as in praying for them. We have reason to join in thanksgiving to God, (1.) For his readiness to hear prayer, which all the saints have had the comfort of; for he never said to any of them, Seek you me in vain. [1.] David, for his part, will give it under his hand that he has found him a prayer-hearing God (Psa 34:4): "I sought the Lord, in my distress, entreated his favour, begged his help, and he heard me, answered my request immediately, and delivered me from all my fears, both from the death I feared and from the disquietude and disturbance produced by fear of it." The former he does by his providence working for us, the latter by his grace working in us, to silence our fears and still the tumult of the spirits; this latter is the greater mercy of the two, because the thing we fear is our trouble only, but our unbelieving distrustful fear of it is our sin; nay, it is often more our torment too than the thing itself would be, which perhaps would only touch the bone and the flesh, while the fear would prey upon the spirits and put us out of the possession of our own soul. David's prayers helped to silence his fears; having sought the Lord, and left his case with him, he could wait the event with great composure. "But David was a great and eminent man, we may not expect to be favoured as he was; have any others ever experienced the like benefit by prayer?" Yes, [2.] Many besides him have looked unto God by faith and prayer, and have been lightened by it, Psa 34:5. It has wonderfully revived and comforted them; witness Hannah, who, when she had prayed, went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad. When we look to the world we are darkened, we are perplexed, and at a loss; but, when we look to God, from him we have the light both of direction and joy, and our way is made both plain and pleasant. These here spoken of, that looked unto God, had their expectations raised, and the event did not frustrate them: Their faces were not ashamed of their confidence. "But perhaps these also were persons of great eminence, like David himself, and upon that account were highly favoured, or their numbers made them considerable;" nay, [3.] This poor man cried, a single person, mean and inconsiderable, whom no man looked upon with any respect or looked after with any concern; yet he was as welcome to the throne of grace as David or any of his worthies: The Lord heard him, took cognizance of his case and of his prayers, and saved him out of all his troubles, Psa 34:6. God will regard the prayer of the destitute, Psa 102:17. See Isa 57:15. (2.) For the ministration of the good angels about us (Psa 34:7): The angel of the Lord, a guard of angels (so some), but as unanimous in their service as if they were but one, or a guardian angel, encamps round about those that fear God, as the life-guard about the prince, and delivers them. God makes use of the attendance of the good spirits for the protection of his people from the malice and power of evil spirits; and the holy angels do us more good offices every day than we are aware of. Though in dignity and in capacity of nature they are very much superior to us, - though they retain their primitive rectitude, which we have lost; - though they have constant employment in the upper world, the employment of praising God, and are entitled to a constant rest and bliss there, - yet in obedience to their Maker, and in love to those that bear his image, they condescend to minister to the saints, and stand up for them against the powers of darkness; they not only visit them, but encamp round about them, acting for their good as really, though not as sensibly, as for Jacob's (Gen 32:1), and Elisha's, Kg2 6:17. All the glory be to the God of the angels. 2. He would have us to join with him in kind and good thoughts of God (Psa 34:8): O taste and see that the Lord is good! The goodness of God includes both the beauty and amiableness of his being and the bounty and beneficence of his providence and grace; and accordingly, (1.) We must taste that he is a bountiful benefactor, relish the goodness of God in all his gifts to us, and reckon that the savour and sweetness of them. Let God's goodness be rolled under the tongue as a sweet morsel. (2.) We must see that he is a beautiful being, and delight in the contemplation of his infinite perfections. By taste and sight we both make discoveries and take complacency. Taste and see God's goodness, that is, take notice of it and take the comfort of it, Pe1 2:3. he is good, for he makes all those that trust in him truly blessed; let us therefore be so convinced of his goodness as thereby to be encouraged in the worst of times to trust in him. 3. He would have us join with him in a resolution to seek God and serve him, and continue in his fear (Psa 34:9): O fear the Lord! you his saints. When we taste and see that he is good we must not forget that he is great and greatly to be feared; nay, even his goodness is the proper object of a filial reverence and awe. They shall fear the Lord and his goodness, Hos 3:5. Fear the Lord; that is, worship him, and make conscience of your duty to him in every thing, not fear him and shun him, but fear him and seek him (v. 10) as a people seek unto their God; address yourselves to him and portion yourselves in him. To encourage us to fear God and seek him, it is here promised that those that do so, even in this wanting world, shall want no good thing (Heb. They shall not want all good things); they shall so have all good things that they shall have no reason to complain of the want of any. As to the things of the other world, they shall have grace sufficient for the support of the spiritual life (Co2 12:9; Psa 84:11); and, as to this life, they shall have what is necessary to the support of it from the hand of God: as a Father, he will feed them with food convenient. What further comforts they desire they shall have, as far as Infinite Wisdom sees good, and what they want in one thing shall be made up in another. What God denies them he will give them grace to be content without and then they do not want it, Deu 3:26. Paul had all and abounded, because he was content, Phi 4:11, Phi 4:18. Those that live by faith in God's all-sufficiency want nothing; for in him they have enough. The young lions. often lack and suffer hunger - those that live upon common providence, as the lions do, shall want that satisfaction which those have that live by faith in the promise; those that trust to themselves, and think their own hands sufficient for them, shall want (for bread is not always to the wise) - but verily those shall be fed that trust in God and desire to be at his finding. Those that are ravenous, and prey upon all about them, shall want; but the meek shall inherit the earth. Those shall not want who with quietness work and mind their own business; plain-hearted Jacob has pottage enough, when Esau, the cunning hunter, is ready to perish for hunger.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Ps 34 This wisdom psalm includes a thanksgiving hymn (34:1-7) that celebrates the Lord’s care for and protection of godly sufferers. It also includes an invitation to wisdom (34:8-14) and an exposition of wisdom concerning the Lord’s care for the needy and the suffering of the wicked (34:15-22). 34:title Abimelech is another name for Achish (see 1 Sam 21:10-15). The body of the psalm makes no explicit connection to this event. 34:1-3 The psalmist exhorts the helpless to join him in praise.