Meditations On Psalm 34

by Malcolm Macdonald, Wishaw, Scotland | Category: Meditations On Psalm 34 | Nov 1994

Like so many of David's psalms, this one was the product of a time of personal difficulty and trial. It was the time when he pretended madness before the Philistine King of Gath; David seems to have fallen to a low spiritual ebb. Psalm 34 reflects his feelings of relief when at last the dark cloud began to fade.

In the opening of the psalm he declares that now he will always bless the Lord, and praise Him continually. This could not be so when he was in the land of the Philistines. The captives in Babylon asked, "How shall we sing the LORD's song in a strange land?" (Ps. 137:4). David stated that now his boast would only be in the Lord: words that remind us of the apostle Paul who said, "Far be it from me to glory, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Gal. 6:14). David calls on Israel to join with him in magnifying the Lord. God has no desire for His children to be isolated; He loves the collective praise of His people.

Verse 6 speaks of "this poor man". This seems to refer to David in his low state. At last, in his extremity, he cries to the Lord. Sometimes in our trials the very last thing we do is cry to the Lord. David immediately receives his answer - the Lord hears his cry, and saves him out of his trouble. It seems the trouble is still present, but salvation from its crippling effect is provided. How glad David must have been to experience again the presence of the Lord round about him. He appreciated the goodness of the Lord, and rejoiced that once more his trust was in God. How needful to have this continual trust in the Lord.

David encourages the saints of his day to fear the Lord: for there are many blessings to those who fear and seek the Lord. Young people need to be taught the fear of the Lord. Alas, in our modern societies there seems to be less and less evidence of this fear and reverence for God. Some young people are growing up with no sure foundation for their lives. We hear them speak so proudly and arrogantly against the Lord.

The question is then raised about enjoying a good life: and the Psalmist then indicates certain things that are necessary. Our speech must be wholesome; we must actively pursue good, and refrain from evil; we must seek after peace. It is evident the pursuit of these things will affect every aspect of our lives. But in so doing we will follow a path pleasing to the Lord, and He will listen to our prayers.

David then speaks of the important matter of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. This must have been his experience after the feigned madness. Psalm 147:3 states, "He healeth the broken in heart". It has been said that if He is to heal the broken heart, He must have all the pieces.

Finally David, as he reflects on past trials, knows he can be sure of the Lord's delivering hand. We too will experience days of trial and testing:

we need to have our confidence set on the same mighty God that David knew.

Malcolm Macdonald, Wishaw, Scotland | Nov 1994
Meditations On Psalm 34