Psalm 34: Taste and See That the LORD Is Good

Taste and See That the LORD Is Good
(1 Samuel 21:8–15)

Of David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech,a so that the king drove him away.b

1 I will bless the LORD at all times;

His praise will always be on my lips.

2 My soul boasts in the LORD;

let the oppressed hear and rejoice.

3 Magnify the LORD with me;

let us exalt His name together.

4 I sought the LORD, and He answered me;

He delivered me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to Him are radiant with joy;

their faces shall never be ashamed.

6 This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him;

He saved him from all his troubles.

7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,

and he delivers them.

8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;

blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

9 Fear the LORD, you His saints,

for those who fear Him lack nothing.

10 Young lions go lacking and hungry,

but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

11 Come, children, listen to me;

I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

12 Who is the man who delights in life,

who desires to see good days?

13 Keep your tongue from evil

and your lips from deceitful speech.

14 Turn away from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,

and His ears are inclined to their cry.c

16 But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,d

to wipe out all memory of them from the earth.

17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears;

He delivers them from all their troubles.

18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted;

He saves the contrite in spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

but the LORD delivers him from them all.

20 He protects all his bones;

not one of them will be broken.e

21 Evil will slay the wicked,

and the haters of the righteous will be condemned.

22 The LORD redeems His servants,

and none who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

Psalm 34 Summary

Philippians 4:6-7
Encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, promising peace that surpasses understanding.

1 Peter 5:7
Reminds us to cast all our anxieties on God because He cares for us.

Matthew 5:6
Speaks of the blessing for those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Isaiah 41:10
Offers assurance of God's presence and strength in times of fear. Praise and Worship
David begins with a commitment to bless the Lord at all times. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips (Psalm 34:1). This sets the tone for a life of continuous worship, regardless of circumstances.

Deliverance from Fear
David testifies of God's deliverance from fear. I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears (Psalm 34:4). Seeking God in prayer is key to overcoming fear.

The Radiance of Trust
Those who look to God are radiant and unashamed. Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces shall never be ashamed (Psalm 34:5). Trusting in God brings a transformation that is visible to others.

God's Nearness to the Brokenhearted
The Lord is close to those who are brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit (Psalm 34:18). God's presence is a comfort in times of deep sorrow.

Righteous Living and God's Protection
The psalm emphasizes living righteously and the protection that comes with it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry (Psalm 34:15). Cultivate a Habit of Praise
Make it a daily practice to praise God, regardless of your circumstances. This can transform your perspective and bring peace.

Seek God in Times of Fear
When fear arises, turn to God in prayer and trust Him to deliver you. Remember that He is faithful to answer.

Reflect God's Radiance
As you trust in God, let His joy and peace shine through you, impacting those around you.

Find Comfort in God's Presence
In moments of heartbreak or distress, draw near to God, knowing that He is close and ready to save.

Pursue Righteousness
Strive to live a life that is pleasing to God, knowing that His protection and guidance are with the righteous. 1. David
The author of the psalm, who is traditionally identified as King David. He is the speaker throughout the psalm, expressing his praise and gratitude to God for deliverance from his fears. The psalm is attributed to the time when David pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed.

2. The LORD (YHWH)
The central figure in the psalm, referred to as "the LORD" (YHWH in Hebrew). God is depicted as a deliverer, protector, and provider for those who fear Him. The psalm emphasizes God's responsiveness to the cries of the righteous and His ability to save and redeem.

3. The Angel of the LORD
Mentioned in verse 7, "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them." This figure is often understood as a manifestation of God's presence and protection, providing deliverance to the faithful.

4. The Righteous
Referred to multiple times throughout the psalm, the righteous are those who live in accordance with God's will and fear Him. They are promised God's attention, deliverance, and protection.

5. The Wicked
Contrasted with the righteous, the wicked are those who oppose God's ways. The psalm describes the eventual downfall and destruction of the wicked as a result of their actions.

6. The Afflicted
Mentioned in verse 6, "This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles." The afflicted are those who are in distress or trouble, and the psalm assures them of God's attentive care and deliverance. 1. The Cave of Adullam
While not mentioned directly in Psalm 34, the superscription of the psalm refers to the time "when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he left." This historical context places David in the region of the Cave of Adullam (1 Samuel 21-22), where he sought refuge. The cave symbolizes a place of safety and divine protection.

2. The Presence of the LORD
Throughout Psalm 34, there is a recurring theme of being in the presence of the LORD. Verses like "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous" (Psalm 34:15) suggest a spiritual place of divine attention and care. In Hebrew, the word for presence is often "פָּנִים" (panim), meaning "face," indicating a personal and intimate encounter with God.

3. The Place of Deliverance
Psalm 34:4 states, "I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." This verse implies a metaphorical place of deliverance, where God rescues the faithful from distress. The Hebrew root "נָצַל" (natsal) means to snatch away or deliver, emphasizing God's active role in providing safety.

4. The Place of Refuge
In verse 8, "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" the concept of refuge is central. The Hebrew word "חָסָה" (chasah) means to seek shelter or trust, indicating a place of spiritual security and trust in God.

5. The Place of Brokenness and Healing
Verse 18 states, "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit." This suggests a place of emotional or spiritual brokenness where God is especially present to heal and restore. The Hebrew word "דַּכָּא" (dakka) for contrite means crushed or humbled, highlighting a state of vulnerability where divine healing occurs. 1. David's Commitment to Praise
David begins by expressing his intention to bless the Lord at all times. He states, "I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips" (Psalm 34:1). The Hebrew word for "bless" here is "בָּרַךְ" (barak), which conveys a sense of kneeling or giving adoration.

2. Invitation to Magnify the Lord
David invites others to join him in exalting the Lord, saying, "Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together" (Psalm 34:3). The term "magnify" comes from the Hebrew "גָּדַל" (gadal), meaning to make great or to glorify.

3. Testimony of Deliverance
David shares his personal testimony of seeking the Lord and being delivered from his fears: "I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4). The Hebrew root "דָּרַשׁ" (darash) for "sought" implies a diligent search or inquiry.

4. Encouragement to Look to the Lord
He encourages others to look to the Lord, promising that they will be radiant and unashamed: "Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces shall never be ashamed" (Psalm 34:5). The Hebrew word "נָהַר" (nahar) for "radiant" suggests a shining or beaming with joy.

5. The Poor Man's Cry
David recounts how a poor man cried out, and the Lord saved him: "This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles" (Psalm 34:6). The Hebrew "עָנִי" (ani) for "poor" indicates one who is afflicted or humble.

6. The Angel of the Lord's Protection
He describes the protection of the angel of the Lord: "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them" (Psalm 34:7). The Hebrew "חָנָה" (chanah) for "encamps" suggests a protective surrounding.

7. Invitation to Taste and See
David invites others to experience the Lord's goodness: "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him" (Psalm 34:8). The Hebrew "טָעַם" (taam) for "taste" implies experiencing or perceiving.

8. Call to Fear the Lord
He calls the saints to fear the Lord, promising that those who do will lack nothing: "Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing" (Psalm 34:9). The Hebrew "יָרֵא" (yare) for "fear" denotes reverence and awe.

9. Contrast of Lions and Seekers
David contrasts young lions lacking food with those who seek the Lord: "The young lions may lack and go hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing" (Psalm 34:10). The Hebrew "בָּקַשׁ" (baqash) for "seek" implies a pursuit or search.

10. Instruction on the Fear of the Lord
He offers instruction on fearing the Lord, emphasizing speaking truth and pursuing peace: "Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD" (Psalm 34:11).

11. Promise of the Lord's Attention
David assures that the Lord's eyes and ears are attentive to the righteous: "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry" (Psalm 34:15).

12. The Lord's Nearness to the Brokenhearted
He highlights the Lord's closeness to the brokenhearted and His salvation for the crushed in spirit: "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit" (Psalm 34:18).

13. Deliverance from Afflictions
David concludes with the promise of deliverance from afflictions for the righteous: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all" (Psalm 34:19).

1. Seek the Lord and Find Deliverance
Psalm 34:4 says, "I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." This verse reminds us that when we actively seek God, He is faithful to respond. In times of anxiety or uncertainty, turning to God in prayer and meditation can bring peace and clarity. Remember, God is always ready to deliver us from our fears when we call upon Him.

2. Radiate Joy and Confidence
Verse 5 tells us, "Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces shall never be ashamed." When we focus on God, our lives reflect His light and joy. This joy is not just a fleeting emotion but a deep-seated confidence that comes from knowing we are loved and cared for by our Creator. Let your life be a testament to the joy that comes from a relationship with God.

3. Experience God's Goodness
"Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" (Psalm 34:8). This invitation is a call to experience God's goodness firsthand. Just as tasting a delicious meal brings satisfaction, experiencing God's presence fills our lives with blessings and contentment. Take refuge in Him, and you will find true happiness.

4. Fear the Lord for a Fulfilled Life
Verse 9 encourages us, "Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing." The fear of the Lord is not about being afraid but having a deep respect and reverence for God. This reverence leads to a life of fulfillment and provision. When we prioritize God, He ensures that our needs are met.

5. Pursue Peace and Righteousness
Psalm 34:14 advises, "Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." This is a call to action for living a life of integrity and peace. By actively choosing good over evil and seeking peace in our relationships, we align ourselves with God's will and experience His blessings.

6. God Hears the Righteous
"The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry" (Psalm 34:15). This assurance reminds us that God is attentive to those who live righteously. He is not distant or indifferent but actively listens to our prayers and concerns. Live righteously, and know that God is always near.

7. The Lord is Close to the Brokenhearted
Verse 18 offers comfort: "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit." In times of sorrow or heartache, God is especially close. He offers healing and salvation to those who are humble and contrite. Trust in His presence during difficult times, and find solace in His love.

8. Many Troubles, But Greater Deliverance
Psalm 34:19 states, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all." Life is not without challenges, even for the righteous. However, God's promise of deliverance is greater than any trouble we face. Hold onto this promise, knowing that God will see you through every trial.

9. God Protects His People
"He protects all his bones; not one of them will be broken" (Psalm 34:20). This verse speaks to God's protective nature over His people. While it may not always mean physical protection, it assures us of God's spiritual safeguarding. Trust in His protection, knowing that He watches over you.

10. Redemption for the Servants of the Lord
The final verse, Psalm 34:22, declares, "The LORD redeems His servants, and none who take refuge in Him will be condemned." This is the ultimate promise of salvation and redemption for those who serve God. By taking refuge in Him, we are assured of His eternal protection and grace. Embrace this promise, and live with the confidence of your redemption.

1. Praise and Worship of the Lord
Psalm 34 begins with a call to bless and praise the Lord at all times. The psalmist, David, emphasizes the importance of continual worship, stating, "I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips" (Psalm 34:1). The Hebrew word for "bless" here is "בָּרַךְ" (barak), which conveys a sense of kneeling in adoration.

2. Deliverance from Fear
David testifies to the Lord's deliverance from fear, saying, "I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4). The Hebrew root "יָרֵא" (yare) for "fear" indicates a deep reverence or terror, which God alleviates.

3. The Radiance of Those Who Seek God
The psalmist describes the transformation of those who look to God: "Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces shall never be ashamed" (Psalm 34:5). The Hebrew word "נָהַר" (nahar) for "radiant" suggests a shining or flowing with light.

4. The Lord's Salvation for the Afflicted
David recounts his own experience of God's salvation: "This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles" (Psalm 34:6). The term "poor" in Hebrew, "עָנִי" (ani), often refers to the humble or afflicted.

5. The Angel of the Lord as Protector
The psalm highlights divine protection: "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them" (Psalm 34:7). The Hebrew "מַלְאָךְ" (malak) for "angel" signifies a messenger or representative of God.

6. Invitation to Experience God's Goodness
An invitation is extended to taste and see God's goodness: "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him" (Psalm 34:8). The Hebrew "טוֹב" (tov) for "good" encompasses moral goodness and benevolence.

7. Fear of the Lord as the Path to Lack Nothing
The psalmist teaches that fearing the Lord leads to provision: "Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing" (Psalm 34:9). The Hebrew "יָרֵא" (yare) again emphasizes reverence and awe.

8. Instruction in the Fear of the Lord
David offers instruction on living in the fear of the Lord: "Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD" (Psalm 34:11). The Hebrew "לָמַד" (lamad) for "teach" implies learning through practice and experience.

9. The Lord's Attention to the Righteous
The psalm assures that God is attentive to the righteous: "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry" (Psalm 34:15). The Hebrew "צַדִּיק" (tzaddik) for "righteous" denotes those who are just and upright.

10. The Lord's Nearness to the Brokenhearted
A comforting promise is given: "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). The Hebrew "נִשְׁבָּר" (nishbar) for "brokenhearted" conveys a sense of being crushed or shattered.

11. Deliverance from Many Troubles
The psalm concludes with assurance of deliverance: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all" (Psalm 34:19). The Hebrew "צָרָה" (tzarah) for "afflictions" refers to distress or trouble.

12. Preservation of the Righteous
God's protection is further emphasized: "He protects all his bones; not one of them will be broken" (Psalm 34:20). This verse is often seen as prophetic, relating to the Messiah.

13. Condemnation of the Wicked
The fate of the wicked is contrasted with the righteous: "Evil will slay the wicked, and the haters of the righteous will be condemned" (Psalm 34:21). The Hebrew "רָשָׁע" (rasha) for "wicked" indicates those who are morally wrong or guilty.

14. Redemption for the Servants of the Lord
The psalm concludes with a promise of redemption: "The LORD redeems His servants, and none who take refuge in Him will be condemned" (Psalm 34:22). The Hebrew "פָּדָה" (padah) for "redeems" signifies a ransom or rescue. 1. Praise and Worship of God
Psalm 34 begins with a call to bless the Lord at all times, emphasizing continuous praise. The Hebrew word for "bless" (בָּרַךְ, barak) conveys a sense of kneeling or showing reverence. The psalmist declares, "I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips" (Psalm 34:1).

2. Deliverance from Fear
The psalmist speaks of seeking the Lord and being delivered from fears, highlighting God's role as a deliverer. The Hebrew root for "deliver" (נָצַל, natsal) implies rescue or snatching away from danger. "I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4).

3. The Radiance of Those Who Trust in God
Trusting in God brings a transformation that is visible. The psalmist notes, "Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces shall never be ashamed" (Psalm 34:5). The Hebrew word for "radiant" (נָהַר, nahar) suggests a shining or flowing with light.

4. God's Provision and Protection
The theme of God's provision and protection is evident as the psalmist recounts how God hears and saves the afflicted. "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them" (Psalm 34:7). The Hebrew word for "encamps" (חָנָה, chanah) indicates a protective surrounding.

5. The Goodness of God
The psalm invites believers to experience God's goodness firsthand. "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him" (Psalm 34:8). The Hebrew word for "taste" (טָעַם, taam) implies a personal experience or perception.

6. The Fear of the Lord
Reverence for God is a central theme, with a call to fear the Lord as a path to lacking nothing. "Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing" (Psalm 34:9). The Hebrew word for "fear" (יָרֵא, yare) encompasses awe and reverence.

7. Righteous Living and Its Rewards
The psalm outlines the blessings of righteous living, including God's attentive care. "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry" (Psalm 34:15). The Hebrew word for "righteous" (צַדִּיק, tsaddiq) refers to those who are just and upright.

8. God's Nearness to the Brokenhearted
God's compassion is highlighted as He is described as being close to those who are brokenhearted. "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). The Hebrew word for "brokenhearted" (נִשְׁבָּר, nishbar) conveys a sense of being crushed or shattered.

9. Deliverance from Afflictions
The psalmist assures that though the righteous face many troubles, God delivers them from all. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all" (Psalm 34:19). The Hebrew word for "afflictions" (רָעָה, raah) can mean evil or distress.

10. The Ultimate Justice of God
The psalm concludes with a promise of divine justice, where the wicked will face condemnation. "Evil will slay the wicked, and the haters of the righteous will be condemned" (Psalm 34:21). The Hebrew word for "condemned" (אֲשֵׁם, ashem) implies being held guilty or accountable. Praise God for His Faithfulness
Thank God for His constant presence and deliverance in your life.

Pray for Deliverance from Fear
Ask God to remove any fears and replace them with His peace and assurance.

Seek God's Radiance
Pray for the ability to reflect God's joy and peace to those around you.

Comfort for the Brokenhearted
Lift up those who are brokenhearted, asking God to draw near and provide comfort.

Commitment to Righteous Living
Ask for strength and guidance to live a life that honors God and reflects His righteousness.

1. How can Psalm 34:8 state “taste and see that the Lord is good” when there is no empirical way to measure spiritual experiences?

2. How does Psalm 34 claim God protects the righteous (Psalm 34:19–20) if historical records show many righteous individuals still suffer or die?

3. On what historical basis can we trust the attribution of Psalm 34 to David when some scholars question the accuracy of biblical authorship claims?

4. How does Psalm 34:7’s mention of an angel encamping around believers align with modern understanding of spiritual and physical realities?

5. Why does Psalm 34:17–18 promise God hears and delivers the righteous but seem to conflict with other passages describing unanswered prayers?

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?