June 6, 2025
The Lord Satisfies in Abundance!
Psalm 31-36
Kelley Hickman
Big Book Idea
Worship is our response to God for who He is and what He has done!
Key Verse | Psalm 34:8-10
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Psalm 31-36
Chapter 31
Into Your Hand I Commit My Spirit
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1
In you, O LORD, do I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
in your righteousness deliver me!
2
Incline your ear to me;
rescue me speedily!
Be a rock of refuge for me,
a strong fortress to save me!
3
For you are my rock and my fortress;
and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me;
4
you take me out of the net they have hidden for me,
for you are my refuge.
5
Into your hand I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.
6
I hate
1
31:6
Masoretic Text; one Hebrew manuscript, Septuagint, Syriac, Jerome You hate
those who pay regard to worthless idols,
but I trust in the LORD.
7
I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love,
because you have seen my affliction;
you have known the distress of my soul,
8
and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy;
you have set my feet in a broad place.
9
Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;
my eye is wasted from grief;
my soul and my body also.
10
For my life is spent with sorrow,
and my years with sighing;
my strength fails because of my iniquity,
and my bones waste away.
11
Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach,
especially to my neighbors,
and an object of dread to my acquaintances;
those who see me in the street flee from me.
12
I have been forgotten like one who is dead;
I have become like a broken vessel.
13
For I hear the whispering of many—
terror on every side!—
as they scheme together against me,
as they plot to take my life.
14
But I trust in you, O LORD;
I say, “You are my God.”
15
My times are in your hand;
rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!
16
Make your face shine on your servant;
save me in your steadfast love!
17
O LORD, let me not be put to shame,
for I call upon you;
let the wicked be put to shame;
let them go silently to Sheol.
18
Let the lying lips be mute,
which speak insolently against the righteous
in pride and contempt.
19
Oh, how abundant is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you
and worked for those who take refuge in you,
in the sight of the children of mankind!
20
In the cover of your presence you hide them
from the plots of men;
you store them in your shelter
from the strife of tongues.
21
Blessed be the LORD,
for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me
when I was in a besieged city.
22
I had said in my alarm,
2
31:22
Or in my haste
“I am cut off from your sight.”
But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy
when I cried to you for help.
23
Love the LORD, all you his saints!
The LORD preserves the faithful
but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride.
24
Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the LORD!
Chapter 32
Blessed Are the Forgiven
A Maskil 3 32:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term of David.
1
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2
Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3
For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up
4
32:4
Hebrew my vitality was changed
as by the heat of summer. Selah
5
I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
6
Therefore let everyone who is godly
offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
they shall not reach him.
7
You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah
8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9
Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
or it will not stay near you.
10
Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.
11
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
Chapter 33
The Steadfast Love of the LORD
1
Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous!
Praise befits the upright.
2
Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre;
make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
3
Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
4
For the word of the LORD is upright,
and all his work is done in faithfulness.
5
He loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.
6
By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
and by the breath of his mouth all their host.
7
He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap;
he puts the deeps in storehouses.
8
Let all the earth fear the LORD;
let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!
9
For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.
10
The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
11
The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
the plans of his heart to all generations.
12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
13
The LORD looks down from heaven;
he sees all the children of man;
14
from where he sits enthroned he looks out
on all the inhabitants of the earth,
15
he who fashions the hearts of them all
and observes all their deeds.
16
The king is not saved by his great army;
a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
17
The war horse is a false hope for salvation,
and by its great might it cannot rescue.
18
Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him,
on those who hope in his steadfast love,
19
that he may deliver their soul from death
and keep them alive in famine.
20
Our soul waits for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
21
For our heart is glad in him,
because we trust in his holy name.
22
Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.
Chapter 34
Taste and See That the LORD Is Good
5 34:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away.
1
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2
My soul makes its boast in the LORD;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3
Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
4
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
5
Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
7
The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
8
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
9
Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
10
The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
11
Come, O children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12
What man is there who desires life
and loves many days, that he may see good?
13
Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking deceit.
14
Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
15
The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
and his ears toward their cry.
16
The face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17
When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.
19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the LORD delivers him out of them all.
20
He keeps all his bones;
not one of them is broken.
21
Affliction will slay the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
22
The LORD redeems the life of his servants;
none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
Chapter 35
Great Is the LORD
Of David.
1
Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me;
fight against those who fight against me!
2
Take hold of shield and buckler
and rise for my help!
3
Draw the spear and javelin
6
35:3
Or and close the way
against my pursuers!
Say to my soul,
“I am your salvation!”
4
Let them be put to shame and dishonor
who seek after my life!
Let them be turned back and disappointed
who devise evil against me!
5
Let them be like chaff before the wind,
with the angel of the LORD driving them away!
6
Let their way be dark and slippery,
with the angel of the LORD pursuing them!
7
For without cause they hid their net for me;
without cause they dug a pit for my life.
7
35:7
The word pit is transposed from the preceding line; Hebrew For without cause they hid the pit of their net for me; without cause they dug for my life
8
Let destruction come upon him when he does not know it!
And let the net that he hid ensnare him;
let him fall into it—to his destruction!
9
Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD,
exulting in his salvation.
10
All my bones shall say,
“O LORD, who is like you,
delivering the poor
from him who is too strong for him,
the poor and needy from him who robs him?”
11
Malicious
8
35:11
Or Violent
witnesses rise up;
they ask me of things that I do not know.
12
They repay me evil for good;
my soul is bereft.
9
35:12
Hebrew it is bereavement to my soul
13
But I, when they were sick—
I wore sackcloth;
I afflicted myself with fasting;
I prayed with head bowed
10
35:13
Or my prayer shall turn back
on my chest.
14
I went about as though I grieved for my friend or my brother;
as one who laments his mother,
I bowed down in mourning.
15
But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered;
they gathered together against me;
wretches whom I did not know
tore at me without ceasing;
16
like profane mockers at a feast,
11
35:16
The meaning of the Hebrew phrase is uncertain
they gnash at me with their teeth.
17
How long, O Lord, will you look on?
Rescue me from their destruction,
my precious life from the lions!
18
I will thank you in the great congregation;
in the mighty throng I will praise you.
19
Let not those rejoice over me
who are wrongfully my foes,
and let not those wink the eye
who hate me without cause.
20
For they do not speak peace,
but against those who are quiet in the land
they devise words of deceit.
21
They open wide their mouths against me;
they say, “Aha, Aha!
Our eyes have seen it!”
22
You have seen, O LORD; be not silent!
O Lord, be not far from me!
23
Awake and rouse yourself for my vindication,
for my cause, my God and my Lord!
24
Vindicate me, O LORD, my God,
according to your righteousness,
and let them not rejoice over me!
25
Let them not say in their hearts,
“Aha, our heart's desire!”
Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up.”
26
Let them be put to shame and disappointed altogether
who rejoice at my calamity!
Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor
who magnify themselves against me!
27
Let those who delight in my righteousness
shout for joy and be glad
and say evermore,
“Great is the LORD,
who delights in the welfare of his servant!”
28
Then my tongue shall tell of your righteousness
and of your praise all the day long.
Chapter 36
How Precious Is Your Steadfast Love
To the choirmaster. Of David, the servant of the LORD.
1
Transgression speaks to the wicked
deep in his heart;
12
36:1
Some Hebrew manuscripts, Syriac, Jerome (compare Septuagint); most Hebrew manuscripts in my heart
there is no fear of God
before his eyes.
2
For he flatters himself in his own eyes
that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
3
The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit;
he has ceased to act wisely and do good.
4
He plots trouble while on his bed;
he sets himself in a way that is not good;
he does not reject evil.
5
Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.
6
Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
your judgments are like the great deep;
man and beast you save, O LORD.
7
How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8
They feast on the abundance of your house,
and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light do we see light.
10
Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you,
and your righteousness to the upright of heart!
11
Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me,
nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12
There the evildoers lie fallen;
they are thrust down, unable to rise.
Footnotes
[1] 31:6 Masoretic Text; one Hebrew manuscript, Septuagint, Syriac, Jerome You hate[2] 31:22 Or in my haste
[3] 32:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term
[4] 32:4 Hebrew my vitality was changed
[5] 34:1 This psalm is an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet
[6] 35:3 Or and close the way
[7] 35:7 The word pit is transposed from the preceding line; Hebrew For without cause they hid the pit of their net for me; without cause they dug for my life
[8] 35:11 Or Violent
[9] 35:12 Hebrew it is bereavement to my soul
[10] 35:13 Or my prayer shall turn back
[11] 35:16 The meaning of the Hebrew phrase is uncertain
[12] 36:1 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Syriac, Jerome (compare Septuagint); most Hebrew manuscripts in my heart
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms
Timeline
Author and Date
Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.
Key Themes
The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:
- Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
- Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
- Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
- Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
- Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.
Types of Psalms
The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:
Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.
Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.
Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.
Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).
Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).
Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).
Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).
Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).
Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).
Structure
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?
What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.
Fact: What is a psalm of lament?
What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.
Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?
What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.
Fact: Selah
What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.
Fact: Snares
Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.
Fact: A helpful guide
A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.
Fact: Summers in Israel
Summers in Israel can be very hot, depending on where one is (see 32:4). In places like Masada, near the Dead Sea, temperatures can soar past 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43° C) without a drop of rain. However, Jerusalem, with its higher elevation, remains cooler with temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees (24 to 29° C).
Fact: A harp or a lyre?
A harp or a lyre? Both harps and lyres were hand-held stringed instruments with wooden frames. (See 33:2.)
Fact: Strong offense and defense
Strong offense and defense. The shield and buckler (35:2) and the spear and javelin (35:3) represented extremes in weaponry. While the shield was lighter and could be carried without the use of a helper, the larger buckler gave the warrior more protection. The javelin could be hurled at enemies from a distance while the spear served better in close combat.
Fact: Shadow of your wings
The phrase shadow of your wings (36:7) is also found in two other psalms (17:8; 57:1). It symbolizes the protection and safety of the Lord.
Events of 1–2 Samuel Referenced in the Psalms
| 1 Samuel | Incident | Psalm |
|---|---|---|
| 19:11 | David’s house surrounded | 59 |
| 21:10–11 | David seized by Achish | 56 |
| 21:12–22:1 | David escapes from Achish (called Abimelech in Psalm 34 title) | 34 |
| 22:1 (possibly also 24:3) | David in cave | 57; 142 |
| 22:9–19 | Doeg the Edomite | 52 |
| 23:14–15 (possibly) | Desert of Judah | 63 |
| 23:19 | David betrayed by Ziphites | 54 |
| 2 Samuel | Incident | Psalm |
|---|---|---|
| 8:1–14 | Victory over Transjordan | 60 |
| chs. 11–12 | Against house of Uriah | 51 |
| chs. 15–17 | Absalom’s revolt | 3 |
| chs. 15–17 (possibly) | Desert of Judah | 63 |
| ch. 22 | Victory over all enemies | 18 |
Structure of Psalms
The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.
| Book 1 | Psalms 1–41 | Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26. |
| Book 2 | Psalms 42–72 | Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people. |
| Book 3 | Psalms 73–89 | The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88). |
| Book 4 | Psalms 90–106 | Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89. |
| Book 5 | Psalms 107–150 | The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134). |
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)
| Romans 3 | OT Reference |
|---|---|
| Sinful Condition | |
| v. 10, none is righteous | Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20 |
| v. 11a, no one understands | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 11b, no one seeks for God | Ps. 14:2/53:2 |
| v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one | Ps. 14:3/53:3 |
| Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips) | |
| v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive | Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9) |
| v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips | Ps. 140:3 |
| v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness | Ps. 10:7 |
| Sinful Action | |
| v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood | Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery | Isa. 59:7 |
| v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known | Isa. 59:8 |
| Summary Statement | |
| v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes | Ps. 36:1 |
Ps. 31:1–2 I take refuge. The person who depends on and trusts the Lord (see 5:11; 16:1; 25:20) may seek his help. be put to shame. See note on 25:2–3. God’s righteousness is his faithfulness to his promises. It is grounds for assurance, not for fear.
Ps. 31:5 Into your hand I commit my spirit. Jesus uses these words on the cross (Luke 23:46). He dies as the innocent sufferer, trusting God for vindication (see note on Psalm 22).
Ps. 31:10 David says that he is in distress because of my iniquity. But his prayer is that the purposes of God will prevail rather than the schemes of David’s enemies or the disabilities due to his sins.
Ps. 31:14–18 David’s trust in the Lord during the present distress is based on his experiences as reported in vv. 3–8 and also on the promises of the covenant (steadfast love). For make your face shine, see Num. 6:25.
Psalm Ps. 31. This is a lament seeking God’s help amid persecution (vv. 4, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20). There are many connections with the author David’s life. The wording is general enough for all kinds of people to identify with this prayer.
Ps. 31:19–24 The God who has made promises and who has kept them in the past will continue to do both. On v. 24, see 27:14.
Ps. 32:1–2 On blessed, see note on 1:1. The terms transgression, forgiven, sin, and iniquity all echo Ex.34:6–7, which is a key passage about God’s kindness and mercy toward those who receive his covenant. No one needs to force God to show mercy. Rather, the faithful confess their sins because they believe God is merciful.
Fact: Summers in Israel
Summers in Israel can be very hot, depending on where one is (see 32:4). In places like Masada, near the Dead Sea, temperatures can soar past 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43° C) without a drop of rain. However, Jerusalem, with its higher elevation, remains cooler with temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees (24 to 29° C).
Ps. 32:3–5 Only those who are forgiven are truly happy. When the psalmist kept silent, refusing to confess his sins, God’s hand was heavy upon him. But this was merciful because it led him to confess his sin (vv. 3–4).
Psalm Ps. 32. This is usually classified as a thanksgiving hymn. Worshipers thank God for the joy of having their sins forgiven. Since the psalm is about confession and forgiveness it can also be classified as a penitential psalm (see Psalms 6; 38 and note; 51; 130; 143).
Ps. 32:6–11 Therefore. The conclusion for everyone who is godly is to offer prayer (of confession) at a time when God may be found. The psalmist is warning against being foolish and waiting indefinitely (see v. 9) before seeking the Lord.
Fact: A harp or a lyre?
A harp or a lyre? Both harps and lyres were hand-held stringed instruments with wooden frames. (See 33:2.)
Ps. 33:1–3 The new song (see 40:3; 98:1; Isa. 42:10; Rev. 5:9) may describe a response to a new experience of God’s grace.
Ps. 33:4–9 The first reason for praise is God’s word (vv. 4, 6, 9). It is upright, expressing God’s righteous motives (vv. 4–5), and it is spoken by the God who made everything (vv. 6–9). See Gen. 1:1–2:3, where each time God spoke, what he commanded came to be.
Ps. 33:10–12 The second reason for praise is that no power can oppose God successfully, because they all derive their being and power from God. people whom he has chosen as his heritage. The descendants of Abraham have been called by God to teach the whole world about him (Gen. 12:1–3). Blessed by God, thus they bless.
Psalm Ps. 33. This is a hymn of praise to the God who made all things, who rules all things for his own purposes, and who has chosen a people to be his own and to bless the whole world. Many of its themes come from Genesis. The psalm flows from a call to praise God, to several reasons for praise, to a closing filled with glad and peaceful hope.
Ps. 33:20–22 As the faithful understand the greatness and wonder of God, they are strengthened to rest their souls on the Lord. They are confident that God’s plans will succeed.
Ps. 34:1–3 After announcing his intention to bless the LORD at all times, the singer invites all the humble to join him in song. When God blesses someone (e.g., 29:11), he speaks a good word that leads to that person’s well-being; when a human blesses God (e.g., 26:12), he speaks a good word about God’s kindness and generosity (see Eph. 1:3).
Ps. 34:4–7 The psalmist gives specific examples of God’s kindness. Ashamed in this context means being disappointed at not finding what was hoped for.
Ps. 34:8–14 The song encourages all who sing it to fear the LORD (v. 9), that is, to respect, obey, and worship God. It offers ways to show this through one’s behavior (vv. 11–14). The verb taste (v. 8), which in the OT is commonly used in the literal sense, is a metaphor for personal experience (see 1 Pet. 2:3). First Peter 3:10–12 uses Ps. 34:12–16 to summarize the ideal behavior and lifestyle for Christians.
Psalm Ps. 34. This psalm is an expression of thanksgiving for God’s protection and care for those who trust in him. The title connects the psalm to 1 Sam. 21:10–15, where David is saved from danger by pretending to be insane in the presence of King Achish of Gath. Probably the name Abimelech in the psalm is a title or alternate name for the king of Gath. David does not take credit for this narrow escape, nor does he deny the importance of the faithful using their wits in desperate situations.
Ps. 34:15–22 The final section describes how the Lord cares for his faithful. It also shows the difference between the way God treats the faithful and the wicked. Both the righteous and the wicked will have afflictions (see the repetition in vv. 19, 21). The difference is in the outcomes (contrast condemned, v. 21, with none . . . condemned, v. 22). On redeems, see note on 25:22.
Events of 1–2 Samuel Referenced in the Psalms
| 1 Samuel | Incident | Psalm |
|---|---|---|
| 19:11 | David’s house surrounded | 59 |
| 21:10–11 | David seized by Achish | 56 |
| 21:12–22:1 | David escapes from Achish (called Abimelech in Psalm 34 title) | 34 |
| 22:1 (possibly also 24:3) | David in cave | 57; 142 |
| 22:9–19 | Doeg the Edomite | 52 |
| 23:14–15 (possibly) | Desert of Judah | 63 |
| 23:19 | David betrayed by Ziphites | 54 |
| 2 Samuel | Incident | Psalm |
|---|---|---|
| 8:1–14 | Victory over Transjordan | 60 |
| chs. 11–12 | Against house of Uriah | 51 |
| chs. 15–17 | Absalom’s revolt | 3 |
| chs. 15–17 (possibly) | Desert of Judah | 63 |
| ch. 22 | Victory over all enemies | 18 |
Fact: Strong offense and defense
Strong offense and defense. The shield and buckler (35:2) and the spear and javelin (35:3) represented extremes in weaponry. While the shield was lighter and could be carried without the use of a helper, the larger buckler gave the warrior more protection. The javelin could be hurled at enemies from a distance while the spear served better in close combat.
Ps. 35:4–8 The faithful pray that the schemes of the pursuers would fail, and that the pursuers themselves would suffer disappointment, humiliation, and destruction. It is proper for God’s people to pray this prayer since the pursuers devise evil (v. 4) without cause (vv. 7, 19). The prayer is not a vindictive response to personal injury but an appeal based on faith.
Ps. 35:9–10 The song looks forward to joy and gratitude when its request is answered.
Ps. 35:19–21 The pursuers scheme (wink the eye), particularly against the hardworking faithful (those who are quiet in the land). In John 15:25 Jesus uses Ps. 35:19 (hate me without cause; see also 69:4) to portray himself as the quintessential innocent sufferer and to imply that his followers may expect the same treatment.
Ps. 35:22–26 Asking God to be not silent (as if he were indifferent toward evil) but awake and rouse yourself (as if he were asleep) shows how urgent the singer feels the situation to be. God’s righteousness, as often in the OT, is his faithfulness in keeping his promises (also v. 28).
Psalm Ps. 35. This psalm shows how the faithful should pray when they know that hateful people are seeking to harm them. It explains the persecutors’ evil schemes and asks God to fight on behalf of his faithful ones.
Ps. 35:27–28 The song’s high point is the prospect of telling all the faithful (those who delight in my righteousness) of God’s faithfulness (v. 28; see vv. 9–10, 18).
Ps. 36:1–4 The wicked person has no fear of God before his eyes (see Rom. 3:18). He does evil and plans evil. He particularly schemes to bring trouble to others, especially the godly.
Fact: Shadow of your wings
The phrase shadow of your wings (36:7) is also found in two other psalms (17:8; 57:1). It symbolizes the protection and safety of the Lord.
Ps. 36:5–9 The pairing of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness recalls Ex. 34:6, describing God’s kindness. Righteousness and judgments express God’s enduring commitment to act kindly toward his creatures and to save them. In view of this, people can take refuge under his wings and can be welcome guests at his table.
Ps. 36:9 The fountain of life refreshes and sustains life; see Prov. 10:11; 13:14. To see light means to experience life (e.g., Job 33:28; Ps. 49:19).
Psalm Ps. 36. This is a lament that reflects on the wicked and on the steadfast love of the Lord. It concludes with a prayer that God will protect his people from the attacks of the wicked.
Ps. 36:10–12 The psalm ends with an appeal to God’s reliable love for his faithful ones (those who know you, that is, the upright of heart).
What does it mean to taste of the Lord's goodness?
Listen NowDive Deeper | Psalm 31-36
A few months ago, I found myself walking through a season of doubt as I wrestled with unanswered prayers and with trusting that the Lord has good plans, specifically for me. In that season, God used Psalm 34 to encourage my heart and remind me that in Him, I lack nothing (Psalm 34:10). What a sweet opportunity I have today to use it to encourage you!
Psalm 34 is a song of thanksgiving and praise written during a time of suffering and persecution in King David's life. David is able to sing such beautiful praises to the Lord because he knows that life's circumstances never change the fundamental truth of God's goodness.
Verse 10 is what continues to speak to me: "but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing." (Psalm 34:10) How can we confidently say, "I lack nothing," if some of the deepest desires we pray for remain unfulfilled? Because as believers, we have Christ! Through Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells within us, and we have unrivaled access to God Himself, the ultimate good. The Lord will satisfy us if we seek Him, because we were created to be satisfied by Him alone.
But God doesn't just satisfy; He satisfies in abundance. Psalm 36 paints a beautiful picture of God's all-satisfying, steadfast love. His love and faithfulness extend to the heavens, which are immeasurable and never ending (Psalm 36:5-6). As God's children, we "feast on the abundance of [His] house" (Psalm 36:8), just as the 5,000+ people miraculously feasted on only five loaves of bread and two fish in Matthew 14. Jesus satisfied the need in abundance and far beyond expectation with leftovers to spare!
We may never fully understand why some of our prayers go unanswered, but we can know for sure that God is enough. Like David, we sing even in our suffering—especially in our suffering—to remind our hearts of who God is: our rock of refuge (Psalm 31:2), our help and our shield (Psalm 33:20), our salvation (Psalm 35:3), and the fountain of life (Psalm 36:9). Seek Him and be satisfied, friends!
This month's memory verse
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
– Psalm 119:9-11
Discussion Questions
1. Do you see the Lord as the source of your satisfaction? What things other than God do you have a tendency to pursue to satisfy your desires?
2. When life is difficult, are you tempted to feel like God is holding out on you, or do you truly believe that God gives abundantly?
3. How can you practice praising the Lord even when your prayers remain unanswered or your circumstances remain unchanged? Personally, I experience God's faithfulness deeply through worship music. I encourage you to take a few minutes to listen to Psalm 34 (Taste and See) by Shane & Shane and to let God's Word speak to your heart today!
4. In my time at Watermark Health, I have experienced the power of sharing my personal testimony with patients to show them how I've tasted and seen God's consistent faithfulness throughout my own life, both in the trials and the triumphs. How can you encourage someone else with your story and your personal experience of God's goodness?