Exploring the Scripture
Psalm 34 is a psalm of thanksgiving in which God is praised for God’s actions. It would have been sung in the synagogue or the temple. This psalm is written in a beautiful style, with each line starting with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet. With most people at the time dependent on hearing rather than reading, this would have been a helpful memorization tool.
The psalmist intended to thank and praise God and to recount an experience of the Divine as a witness. Notice in the first six verses how many times the word “I” or “me” is used. We also find: “let the humble hear…,” “magnify the Lord with me,” “let us exalt…together,” and “Look to him….” Through these phrases, the psalmist calls on the listeners to connect to the same God the psalmist has experienced and whose acts the psalmist describes. The psalmist sets the example and invites the congregation to follow that example. The psalmist blesses the Lord always, praises the Lord continually—not just during good times, but also during bad times.
As is typical for thanksgiving psalms, the thanksgiving section is followed by sharing about God’s freeing acts. The psalmist describes seeking God and how God heard and responded with deliverance from fear. The psalmist cried out to God and was heard. God gave deliverance from trouble. The psalmist wants us to know that God responds to prayer and that God responds through freeing action.
Verse 5, between the two verses just described, invites the congregation to look to God and be radiant; they never have to be ashamed. The word radiant reminds one of the experience Moses had when he went into the presence of God. If the congregation seeks Gods presence, it will also be radiant.
In the next verses, the psalmist continues to share wisdom, inviting the listeners to use their senses, like taste, sight, and hearing, so they may know the goodness of God—to experience God for themselves. The psalmist says the angel of the Lord is with those who fear God and that God delivers. The word for fear used here is not negative. One might use the word trust or revere instead. The psalmist says that God is always present to those who put their trust in God and that God can be present in many ways.
Verse 10 declares that humans who seek God are better off than the young lions. Those who seek God will not lack anything according to the psalmist.
Verse 22 brings the song to its conclusion, confirming that God redeems or delivers God’s people and that none who take refuge in God will be condemned. The psalmist does not say that life will be perfect just because we are faithful. The psalmist’s testimony makes clear there are fears and troubles, but when seeking God in a time of need the cry is heard and we will not feel alone. The psalmist knew that God gave deliverance over and again. The witness to the congregation confirmed that God, who delivered them from captivity, continues to deliver them.
Faith Unfiltered Podcast
Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.
Central Ideas
- God responds to prayer and delivers us from our fears and troubles.
- When we seek the presence of God, we will radiate God’s presence to others.
- We are invited to experience God for ourselves, using all our senses—listening, seeing, even tasting. Everything can remind us of God’s presence.
- God is present in our lives in many ways, always delivering us from fear and trouble.
Questions to Consider
- What can we thank God for and how can we share our thankfulness with others?
- Many of us have at times experienced fear and anxiety or gone through troubling times. Do we trust that God hears our cry, our prayer?
- How can we hold onto our faith when times are troubling?
- How can we experience God’s presence? Could someone close to us be the “angel” who represents God?