Psalms 34

Chapter Summary

The psalm begins with David's declaration of blessing the Lord at all times, with His praise continually in his mouth. He then invites all the afflicted to taste and see that the Lord is good, and to fear Him. David shares his personal experience of crying out to God in his time of need, and how the Lord delivered him from all his fears. The psalm also warns against the wicked, who will be cut off, but the righteous will be blessed. The chapter concludes with David's encouragement to the righteous to trust in the Lord, and to seek His face, for He will never forsake those who seek Him, as seen in Psalms 34:4 and Psalms 34:17.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the book of Psalms, which is a collection of songs and prayers that express the depths of human emotion and the heights of spiritual experience. The psalm is attributed to David, who wrote it during a time of distress and trouble. The chapter fits into the larger biblical narrative as a testament to God's faithfulness and deliverance, and as a encouragement to trust in His goodness and love.

Heart Application

As we read this psalm, we are encouraged to trust in God's goodness and deliverance, just as David did. We can apply this to our own lives by crying out to God in our times of need, and by trusting in His faithfulness and love. We can also share our own experiences of God's deliverance with others, and invite them to taste and see that the Lord is good.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about trusting in God's goodness and deliverance, even in the midst of trials and troubles. David shares his own experience of crying out to God and being delivered, and invites others to do the same. As seen in Psalms 34:4, David sought the Lord, and the Lord answered him and delivered him from all his fears.

Voices from the Church

“The psalmist's exhortation to "taste and see" is not a mere figure of speech, but a solemn invitation to experience the goodness of God.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and it is the fountain from which all true worship and obedience flow.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the Psalm (Psalms 34:1-3) — David declares his blessing and praise for the Lord, and invites others to join him.
2. The Invitation to Trust in God (Psalms 34:4-7) — David shares his own experience of crying out to God and being delivered, and invites others to trust in God's goodness and deliverance.
3. The Contrast between the Wicked and the Righteous (Psalms 34:8-14) — The psalm contrasts the wicked, who will be cut off, with the righteous, who will be blessed.
4. The Encouragement to Trust in God (Psalms 34:15-18) — David encourages the righteous to trust in God, and to seek His face, for He will never forsake those who seek Him.
5. Conclusion (Psalms 34:19-22) — The psalm concludes with David's declaration of God's faithfulness and deliverance, and his encouragement to the righteous to trust in Him.

Core Doctrines

The Goodness of God

This chapter teaches that God is good and faithful, and that He delivers His people from all their fears. As seen in Psalms 34:8, God is good, and blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.

The Importance of Fearing God

The psalm emphasizes the importance of fearing God, which means having a reverent and worshipful attitude towards Him.

The Trustworthiness of God

The chapter teaches that God is trustworthy, and that He will never forsake those who seek Him. As seen in Psalms 34:18, the Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.

The Deliverance of God

The psalm teaches that God delivers His people from all their troubles and fears, as seen in Psalms 34:4 and Psalms 34:17.

Lessons from Psalms 34

1. The Importance of Trusting in God — This chapter teaches us the importance of trusting in God's goodness and deliverance, even in the midst of trials and troubles.
2. The Power of Fearing God — The psalm emphasizes the power of fearing God, which means having a reverent and worshipful attitude towards Him.
3. The Blessing of Seeking God — The chapter teaches us the blessing of seeking God's face, and trusting in His faithfulness and love.
4. The Deliverance of God — The psalm teaches us that God delivers His people from all their troubles and fears, as seen in Psalms 34:4 and Psalms 34:17.
5. The Importance of Sharing Our Experiences — The chapter encourages us to share our own experiences of God's deliverance with others, and to invite them to taste and see that the Lord is good.

Themes from Psalms 34

1. The Goodness of God — This chapter teaches us about the goodness and faithfulness of God, and how He delivers His people from all their fears.
2. The Importance of Fearing God — The psalm emphasizes the importance of fearing God, which means having a reverent and worshipful attitude towards Him.
3. The Trustworthiness of God — The chapter teaches us that God is trustworthy, and that He will never forsake those who seek Him.
4. The Deliverance of God — The psalm teaches us that God delivers His people from all their troubles and fears, as seen in Psalms 34:4 and Psalms 34:17.
5. The Blessing of Seeking God — The chapter teaches us the blessing of seeking God's face, and trusting in His faithfulness and love.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that you can trust in God's goodness and deliverance in your own life?
2. How can you apply the psalm's theme of fearing God to your own relationship with Him?
3. What are some ways that you can share your own experiences of God's deliverance with others?
4. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of trust and reverence for God in your own heart?
5. What are some ways that you can seek God's face and trust in His faithfulness, as encouraged in Psalms 34:4 and Psalms 34:18?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 34

	Sermon	Description
	A Time to Weep and a Time to Fight by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the faithfulness of God in times of trials and challenges, recounting past experiences of provision and deliverance. It encourages trust in God's control and
	A Pure Heart - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, Dr. Luke Reisman preaches from the historic pulpit of John Wesley in London. He highlights the power of reading and understanding the Word of God. He emphasizes the
	Reading From the Beatitudes by D.L. Moody	D.L. Moody emphasizes the profound blessings found in the Beatitudes, particularly focusing on the comfort promised to those who mourn and the meek. He explains that mourning signi
	(Nicaragua) the Lord Has Promised to Deliver You by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher, who has been preaching for over 54 years, emphasizes the faithfulness of God throughout his ministry. He mentions that he and another pastor, Gary, wi
	A Free Salvation by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, preached by H. Spurgeon on June 11, 1858, the speaker invites the audience to come and buy wine and milk without money and without price. He describes the gospel as
	2006 Heart-Cry - Journal Reading and Message by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the goodness of God and His plans for believers. He encourages young men to seek and avail themselves of God's promises through prayer and pe
	(Messages) Nearness of Jesus by Basilea Schlink	In this sermon, Mother Basilia Schlink talks about the experience of Canaan, the land where God dwelled and performed miracles in biblical times. She emphasizes that Canaan has bec
	Praise - Part 2 by Derek Prince	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of dancing during a church service and how it brought liberation to the congregation. He encourages everyone to praise God,
	Attributes of God (Series 2): The Goodness of God by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unchanging truth that God is good, regardless of the evil and darkness present in the world. He encourages listeners to experience God's
	Christ Made Perfect by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being reconciled to God at a young age. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose of Jesus' death on t

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 34

In this psalm, David expresses his trust in God's goodness and deliverance, and invites others to do the same. He shares his own experience of crying out to God in his time of need, and how the Lord delivered him from all his fears. The psalm teaches us about the importance of fearing God, and the blessing of trusting in His goodness and deliverance. As Matthew Henry notes, the psalm is a call to worship and praise, and to trust in God's faithfulness and love, as seen in Psalms 34:4 and Psalms 34:18. The psalm also warns against the wicked, who will be cut off, but the righteous will be blessed, and encourages us to seek God's face and to trust in His faithfulness. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?