Psalm 34:1-4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 34:1-10

The title of this psalm tells us both who penned it and upon what occasion it was penned. David, being forced to flee from his country, which was made too hot for him by the rage of Saul, sought shelter as near it as he could, in the land of the Philistines. There it was soon discovered who he was, and he was brought before the king, who, in the narrative, is called Achish (his proper name), here Abimelech (his title); and lest he should be treated as a spy, or one that came thither upon... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 34:1

I will bless the Lord at all times ,.... That is, ascribe blessing, give honour, praise, and glory to him, both as the God of nature and providence, for every temporal mercy; and that every day, and at all times in the day; since these are renewed every morning, and continue all the day long: and as the God of grace, for all spiritual blessings; and that continually, because these last always; they are irreversible, unchangeable, and without repentance; yea, saints have reason to bless God... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 34:2

My soul shall make her boast in the Lord ,.... Not in men, nor in any outward enjoyment, nor in any works of righteousness, but in the Lord; "in the Word of the Lord", as the Targum; in the Lord Jesus Christ; in his wisdom, strength, riches, righteousness, redemption, and salvation; in interest in him, and communion with him: and this is not tongue but soul boasting; and not flashy and selfish, but solid, spiritual, and hearty; and with all the powers and faculties of the soul; see 1... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 34:3

O magnify the Lord with me ,.... The psalmist invites the humble ones, who he knew would rejoice at the goodness of God to him, to join with him in ascribing greatness to the Lord, which is meant by magnifying him; for he cannot be made great by men, only declared how great he is, and that can only be done in an imperfect manner; and let us exalt his name together : by proclaiming him to be the most High; by making mention of his glorious perfections and works, that he be exalted; and by... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 34:4

I sought the Lord, and he heard me ,.... Not that he sought the Lord publicly in his house and ordinances, for he was now at Gath; but privately by prayer and supplication; and that not vocally, but mentally; for he was in the midst of the servants of the king of Gath; yet earnestly, diligently, and with his whole heart, being in great distress; when it was right to seek the Lord, and which showed him to be a good man; and the Lord heard and answered even his silent groans, which could not... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 34:1

I will bless the Lord at all times - He has laid me under endless obligation to him, and I will praise him while I have a being. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 34:2

My soul shall make her boast - Shall set itself to praise the Lord - shall consider this its chief work. The humble - ענוים anavim , the afflicted, such as David had been. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 34:3

Magnify the Lord with me - ליהוה גדלו gaddelu lavhovah , "make greatness to Jehovah;" show his greatness; and let "us exalt his name," let us show how high and glorious it is. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 34:4

I sought the Lord - This is the reason and cause of his gratitude. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me out of all my fears. This answers to the history; for when David heard what the servants of Achish said concerning him, "he laid up the words in his heart, and was greatly afraid," 1 Samuel 21:13 . To save him, God caused the epileptic fit to seize him; and, in consequence, he was dismissed by Achish, as one whose defection from his master, and union with the Philistines,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 34:1

Verse 1 1.I will bless Jehovah at all times. (687) David here extols the greatness of God, promising to keep in remembrance during his whole life the goodness which he had bestowed upon him. God assists his people daily, that they may continually employ themselves in praising him; yet it is certain that the blessing which is said to be worthy of everlasting remembrance is distinguished by this mark from other benefits which are ordinary and common. This, therefore, is a rule which should be... read more

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