Acrostic Psalms

34:title Of David See note on 3:title.

he pretended to be crazy See 1 Sam 21:10–15. While this line could indicate that David authored this psalm, it could also be in recollection of this event in David’s lifetime.

David and the Psalm Titles

Abimelech First Samuel 21:10–15 does not mention Abimelech. The name, which literally means “my father is king,” may have been a title for Philistine kings.

34:1 at all times A singular phrase in Hebrew that can be understood as “in every situation.”

34:2 makes its boast The Hebrew word used here, halal, describes praising Yahweh proudly to others. This boasting focuses on Yahweh’s deeds and is not driven by pride in self (Jer 9:23–24). The word Hallelujah (meaning “Praise Yahweh”) is derived from this term.

34:3 Magnify The Hebrew word used here, gadal, meaning “to make great,” describes declaring Yahweh’s greatness.

with me The psalmist encourages others to praise Yahweh with him.

34:4 I sought Yahweh The psalmist describes how Yahweh was faithful to him when he sought deliverance from trouble.

34:5 were radiant The term nahar describes being joyfully satisfied (Isa 60:5). It serves as a response to Yahweh’s goodness (Jer 31:12).

shall not be ashamed The word chaphar (“to be ashamed”) often comes as a result of misplaced trust (Job 6:20; Isa 1:29). However, the one who trusts in Yahweh will never be put to shame.

34:7 The angel of Yahweh The psalmist portrays the angel of Yahweh as an army that surrounds and protects those who fear Him (Zech 9:8).

34:8 Taste and see Describes the act of trusting, fearing, and seeking Yahweh (compare note on v. 9).

34:9 Fear Yahweh A reverent attitude toward Yahweh that necessitates trust and obedience (Deut 6:2).

his saints The Hebrew word used here, qedoshim, refers to Yahweh’s chosen people.

34:10 The young lions are in want and suffer hunger People in the ancient Near East thought of lions as some of the mightiest animals (Prov 30:30) and as ferocious hunters (Ps 17:12). While even these powerful animals may go hungry, those who seek Yahweh will not.

34:15 The eyes of Yahweh Describes Yahweh’s protection and care.

his ears toward their cry for help Indicates Yahweh hears and responds to the cries of His people. See Ps 10:17 and note.

34:16 The face of Yahweh To set one’s face against someone indicates hostility toward them. When used with reference to Yahweh, it usually indicates His determination to issue judgment (Lev 20:3; Jer 21:10; Ezek 14:8).

34:19 the distresses of the righteous While the psalmist indicated earlier that those who fear Yahweh will not suffer any want (Ps 34:8–10), here he indicates they should not expect a trouble-free life. They can expect that Yahweh will be with them and will deliver them from their troubles.

34:20 not one of them is broken John cites this verse in his Gospel, saying it was fulfilled when Jesus died on the cross before His legs could be broken (John 19:36).

34:21 Evil will slay the wicked While Yahweh will deliver the righteous from their afflictions (Ps 34:19), the wicked are ultimately destroyed by theirs.

34:22 the life of his servants Like the closing verse of Psa 35, this verse falls outside the acrostic pattern, which highlights it. See note on 25:22.