Psalm 34

The introduction to Psalm 34 refers to the time David was fleeing from King Saul and sought refuge in the land of Abimelech (aka Achish),  "And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath" (I Sam. 21:10). However, David found that he had leaped out of the pan and into the fire, and had to use some chicanery to avoid death at the hands of Abimelech.

On first reading there are several lines that catch my attention: ⁴ I sought the LORD, and he answered me; ⁸ O taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are those who take refuge in him; ¹⁴ Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it; ¹⁷ When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears; and ¹⁸ The LORD is near to the broken-hearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.

There is also a bit of a paradox with this psalm. Even though the psalmist acknowledges that the righteous will face many afflictions, he says the LORD rescues them from them all. Actually, the psalmist paints a pretty rosy picture for those who trust in the LORD; a picture that few of us have experienced in reality. He even writes, “He keeps all their bones; not one of them will be broken” (v.20). This verse is our cue to remember that we can ask the Holy Spirit to help us discern when to take scripture literally and when scripture is speaking in figurative terms. Here, it is a little of both.

First, the literal. When crucifying a person the Roman soldiers would often break the leg bones of the victim to hasten death. They started to break Jesus’ bones, but stopped. Jesus fulfilled this scripture.

Although the children of God will face many afflictions, persecutions and even death, the LORD has rescued us. God has forgiven our sins and given us new life in Christ. He has given us the Holy Spirit and equipped us with Spiritual armor for our life now. He has rescued us from death and given us eternal life.

The last verse helps us understand the ways God has rescued us:

 ²² The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.” The Apostle Paul added his “Yes and Amen” to David’s Psalm in Romans 8: 1-2,

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”

Sē’lah

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What word or phrase in today’s reading of the Psalms

 attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

Reading for June 5, 2012             Psalm 35