Psalms 34:1-3

1). Words In Praise Of YHWH (1-3).

Psalms 34:1

A ‘I will bless YHWH at all times,

His praise will continually be in my mouth.

B My soul will make her boast in YHWH,

The meek will hear of it, and be glad.

G Oh magnify YHWH with me,

And let us exalt his name together.'

The Psalmist commences, as Psalmists so often do, with praise and worship to YHWH. They were clearly aware that it was their responsibility and privilege to approach Him in this way. Before going into detail they recognised that they should remind themselves of Who He is. And here the praise is ‘at all times' and ‘continually'. He will even praise when everything is against him. Missionaries used to describe it as ‘praising the Lord through gritted teeth'.

So he declares his intention to give YHWH full praise and gratitude, acknowledges that the truly spiritual (the meek) will hear of it and be glad because they rejoice when YHWH is worshipped, and it makes them realise that they have a godly leader, and then calls on these truly spiritual people to join with him in his worship. All are to come as one, worshipping YHWH together. All have equal status before Him. And together they are to ‘magnify' YHWH. But how can mere men magnify and make great YHWH of hosts? By acting like a magnifying glass or a microscope, and bringing to men's attention the greatness of the One of Whom we speak. We can ‘ascribe greatness to our God' (Deuteronomy 32:3) and exalt Him by proclaiming His glory.