Psalm 34:4

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 34:4

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 34:4

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 34:4

Verse 4 4.I sought Jehovah, and he answered me. The Psalmist here explains more plainly and more fully what he had said concerning joy. In the first place, he tells us that his prayers had been heard. This he applies to all the godly, that, encouraged by a testimony so precious, they might stir themselves up to prayer. What is implied in seeking God is evident from the following clause. In some places it is to be understood in a different sense, namely, to bend the mind in earnest application... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 34:1-10

Links of grace. I. In this hymn we have first of all PRAISE . Praise is not an impulse, or an outburst of enthusiasm soon to die out, but it is the expression of the heart and the exercise of the life. It is good to have stated times for praise, but when the soul is in true fellowship with God it will find "continual" reason for praising him. "Praise" is for "all times," because God fills "all times." Thanksgiving has respect to special times, and to what God has done for us, but... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 34:1-10

Deliverance and gratitude. Occasion of the psalm uncertain. Celebrates some great deliverance which awakens praise and inspires him to teach others trust add the secret of a prosperous life. I. A GREAT DELIVERANCE CELEBRATED . ( Psalms 34:4-6 .) Salvation. 1 . He was in great trouble and danger. ( Psalms 34:4-6 .) That the nature of the danger is not explained. Sin and sorrow our greatest trouble. 2 . He earnestly sought deliverance. ( Psalms 34:4-6 .)... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 34:1-22

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 34:1-22

Life's experiences turned to manifold uses. £ There is no sufficient reason for severing this psalm from the detail of history to which its title refers; and it is much to be wished that its writer had uniformly turned his own experience to a use as wise as that which he here urges upon others. £ But David's pen might be golden, though sometimes his spirit was leaden; and we may study with great advantage the ideal of life which he sets before us, learning from his experience how we... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 34:4

I sought the Lord, and he heard me. To "seek the Lord" is not merely to trust in him, but to fly to him, and make our requests of him in our troubles. David apparently speaks of some special occasion on which he "sought the Lord," and some special request which he made of him, but does not tell us what the occasion or request was. We may presume that it was in some way connected with his "escape to the cave Adullam" ( 1 Samuel 22:1 ). And delivered me from all my fears; literally, frown ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 34:4

I sought the Lord, and he heard me - That is, on the occasion referred to in the psalm, when he was exposed to the persecutions of Saul, and when he sought refuge in the country of Abimelech or Achish: 1 Samuel 21:1-15. The idea is, that at that time he did not confide in his own wisdom, or trust to any devices of his own, but that he sought the protection and guidance of God, alike when he fled to Gath, and when he fled from Gath.And delivered me from all my fears - From all that he... read more

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