Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 34

David Praises God for DeliveranceThis psalm was written by David after he escaped from King Achish (called Abimelech in the title) by pretending to be insane. David had to flee his own country because Saul wanted to kill him. When the Philistine king’s servants recognized David, he acted like a madman so they would not harm him. God’s mercy allowed David to escape, even though he used trickery. This psalm shows David’s calm trust in God, even in a frightening situation. David teaches us to keep faith and praise God in every circumstance.v. 1: David promises to praise God at all times. He says, I will bless the Lord

v. 2: David says, My soul shall make her boast in the Lord

v. 3: David invites everyone to join him in praising God. He says, O magnify the Lord

v. 4: David shares how God answered his prayer. He says, I sought the Lord

v. 5: David says that others who look to God are helped, too. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed . Trusting God gives hope and joy, and no one who trusts Him will be disappointed.

v. 6: David calls himself “this poor man” and says, This poor man cried, and the Lord

v. 7: David says, The angel of the Lord

v. 8: David invites everyone to experience God’s goodness. He says, O taste and see that the Lord

v. 9–10: David encourages God’s people to respect and seek Him. He says, O fear the Lord

Children, Listen to Me This section is an invitation for young people, and for all who are willing to learn, to listen to the wisdom that leads to a good and happy life. David, the writer of this psalm, wants to teach us how to live in a way that pleases God and brings us true blessing, especially when we are in trouble or afraid.v. 11: Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord

v. 12: Who is the man who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? . David asks, "Who wants to live a long and happy life?" He knows that everyone wants this—to have good days and enjoy life. He is about to give practical advice on how to make that possible.

v. 13: Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit . David teaches that the first step to a good life is to watch what we say. We must not speak evil or tell lies. Our words should be honest and kind, because our speech can do great harm or great good (James 3:5-10 ).

v. 14: Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34:14 ). Next, David says we must turn away from all evil actions and instead do what is good. It is not enough to avoid bad things—we should also do positive deeds. We should look for peace with others and do our best to keep it, making an effort to live in harmony, because God blesses peacemakers (Matthew 5:9 ).