Like Psalms 25 this is an alphabetic Psalm with each stanza beginning with a consecutive letter of the alphabet. Interestingly, like Psalms 25 (which see) it omits the letter Waw, and has a second P which commences the last stanza, with, in both cases, the P resulting in the use of the verb ‘to rede... [ Continue Reading ]
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,... [ Continue Reading ]
2). HE REJOICES IN THE DELIVERY OF HIMSELF AND HIS MEN (4-7). Psalms 34:4 D ‘I sought YHWH, and he answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. H They looked to him, and were radiant, And their faces will never be confounded.' If the heading of the Psalm is seen as an indicator this may we... [ Continue Reading ]
Z ‘This poor man cried, and YHWH heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. CH The angel of YHWH encamps round about those who fear him, And delivers them.' David was duly humbled by his experiences, which, although he may not have realised it, were preparing him for greater things. And wh... [ Continue Reading ]
3). HE CALLS ON THE PEOPLE TO TASTE OF YHWH, AND TO LEARN TO FEAR HIM (8-11). Psalms 34:8 T ‘Oh taste and see that YHWH is good, Blessed is the strong man (gbr) who takes refuge in him. Y Oh fear YHWH, you his saints, For there is no want to those who fear him. C The young lions do lack, and s... [ Continue Reading ]
4). HE POINTS OUT TO THEM THE WAY TO TRUE LIFE (12-14). Psalms 34:12 M ‘What man is he who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good?' N Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking guile. S Depart from evil, and do good, Seek peace, and pursue it.' The Psalmist now r... [ Continue Reading ]
5). HE STRESSES YHWH'S DEEP CONCERN FOR HIS OWN AND HIS DEEP HATRED OF EVIL (15-20). Psalms 34:15 GH ‘The eyes of YHWH are towards the righteous, And his ears are open to their cry. P The face of YHWH is against those who do evil, To cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. TS The right... [ Continue Reading ]
(6). HE DECLARES THE END OF SINNERS AND OF HIS SERVANTS (21-22). Psalms 34:21 T ‘Evil will slay the wicked, And those who hate the righteous will be condemned. P YHWH redeems the soul of his servants, And none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.' The Psalmist finally summarises a... [ Continue Reading ]