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Study :: Bible Study Notes :: ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Psalms 34
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ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Psalms 34

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References for Psa 34:20 —  1   2 

Psalm Ps. 34. This psalm is an expression of thanksgiving for God’s protection and care for those who trust in him. The title connects the psalm to 1 Sam. 21:10–15, where David is saved from danger by pretending to be insane in the presence of King Achish of Gath. Probably the name Abimelech in the psalm is a title or alternate name for the king of Gath. David does not take credit for this narrow escape, nor does he deny the importance of the faithful using their wits in desperate situations.

Ps. 34:1–3 After announcing his intention to bless the Lord at all times, the singer invites all the humble to join him in song. When God blesses someone (e.g., 29:11), he speaks a good word that leads to that person’s well-being; when a human blesses God (e.g., 26:12), he speaks a good word about God’s kindness and generosity (see Eph. 1:3).

Ps. 34:4–7 The psalmist gives specific examples of God’s kindness. Ashamed in this context means being disappointed at not finding what was hoped for.

Ps. 34:8–14 The song encourages all who sing it to fear the Lord (v. 9), that is, to respect, obey, and worship God. It offers ways to show this through one’s behavior (vv. 11–14). The verb taste (v. 8), which in the OT is commonly used in the literal sense, is a metaphor for personal experience (see 1 Pet. 2:3). First Peter 3:10–12 uses Ps. 34:12–16 to summarize the ideal behavior and lifestyle for Christians.

Ps. 34:15–22 The final section describes how the Lord cares for his faithful. It also shows the difference between the way God treats the faithful and the wicked. Both the righteous and the wicked will have afflictions (see the repetition in vv. 19, 21). The difference is in the outcomes (contrast condemned, v. 21, with none . . . condemned, v. 22). On redeems, see note on 25:22.

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