Psalm 34 explained: A Rescued Man Invites Others to Trust

A call to praise together (vv. 1-3)

The heading links this psalm to a time David escaped a Philistine king by pretending to be insane (see 1 Samuel 21), though scholars are unsure whether such headings are original. In the Hebrew, nearly every verse starts with the next letter of the alphabet, and here the singer opens by inviting humble, struggling people to join in the thanks.

The story of a rescue (vv. 4-7)

He prayed and was freed not only from danger but from the fear itself, and he says others who looked to God came away with faces lit up instead of hanging in shame. The angel camped around them pictures an army guarding its people, whether one heavenly messenger or many is meant.

Taste and see (vv. 8-10)

Taste and see means try it and find out for yourself, rather than taking someone's word for it. Even strong young lions can go hungry, but he says those who look to God will not lack what is truly good, which may not mean a life free of hardship.

Advice for a good life (vv. 11-14)

Now he speaks like a teacher to students: to fear the LORD here means to hold God in deep respect, and it shows up in honest speech and in turning from harm. Peace is something to chase actively, not just hope for.

Near to the brokenhearted (vv. 15-18)

God is pictured as watching and listening closely to those who do right, while turning his face against those who do evil, so that even the memory of them is erased. Verse 18 says God is especially close to people who are crushed and heartbroken.

Troubles, but not abandoned (vv. 19-22)

The psalm admits good people face many troubles, and keeping all their bones unbroken is a picture of God guarding the whole person. Christians later read verse 20 in light of Jesus, whose legs were not broken at his death (John 19:36).

Key verse: Psalm 34:18

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether the psalm's promises of rescue and of lacking nothing describe what believers can expect in this life or point mainly to a final rescue beyond it.

Something to think about

When you look back on a hard time you came through, what do you think actually carried you through it?