READ: Ps. 34:1–23: … He delivers them out of all their troubles …
The background of this Psalm is that David, in his flight from Saul, has been seized by the Philistines and the hostile Philistine king Achish. He then pretends to be insane, whereupon Achish (with the title Abimelech, or king) lets him go (1 Sam. 21). He owes that deliverance entirely to God, who governs all things.
David especially invites all to thank and praise the LORD with him for this. In verses 5–9 he gives a poetic account of the event. He attributes everything to the work of the LORD.
He almost lacks words to express his thanks to and joy in the LORD: bless, boast, magnify, praise His name.
David calls the meek, the believers, to do this with him. He leaves his own questionable conduct out of consideration, but he does mention his prayer that he addressed to the LORD before king Achish. The LORD delivered him from all he feared (v.5); as a poor man he cried out, and the LORD heard and delivered him out of all his troubles.
David attributes this deliverance especially to the Angel of the LORD. As Son of God He is the Commander of the heavenly hosts of angels (Josh. 5:14; 1 Kin. 22:19; Isa. 43:9).
That the Angel of the LORD encamps means that all His angels do so. They are employed for the deliverance of God’s children who fear the LORD. Though they are not seen with our eyes, they guarantee our safety (Ps. 91:11,12; cf. the protection of the inhabitants of Dothan with Elisha’s presence, (2 Kin. 6:17).
This requires faith, but the outcome is certain (v.9). This applies to all who love and serve the LORD with a sincere heart. They will always receive what is necessary and good for them in their service to the LORD (vv.10,11; Ps. 23:1; Rom. 8:28).
Let us, as God’s children, listen to Him and follow Him; then you will learn to know true life: fellowship with God in Christ (vv.12,13). For this it is necessary to turn from evil, to do good, and to pursue peace (vv.14,15). You may then always expect from the LORD deliverance and reconciliation in answer to prayer (vv.16–23).
How often do we need such supplications?
Singing: Ps. 34:2,3,8