Him BookSample

READ Psalm 34:1-22 and 1 Samuel 21:10 - 22:1

Psalm 34 begins with a note giving us the historical context of this Psalm. The Psalm was written by David when he changed his behavior before Abimelech. This places the Psalm inside the historical events recorded in 1 Samuel 21:10 - 22:1. David was on the run from Saul and ended up in Gath (the hometown of Goliath, who David had slain). David feigns being crazy before the Philistine king, and is thus let loose.David ran to the cave of Adullum where he gathered with his men.

Psalm 34 has two portions.In the first 10 verses of this Psalm, David tells his men to “listen to me” as he invites them to worship the Lord. Given what God had done for David, God was worthy to be praised (by David AND his men). Therefore, David invites his men to “magnify the Lord with me.”

Have you ever spent time with a friend and upon hearing how the Lord had worked in their life were moved to worship God? This is the power of Christian testimony. Not only do we have the record of how God worked in history inside the Bible, but by hearing the stories of God’s work in the lives of our contemporaries, we are reminded that God is still at work today, and should be praised and worshipped.

After beginning the Psalm inviting his men to “listen to me,” David continues in Psalm 34:11-22 admonishing his men to “learn from me. ”David knows the right response to God includes our worship, but also our obedience. Since God was alive and at work, David encouraged them to bridle their tongues (34:13), turn away from evil and do good (34:14), and to pursue Him (34:15-20).

What are you pursuing in life most of all? Are you pursuing the things of this world or God Himself?

May we hear David’s invitation and “taste and see” for ourselves that the Lord is good!

Prayer: Dear Lord, may we magnify You and exalt Your name forever with our words and our actions. Amen.