Chronicles of a Journeyman

Psalm 34

1-3: David’s Commitment to YHWH’s Praise

David begins this psalm with a commitment to always praising the LORD. He wants to boast in Him so that the humble would come along side, rejoicing and praising the LORD’s Name together with him.

4-7: Basis for Praise – Divine Deliverance

Next, he describes the LORD’s past rescues and present protection of himself and others who fear Him and look to Him for help, highlighting His attentiveness to their cries for help and provision of angelic assistance.

8-14: Living in Fear of YHWH

The next section invites the reader to put their trust in the LORD and live in fear of Him, noting the divine provision, long life, and goodness enjoyed by those who live according to the laws of the LORD.

15-18: YHWH’s Righteousness & Salvation

He further describes the LORD’s just and righteous character, reinforcing the LORD’s attentiveness to His people’s cries and His rescue of them from troubles. He delivers the righteous, opposes the wicked, and draws near to the brokenhearted.

19-22: YHWH’s Rescue of the Righteous

The psalm ends by reaffirming the LORD’s rescue of the righteous and just punishment of the evil as they reap the rewards of their actions.

From praise to testimony to counsel and instruction, the heart of this didactic psalm is a call to righteous living in the fear of the LORD. This endears us to the LORD and assures us of deliverance leading us to continually praise Him at all times. Amen!