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Matthew Henry

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 34:5

They looked to him, and were lightened ,.... That is, "the humble" ones, Psalm 34:2 ; and so this is a reason why they should join in praising and magnifying the Lord; these "looked" up to God in prayer and by faith, when in distressed and uncomfortable circumstances, for help and deliverance, and a supply of every needful good thing; and they were "enlightened"; so the Targum renders it, "their faces were enlightened"; as Jarchi and Aben Ezra interpret it, in opposition to what follows:... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 34:6

This poor man cried ,.... Singling out some one person from among the humble, who was remarkably delivered; it is the common case of the people of God to be poor and afflicted, and in their afflictions they cry unto the Lord to be supported under them, and delivered out of them: or this may be understood of David himself, who was poor, not with respect to outward things, but in spirit; was much afflicted, and especially greatly distressed when in the court of Achish; at which time he cried... 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

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