Taste and See That the LORD Is Good
Trust in Divine Delight: A Study of Psalm 34
Psalm 34 provides a profound and moving reflection of God's character and His divine care for those who seek Him. It assures us of His constant protection, attentive care, and just judgment. It reminds us of the call to righteousness, the blessings that it brings, and the beauty of praising and trusting God.
Verses 1-3: Constant Praise
David starts with a declaration of his intent to constantly bless the Lord and boast about His goodness. He encourages others to join him in exalting God's name.
Verses 4-7: Personal Testimony of God's Deliverance
In these verses, David gives a personal testimony about how God answered his prayers and delivered him from all his fears. He further assures that anyone who looks to the Lord will experience radiant joy and not be put to shame. An angelic encampment surrounds and delivers those who fear God.
Verses 8-10: An Invitation to Experience God’s Goodness
David invites his listeners to taste and see the Lord’s goodness, and assures them that those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Verses 11-14: Instruction in Righteous Living
David instructs the people on righteous living, encouraging them to refrain from evil, speak truth, do good, and seek peace.
Verses 15-18: The Lord’s Attention and Judgement
The Psalmist assures that the Lord is attentive to the righteous and hears their cries. Conversely, the Lord is against those who do evil, removing their memory from the earth. He saves the brokenhearted and delivers the distressed.
Verses 19-22: Assurance of God’s Deliverance and Justice
David concludes by assuring that despite the afflictions of the righteous, God delivers them from all. However, evil will slay the wicked and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems the life of His servants and none who take refuge in Him will be condemned.
Psalm 34 is a rich, heartfelt composition by David. It provides a broad array of spiritual insights about God's divine character, His protection, His deliverance, and the wisdom in fearing Him. Through David's words, we're invited to explore the divine power and loving mercy of God, His relationship with the righteous, and His judgment upon the wicked.
Themes
Praising God's goodness
Seeking refuge in the Lord
God's deliverance from troubles
God's righteous judgment
The fear of the Lord
God's attentive care for the righteous
Topics
Worship
Prayer
Righteousness
Protection
Deliverance
The Fear of God
Judgment
People
David
The Righteous
The Wicked
Locations
Not explicitly mentioned
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's continual praise of God in verses 1-3 challenge your personal worship practices?
2. What fears do you need God to deliver you from as mentioned in verse 4?
3. What does it mean to you to "taste and see" that the Lord is good (verse 8)?
4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's goodness as David describes in verses 8-10. What was that like?
5. How does David’s instruction on righteous living in verses 11-14 apply to your daily life?
6. How can you actively seek peace in your life as directed in verse 14?
7. In what ways have you felt God's attentiveness as expressed in verses 15-18?
8. How do you interpret the contrast between God's attention to the righteous and His judgment of the wicked in verses 15-18?
9. How does the assurance of God’s deliverance in verses 19-22 provide comfort in your current situation?
10. How might the idea that God removes the memory of the wicked from the earth (verse 16) shape your view on immortality and legacy?
11. In what ways can you apply the lessons of this Psalm to your interactions with others?
12. How does Psalm 34 shape your understanding of what it means to fear God?
13. What actionable steps can you take to seek and live a righteous life as depicted in this Psalm?
14. How does David's perspective on suffering in this Psalm resonate with you?
15. How can this Psalm guide you in dealing with unjust situations?
16. What does this Psalm teach about God's justice?
17. How can we reconcile a loving God with the one who condemns the wicked as depicted in this Psalm?
18. How does David's confidence in God's deliverance influence your trust in God?
19. How does this Psalm encourage you in times of distress and affliction?
20. What role does continual praise play in your relationship with God based on the teaching of this Psalm?
