Psalm 34

Praise, Deliverance, and Righteousness: Christ's Message

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Intro

Psalm 34 is a heartfelt expression of praise to God, an acknowledgment of His deliverance, and an affirmation of His righteousness. Reading this Psalm through the lens of the New Covenant and Jesus Christ's teachings provides a richer understanding of these themes.

Section 1: Constant Praise (1-3)

"1 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2 My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together."

Talking Points:

1. The Psalmist's dedication to constantly praise God reflects Jesus' own practice of praising God and teaching His disciples to do so (Luke 10:21).

2. The call for communal glorification of the Lord aligns with Jesus' emphasis on corporate worship in the New Covenant (Matthew 18:20).

3. The Psalmist's invitation to the afflicted to rejoice in the Lord resonates with Jesus' message of comfort to those who suffer (Matthew 11:28-30).

Cross Reference: Hebrews 13:15, "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that openly profess his name."

Questions:

1. How does the Psalmist's commitment to constant praise deepen your understanding of Jesus' practice and teaching about praising God?

2. How does the call for communal glorification connect with Jesus' teaching on the importance of corporate worship?

3. How does the Psalmist's invitation to the afflicted to rejoice resonate with Jesus' message of comfort to those in distress?

Section 2: God as Deliverer (4-7)

"4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears...7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them."

Talking Points:

1. God's deliverance as depicted by the Psalmist underscores the New Testament depiction of Christ as our ultimate deliverer from sin and death (Romans 7:24-25).

2. The concept of the angel of the Lord encamping around those who fear God connects with Jesus' teaching about God's protective care over His people (Matthew 18:10).

3. The Psalmist's testimony of being delivered from fear reminds us of Jesus' frequent admonition to His disciples not to fear, asserting God's care and provision (Matthew 10:31).

Cross Reference: 2 Timothy 4:18, "The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

Questions:

1. How does the Psalmist's experience of God's deliverance relate to the New Testament's depiction of Christ as our Deliverer?

2. How does the image of the angel of the Lord encamping around God's people connect with Jesus' teachings about God's protective care?

3. How does the Psalmist's delivery from fear echo Jesus' teachings about fear and trust in God?

Section 3: Righteousness and Its Rewards (15-22)

"15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry...22 The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him."

Talking Points:

1. The Psalmist's affirmation of God's attentiveness to the righteous aligns with Jesus' teaching on God's responsiveness to those who seek Him in righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

2. The Psalmist's depiction of the Lord as a redeemer for his servants echoes the New Testament's depiction of Christ as our Redeemer who provides the ultimate refuge (Ephesians 1:7).

3. The promise of redemption and refuge in God for those who fear Him is reflective of Jesus' own assurance of eternal life to those who believe in Him (John 3:16).

Cross Reference: Romans 8:1, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Questions:

1. How does the Psalmist's belief in God's attentiveness to the righteous deepen your understanding of Jesus' teachings about seeking God's righteousness?

2. How does the Psalmist's view of God as a redeemer resonate with the New Testament's depiction of Christ as our Redeemer?

3. How does the Psalmist's assurance of God's protection and salvation align with Jesus' promise of eternal life?

Summary

Psalm 34, interpreted through the lens of the New Covenant in Christ, showcases the praise, deliverance, and provision that God grants to His people, all of which are ultimately fulfilled in Jesus.

The psalmist's exhortation to magnify the Lord and boast in Him anticipates the worship and exaltation of Jesus as our Savior and King (Philippians 2:9-11).

The psalmist's testimony of God's deliverance and protection reflects the ultimate deliverance we experience through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection (Colossians 1:13-14).

The invitation to taste and see that the Lord is good echoes Jesus' invitation to partake of Him, the bread of life (John 6:35), and find satisfaction in Him alone.

The psalmist's assurance that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit points to the compassionate nature of Jesus, who came to bind up the brokenhearted and comfort those who mourn (Luke 4:18).

The psalmist's trust in God's provision and lack of want prefigures Jesus' teaching on God's care and provision for His people (Matthew 6:25-34).

Psalm 34 celebrates the goodness, deliverance, and provision of God, all of which are fully realized in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Provider.

Psalms