Who wrote Psalm 34 and why?

Psalm 34 is a deeply treasured piece of biblical poetry that has offered comfort, encouragement, and guidance to countless believers over the centuries. This psalm is attributed to David, one of the most prominent figures in the Old Testament, known for his roles as a shepherd, warrior, king, and psalmist. The inscription at the beginning of Psalm 34 provides a specific context for its composition: "Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away" (Psalm 34:1, ESV). This historical note is crucial for understanding both the authorship and the circumstances that gave rise to this psalm.

David's life was marked by a series of dramatic events, and Psalm 34 originates from one such episode. The background can be found in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. David, fleeing from King Saul who sought to kill him, sought refuge in the land of the Philistines, specifically in the city of Gath. However, when the servants of Achish, the king of Gath (referred to as Abimelech in the psalm, a title similar to "Pharaoh" in Egypt), recognized David and brought him before the king, David feared for his life. To escape, David pretended to be insane, letting saliva run down his beard and acting in a manner that convinced Achish that he was mad. Achish then dismissed him, and David was able to flee.

This psalm, therefore, emerges from a moment of intense personal crisis and divine deliverance. David's reaction to his escape is not one of self-congratulation for his cunning but rather of profound gratitude to God. Psalm 34 is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for His protection and deliverance. It reflects David's deep trust in God and his understanding that his safety and success are ultimately in God's hands.

The structure of Psalm 34 is acrostic, meaning that each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This literary form is not just a stylistic choice but serves to underscore the completeness and orderliness of God's care and provision. The psalm can be divided into several sections, each highlighting different aspects of David's experience and his relationship with God.

The first section (verses 1-3) is a call to praise. David begins by declaring his intention to bless the Lord at all times and invites others to join him in magnifying the Lord and exalting His name together. This communal aspect of worship is significant, as it underscores the importance of shared faith and collective thanksgiving.

"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!" (Psalm 34:1-3, ESV)

In the second section (verses 4-7), David recounts his personal experience of seeking the Lord and being delivered from his fears. He emphasizes that those who look to God are radiant and will never be ashamed. David's testimony is that of a man who cried out in desperation and was heard by the Lord, who saved him from all his troubles. This section highlights the accessibility of God and His responsiveness to those who call upon Him.

"I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them." (Psalm 34:4-7, ESV)

The third section (verses 8-14) is an invitation to experience God's goodness and a call to righteous living. David urges his listeners to "taste and see that the Lord is good" and assures them that those who take refuge in Him are blessed. He encourages them to fear the Lord, which in biblical terms means to live in awe and reverence of Him, and promises that those who do so will lack no good thing. David then provides practical advice on living a righteous life, emphasizing the importance of speaking truth, turning away from evil, and seeking peace.

"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." (Psalm 34:8-14, ESV)

The fourth section (verses 15-22) contrasts the fate of the righteous with that of the wicked. David assures his readers that the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their cry. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. While the righteous may face many afflictions, the Lord delivers them from all. In contrast, the wicked will face condemnation and their memory will perish. This section underscores the ultimate justice of God and His commitment to those who are faithful to Him.

"The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned." (Psalm 34:15-22, ESV)

David's composition of Psalm 34 is a profound act of worship and testimony. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the power of His deliverance. The psalm also provides practical wisdom for living a life that is pleasing to God, characterized by reverence, righteousness, and trust in His provision.

In Christian literature, Psalm 34 has been referenced and expounded upon by many theologians and writers. For instance, Charles Spurgeon, in his classic work "The Treasury of David," offers rich commentary on this psalm, highlighting its themes of divine deliverance and the blessedness of those who trust in God. Spurgeon writes, "The fear of God is the foundation of all true religion. It is the beginning of wisdom, the evidence of our being taught of God, and the root of all genuine obedience."

Moreover, Psalm 34 has been a source of inspiration for hymns and songs of worship throughout Christian history. Its themes of praise, deliverance, and the goodness of God resonate deeply with believers who have experienced God's faithfulness in their own lives.

In conclusion, Psalm 34, written by David, is a testament to God's deliverance and faithfulness in times of trouble. It is a call to worship, a testimony of divine rescue, an invitation to experience God's goodness, and a guide to righteous living. David's experience of being saved from a dire situation by God's intervention is a powerful reminder that God's eyes are always on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cries. This psalm continues to offer hope and encouragement to all who seek refuge in the Lord.