Psalm 34

 


Psalm 34 is also an acrostic, similar to Psalm 25, with each verse beginning with a letter in the Hebrew alphabet. The historical background of this psalm is narrated in 1 Samuel 21:10-15, when David pretended to be insane in order to escape from Abimelech at Gath.  In this psalm, David praises God, particularly for His deliverance.  We are encouraged to "taste and see that the LORD is good" (vs 8). Also consistent with wisdom literature, we are to fear the LORD and the live the life of the righteous, in contrast to the wicked.

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:

  • Verses 1-3
    • What do these verses show me about praising, boasting in, magnifying, and exalting the LORD? (e.g. take into consideration the words like "continually," "humble," and "together")
  • Verses 4-7
    • What do these verses show me about the LORD when I am facing troubles?
    • These verses use various pronouns (e.g., I, me, their, him) indicating that these verses apply to all those who fear the LORD.  What encouragement does that give me?
  • Verses 8-10
    • "Taste and see that the LORD is good!" is a call to experience God's goodness.  Do I truly "taste and see," rather than just passively think about or observe from a distance?
    • What do these verses tell me about God's goodness?
  • Verse 11-22
    • What do these verses tell me about living righteously?
    • Verse 18 says "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."  Who, of those around me, might be encouraged if I shared this verse with them?
    • John 19:36 says, "For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.”" This may have been referencing Psalm 34:20, as well as Exodus 12:46 and Numbers 9:12.  How does this prophecy, fulfilled by Christ on the cross, enhance understanding of these verses?

If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following are links to a couple of YouTube videos:

  • "Psalm 34" by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir:  Link 
  • "O Taste and See" by Bethel Music Kids:  Link 


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