The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:1-22

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

EXPOSITION

THIS is the third of the alphabetical psalms, and appears to have a special connection with the second of them, Psalms 25:1-22. Like that psalm, it omits the vav, and has a second pe at the end, which, moreover, is furnished by the same word (podeh). According to the title, it is a psalm of David, and written on the particular occasion of his dismissal by Achish (Ahimelech), when he had foolishly feigned himself mad in consequence of what he had heard the servants of Achish say (1 Samuel 21:10-15). As there is nothing in the psalm specially suggestive of this occasion, the statement in the title must, it would seem, embody an ancient tradition. It is a composition of a mixed character, being in part didactic (Psalms 25:11-22), in part a psalm of thanksgiving (Psalms 25:1-10). Metrically, it has been divided into four strophes (Kay), the first and second of five verses each, the third and fourth each of six verses. But there is no corresponding division of the matter.

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Matthew Henry on Psalms 34:1-10Psalms 34:1-10 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryIf we hope to spend eternity in praising God, it is fit that we should spend much of our time here in this work. He never said to any one, Seek ye me in vain. David's prayers helped to silence his fears; many besides hi…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:1Psalms 34:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryI will Bless the Lord at all times; i.e. even in times of adversity. If the statement in the title may be relied upon, David's fortunes were now at the lowest ebb. He had fled from the court of Saul on finding that Saul…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:1Psalms 34:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryA duty, a privilege, a purpose. "I will bless," etc. A Christian man, burdened and oppressed with many troubles, was seeking relief in prayer. But even prayer was difficult, Suddenly these words came into his mind, "I w…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:1-22Psalms 34:1-22 · The Pulpit CommentaryLife's experiences turned to manifold uses. £ There is no sufficient reason for severing this psalm from the detail of history to which its title refers; and it is much to be wished that its writer had uniformly turned…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:1-10Psalms 34:1-10 · The Pulpit CommentaryLinks of grace. I. In this hymn we have first of all PRAISE. Praise is not an impulse, or an outburst of enthusiasm soon to die out, but it is the expression of the heart and the exercise of the life. It is good to have…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:1-10Psalms 34:1-10 · The Pulpit CommentaryDeliverance and gratitude. Occasion of the psalm uncertain. Celebrates some great deliverance which awakens praise and inspires him to teach others trust add the secret of a prosperous life. I. A GREAT DELIVERANCE CELEB…

commentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 34:1-10If we hope to spend eternity in praising God, it is fit that we should spend much of our time here in this work. He never said to any one, Seek ye me in vain. David's prayers helped to silence his fears; many besides hi…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:1A duty, a privilege, a purpose. "I will bless," etc. A Christian man, burdened and oppressed with many troubles, was seeking relief in prayer. But even prayer was difficult, Suddenly these words came into his mind, "I w…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:1-10Deliverance and gratitude. Occasion of the psalm uncertain. Celebrates some great deliverance which awakens praise and inspires him to teach others trust add the secret of a prosperous life. I. A GREAT DELIVERANCE CELEB…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:1-22Life's experiences turned to manifold uses. £ There is no sufficient reason for severing this psalm from the detail of history to which its title refers; and it is much to be wished that its writer had uniformly turned…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:1I will Bless the Lord at all times; i.e. even in times of adversity. If the statement in the title may be relied upon, David's fortunes were now at the lowest ebb. He had fled from the court of Saul on finding that Saul…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:1-10Links of grace. I. In this hymn we have first of all PRAISE. Praise is not an impulse, or an outburst of enthusiasm soon to die out, but it is the expression of the heart and the exercise of the life. It is good to have…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:2My soul shall make her boast in the Lord (comp. Psalms 44:8; and for the meaning of "boasting in the Lord," see Jeremiah 9:24, "Let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lo…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 34:3O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his Name together. Not content with praising God in his own person, the psalmist calls on Israel generally to praise the Lord with him. He then proceeds to assign reasons why…Joseph S. Exell and contributors