This week’s “Wednesday Word” is a summary of an exposition of Psalm 34 from student teacher Ryan Bishop given on Sunday, September 7, 2008.

“Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech so that he drove him out, and he went away.”

Context, Context, Context. These words, a familiar refrain for our time spent in the Psalter again becomes an essential element in properly understanding the words of Psalm 34. Noting the superscription, we find this psalm set amidst the puzzling circumstances of 1 Samuel 21, where David, in attempts to find protection from Saul, comes before Abimelech (Achish of Gath), King of the Philistines. It seems that Achish understands David’s position better than David, and at this reminder, David begins to act insane in order to protect his life. Therefore, it is important to remember that in writing this psalm David seeks refuge to save his life from the hand of Saul. This theme of book 1 “Take refuge in Yahweh amidst suffering” fits perfectly within the parameters of Psalm 34. (This psalm is also unique in that it is an acrostic poem where every verse begins with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.)

In Psalm 34, David provides us with three directives on what do to amidst times of great suffering: 1) Praise, 2) Trust the Lord, and 3) Do good. In verses 1-3, David shows that regardless of suffering, praise should be on our lips at all times; this includes both private and corporate elements. David also calls us to trust in the Lord (v. 4-10). God has been faithful to deliver his people in the past and will continue to do so in the future. Another essential element to trusting the Lord is to fear him and that in fearing him God will bless in abundance. Finally, David calls us to do good while faced with suffering (v. 11-14). By not speaking in deceit, we are to not speak falsely about the one who has delivered us. This can be seen in that while David apparently sought to deceive Achish, he sought deliverance and trusted God to make a means of salvation. David concludes Psalm 34 by referring to God’s deliverance and justice in the anointed one (v. 19-22).

As we move to understand this Psalm in light of the new covenant and in the coming of Jesus, we see that John 19 picks up Psalm 34:20 in referring to Jesus as the Passover Lamb and the anointed one (cf. Psalm 2:2). Again we see this psalm picked up in the thought of 1 Peter. Alluded to in 1 Peter 2:3 and quoted in 3.10-12, Peter writes to Christians who have been scattered and are suffering for the sake of the gospel. Peter points them to a deliverer, Jesus Christ.

In conclusion, Ryan leaves us with two challenges: 1) Desire the Scripture as a newborn baby desires milk (cf. 1 Peter 2:22-25), and 2) Memorize a large section of Scripture— especially one that would be helpful in sharing the gospel with someone. So that we and they might take refuge in the Sovereign Lord.

Listen to this week’s lesson: Psalm 95

~ds