Psalm 34 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

34:1-4

Psalm 34:1-22. On the title compare 1 Samuel 21:13. Abimelech was the general name of the sovereign (Genesis 20:2). After celebrating God‘s gracious dealings with him, the Psalmist exhorts others to make trial of His providential care, instructing them how to secure it. He then contrasts God‘s care of His people and His punitive providence towards the wicked.

Even in distress, which excites supplication, there is always matter for praising and thanking God (compare Ephesians 5:20; Philemon 4:6).

34:2

make her boast — “glory” (Psalm 105:3; compare Galatians 6:14).

humble — “the pious,” as in Psalm 9:12; Psalm 25:9.

34:3

magnify the Lord — ascribe greatness to Him, an act of praise.

together — “alike” (Psalm 33:15), or, equally, without exception.

34:4 fears — as well as actual evil (Psalm 64:1).34:5-7

God‘s favor to the pious generally, and to himself specially, is celebrated.

looked — with desire for help.

lightened — or, “brightened,” expressing joy, opposed to the downcast features of those who are ashamed or disappointed (Psalm 25:2, Psalm 25:3).

34:6

This poor man — literally, “humble,” himself as a specimen of such.

34:7

angel — of the covenant (Isaiah 63:9), of whom as a leader of God‘s host (Joshua 5:14; 1 Kings 22:19), the phrase -

encampeth, etc. — is appropriate; or, “angel” used collectively for angels (Hebrews 1:14).

34:8

taste and see — try and experience.

34:9

that fear him — who are pious - fear and love (Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10).

saints — consecrated to His service (Isaiah 40:31).

34:10

not want any good — “good” is emphatic; they may be afflicted (compare Psalm 34:10); but this may be a good (2 Corinthians 4:17, 2 Corinthians 4:18; Hebrews 12:10, Hebrews 12:11).

34:11

children — subjects of instruction (Proverbs 1:8, Proverbs 1:10).

34:12

What man — Whoever desires the blessings of piety, let him attend.

34:13-14

Sins of thought included in those of speech (Luke 6:45), avoiding evil and doing good in our relations to men are based on a right relation to God.

34:15

eyes of the Lord are upon — (Psalm 32:8; Psalm 33:18).

34:16 against — opposed to them (Leviticus 17:10; Leviticus 20:3).

cut off the remembrance — utterly destroy (Psalm 109:13).

34:17-18

Humble penitents are objects of God‘s special tender regard (Psalm 51:19; Isaiah 57:15).

34:20

bones — framework of the body.

34:21-22

Contrast in the destiny of righteous and wicked; the former shall be delivered and never come into condemnation (John 5:24; Romans 8:1); the latter are left under condemnation and desolate.