Psalm 34
One might think that David was living a charmed life. David fled from King Saul’s court, obtained Goliath’s sword, and then went to the Philistine city of Gath where Achish was king. However, Achish recognized David as one of his enemies. In order to save himself, David pretended to be mad, scratching his hands on the gates, drooling, etc). Achish then told his servants to put David out, so David’s life was spared (see 1 Samuel 21:10- 15). Psalm 34 was written to proclaim the lessons of this incident.
In the first section (verses 1 to 3) David blessed the Lord. Those who are humbled by troubles or by contrition shall hear about what happened to David and rejoice with him in his deliverance. These verses are an act of worship and praise to God for His loving-kindnesses and mercy.
The second section (verses 4 to 7) speak about the reason for David’s praise. In spite of his fears David continued to pray for deliverance from his enemies. In verse 5, all those who look to God were enlightened with knowledge of the Father’s kindness, nor did they blush with disappointment. David describes himself as a “poor man” greatly in need of God’s help, and praises God for saving him. In verse 7, the Son of God is “the Angel of the Lord” who is pictured as an army camped around the believer (“those who fear Him”) who delivers them from trouble.
Section three (verses 8 to 10) calls upon all believers to trust in God (“taste and see”) for His goodness. That goodness comes to us through His Word and Sacraments as God forgives our sins in Christ Jesus. The saints (believers) are called upon to “fear the Lord.” This is holy fear, which is afraid to offend God and which holds God in holy awe for His mighty deeds. Those who trust in God have no want—this applies foremost to the soul that is satisfied with God’s forgiveness and adoption as sons. Thus the hungry lions, for whom God regularly provides (Ps. 145:16), will suffer hunger before God’s children will be in any kind of need. This is the first lesson that all believers should learn from what David experienced in Gath.
In section four (verses 11 to 14), David teaches believers the lesson he learned, and that God wanted others to know. What person does not desire a good life, to live many years, and to receive good from God? The believer desires these things because God promises to give them. However long or short a believer lives, God will bless him or her with what they need. Yet, in this world God’s children are often persecuted, despised, and in physical danger—even as Jesus told His disciples. The believer who trusts in Jesus will be blessed in spite of troubles. In response the believer will strive to flee from evil and pursue what is good.
Section five (verses 15 to 16) teach that God’s eyes behold the believers and His ears listen to their prayers. In contrast, God sets His face in judgment against those who do evil.
In verses 17 to 18, David describes God’s readiness to hear the cry of the righteous, that is, those who are declared righteous through faith in Jesus. While trouble may give the impression that God has withdrawn, He remains near to all who are contrite—those who confess their sins to God and believe on Jesus as their Savior from sin.
The last section (verses 19 to 22) declare that believers have many afflictions, but the Lord delivers them from every one—especially when He takes them to heaven. While God guards His children, the unbeliever who does evil and hate the believers will be condemned on the Last Day. It is God who has redeemed (bought back with Christ’s blood) them and gives them heaven.