Hypocrisy, deceit and falsehood can never be right in the sight of God, whatever men may ingeniously say to excuse them. (Adam Clarke)
Psalm 34
Meditation Points:
- An alphabetic psalm, each of the 22 verses begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet. (Note: it has been suggested that verse 22 actually belongs between our verses 5 and 6, for then the alphabet would be represented consecutively.)
- In some editions of the scriptures, the title is placed apart from verse 1; in others the title actually begins verse 1; and in yet others, the title is omitted entirely.
- Whether David wrote of this experience while it was happening or some years later, makes little difference to the psalm’s message.
- Achish was the king’s proper name (1 Samuel 21:14), and Abimelech was his title (Psalm 34:1), like Pharaoh or Caesar.
- Certainly fear led David to pretend madness before the Philistine king; but God delivers His people from all of their fears (Psalm 34:4; 2 Timothy 1:7). What are you afraid of?
- Better to fear the Lord than men (Psalm 34:4, 7, 9, 11)
- The fear of the Lord cannot be taught by someone who doesn’t know God; David, in spite of his human weakness, knew God (Psalm 34:11)?
- How do you know you don’t like it when you’ve never tried it? (Psalm 34:8)
- “Shall not lack any good” (Psalm 34:10; Matthew 6:33).
- Do you want to live long and prosper? Guard your tongue and your actions (Psalm 34:12-14).
- Man is born to trouble (Job 5:7; 14:1); but the Lord delivers His people from all of their troubles and afflictions (Psalm 34:6, 17, 19).
- “Nearer, my God, to Thee” is a beautiful hymn. But God isn’t close to everyone (Psalm 34:18).
- No broken bones. Compare Psalm 34:20 with John 19:36.
- The LORD redeems the soul (Psalm 34:22). We expect too little when all we ask of God is good health.
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