Psalms 34
DOYLYPsalms 34:7
- The angel of the Lord &c.] The Divine protection and salvation vouchsafed to the faithful, is here signified; whether we suppose that by “the angel of Jehovah” is meant the presence of Christ in the church militant; or the ministration of created spirits to the heirs of salvation, as in the case of Elisha, 2 Kings vi. 17. Bp. Horne.
Psalms 34:8
- O taste] Seriously consider and make trial, by a stedfast fidelity to God in all troubles. Dr. Wells.
Psalms 34:9
- …his saints.] His servants. Bp. Wilson.
Psalms 34:11
- —ye children.] Ye that are humbly disposed to be taught as children. Dr. Wells.
Psalms 34:22
22 — according as we hope in thee.] We desire thy mercy on no other terms, and in no other degree, but in proportion to the sincerity of our trust. Dr. Kennicott.
This Psalm engages us to make these reflections; 1. That it is a duty highly reasonable, as well as delightful to praise God; but that none but upright men can discharge it in a becoming manner. 2. That we ought to praise God, because He has created the world by his almighty power, and because He governs it wisely and justly by his providence. 3. That if it was a great advantage to the Israelites to be the people whom God had chosen for his inheritance; the favour which God has vouchsafed us, in admitting us into his church, and entering into covenant with us, is a still more glorious privilege. 4. That God has a perfect knowledge of all that passes in the world, that He sees all the thoughts and actions of men; the recollection of which should engage us to walk before Him in holiness and righteousness. Lastly, we should observe that the true way to have God our friend, is to trust in Him, to fear Him, and without ceasing to apply to Him for mercy. Ostervald.
Psalm XXXIV. The title informs us, that this Psalm was composed by David when he was sent away from Abimelech on his feigning himself mad. See 1 Sam. xxi. 13. But the name there given to the king of Gath is Achish. Hence Dr. Kennicott conjectured, that Abimelech was the common title of the king of Gath, (as Pharaoh of Egypt,) and Achish his particular name. Street. This Psalm, which was perhaps composed for the use of those who resorted to David, contains the noblest encouragements to piety and virtue, from an
assurance, that all such as are so devoted are the immediate care of almighty God; as all those of a contrary character are his abhorrence, and the sure marks of his vengeance. And surely this Psalm, considered in this light, is one of the noblest, the best-turned, and best-judged, and best-adapted compositions that ever were penned. Dr. Delaney. It should be remarked, that the twentieth and twenty-first verses are of particular importance, as containing the famous prophecy, that “not a bone of the Just One (Messiah) should be broken.” John xix. 36. Dr. Kennicott.
Ver. 5. They looked unto him, &c.] The Greek, and other ancient versions, render this verse, “Come unto him, and be enlightened; and let not your faces be ashamed.” Dr. Wall.
— and were lightened: &c.] The meaning is, that the humble looked unto God for David’s protection, and received that light, that is, that comfort and joy from Him upon his return in safety, which diffused itself throughout their whole hearts; so that “their faces were not ashamed,” or, as the word signifies, “not put to the blush for shame,” by being disappointed as to their hope on his account. Dr. Chandler.
- This poor man! Meaning himself. Edwards.