Psalms 34:3-8

Psalms 34:3

I. Religion's first object is to magnify the Lord. The exhortation is to do this in concert: "O magnify the Lord with me," etc. Here is the essential element and the pure spirit of religious worship.

II. The second verse shows us the reason for this praise. It is first alleged by the inviter, "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." A man must know what he says, and have a reason for saying it. And this is the Psalmist's reason for inviting us to exalt God's name together. A gracious act of God towards one Christian is an act of grace or a manifestation of grace to all, and may well draw their hearts into concert.

III. The inviter has given his testimony and flung down his challenge. But it is soon found he does not stand alone in having occasion to magnify the name of the Lord. The pronoun in the next verse speaks of plurality: " Theylooked unto Him, and were lightened." There is contagion in joy, as well as in other Christian experiences.

IV. There is no partiality in the invitation. We began with a king, but we have got down now to the poor man; and God has been as good to him as He was to the king.

V. The fifth verse is a guarantee against relapse. When thou fallest, thou shalt again arise, for "the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them."

VI. The sixth verse gives the assurance to you that it is not only the king, not only the Church, not only this poor man or that poor man, but yourself and all who trust in God, who are welcome to come and exalt His name together.

A. Mursell, Lights and Landmarks,p. 165.

References: Psalms 34:5. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. iv., No. 195; J. Wells, Thursday Penny Pulpit,vol. vi., p. 93.Psalms 34:6. G. Brooks, Outlines of Sermons,p. 225.