Our praise is a testimony of God’s goodness.
Psalm 34 is a praise hymn with a dash of wisdom. It was written by David in response to the Lord delivering him from Abimelech in 1 Samuel 21:10–15 (Abimelech is likely a title for King Achish of Gath).
David wrote this psalm as an acrostic. Each verse begins with the following letter in the Hebrew alphabet. While we can’t see it in our English translations, the acrostic adds more than a stylistic quality. It presents us with a theological purpose. The psalmist praises the Lord from א־ת or from A-Z. And, testifying of God’s goodness, the Lord has delivered the psalmist from everything—from א־ת or from A-Z. The psalm also contains wisdom, and one of the first things we learn as children is the alphabet!
vv.1–11—David calls on his audience to join him in magnifying the Lord in praise.
—David sought the Lord, cried out to the Lord, and the Lord delivered him from everything that frightened him.
—Those who look on the Lord radiate His glory (Moses).
—The angel of the LORD is God’s agent, possessing supernatural powers and functioning as a typological figure of Christ.
—”Taste and see” is an expression of experience. The psalmist is telling the audience to experience God. If you experience the supernatural work of God, the result will be that you will see that He is good.
—Young lions have their youth and strength but can still experience famine. But those who seek the Lord lack nothing good (Psalm 23:1).
vv. 11–22—David now instructs his audience (“Come, children…”) how to live the good life.
—Don’t speak what is evil or false.
—Turn from evil and do what is good. God sets the standard for good.
—Seek peace and pursue after it—peace with others and with God.
—The Lord opposes the wicked, will erase their memory from the earth, and punish them for their guilt.
—The Lord will redeem His servants, hear their cries for help, and save them from condemnation (experiencing punishment for their guilt).
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In John 19:31–37, John claims that Psalm 34:21 was fulfilled while Jesus was on the cross. Jesus endured hostilities and even death but was delivered from all suffering. The fact that the Romans did not break the legs of Jesus is a testimony of the goodness of God, who keeps all His promises.