Psalms 34

Psalms 34:1

Title. A Psalm. App-65. of David = by, or relating to David.

when. Compare 1 Samuel 21:10, 1 Samuel 22:1.

Abimelech. An appellative for the kings of Gath. This Abimelech was named Achish. This is an Acrostic Psalm (see App-63.). It is divided into two parts, eleven letters to the first and eleven to the second.

the LORD. Hebrew ’eth Jehovah. App-4. (Objective).

Psalms 34:2

My soul = I myself. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

humble = patient, oppressed.

Psalms 34:4

heard = answered.

delivered = rescued.

Psalms 34:5

They looked. Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read Imperative, “Look. ! "

looked = looked expectantly. To this end Jehovah keeps us in salutary suspense.

unto Him. That is why they were radiant. To look within is to be miserable (see notes on 77). To look around is to be distracted (see notes on 73).

Psalms 34:6

troubles = distresses.

Psalms 34:7

The angel of the LORD. Occurs in Psalms only here and Psalms 35:5. Here, in mercy; there, in judgment. Compare Act 12: delivering Peter (verses: Psalms 34:7-11), and smiting Herod (Psalms 34:23).

encampeth. Hebrew. hanah. Hence the name “Maha-naim” = two camps in Jacob’s vision, afterward to be noted in David’s history (2 Samuel 17:24, 2 Samuel 17:27; 2 Samuel 19:32).

fear = revere.

Psalms 34:8

taste, &c. Referred to in 1 Peter 2:3.

Blessed = How happy. See App-63.

man = strong man. Hebrew. geber. App-14. Trusting not in his own strength, but in Jehovah.

trusteth in = fleeth for refuge to. Hebrew. hasah. App-69.I.

Psalms 34:9

saints = separated ones. See note on Exodus 3:5.

Psalms 34:11

children = sons.

Psalms 34:12

What . . . ? Referred to in 1 Peter 3:10-12.

life. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6, put for all that makes life worth living.

Psalms 34:13

Keep, &c. Figure of speech Apostrophe.

Psalms 34:15

ears. Figure of speech, Anthropopatheia. App-6.

Psalms 34:16

face. Figure of speech, Anthropopatheia. App-6.

Psalms 34:17

cry = have cried.

heareth = hath heard.

delivereth = hath rescued.

Psalms 34:18

spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9.

Psalms 34:19

the righteous = a righteous one. Compare “him”, next clause.

Psalms 34:20

bones. True (by application) of the members of Christ’s body. See note on Psalms 35:10. Ephesians 5:30. Hence John 19:31-33. Exodus 12:46. Heartbroken (Psalms 69:20), but not “bones”.

Psalms 34:21

the wicked = a lawless one. Hebrew. rasha’. App-44.

desolate = held guilty.

Psalms 34:22

redeemeth = delivereth (by power). Hebrew. padah. See note on Exodus 13:13; and compare Exodus 6:6.

soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.