Psalm 34 Study Notes

34:11 The identification of the psalmist’s listeners as children recalls a common wisdom motif of parents instructing their children (Ex 12:26; Dt 6:6-9) and shows that vv. 11-14 form a wisdom section in this psalm (similar to 32:8-9). To be taught the fear of the Lord is preferable to learning it through experience. Fearing the Lord is where wisdom begins (Pr 9:10).

34:12-14 Who is someone who is another way of saying “whoever.” Whoever loves life should keep his tongue from evil . . .

34:15 The reference to eyes in relation to the Lord’s watchful care of his people is similar to the singular form in 33:18. His ears being open describes his attentiveness to their prayers (18:6; 130:2).

34:16 To remove the memory of someone from the earth is another way to describe annihilation (see note at 9:4-6).

34:17-18 Brokenhearted and crushed in spirit further develop the image of oppression, although the emphasis in these terms is on internal suffering. The Lord is near those who are broken and humble (51:17) as opposed to one who has a “heart of stone” (Ezk 11:19; 36:26).

34:19-20 Broken . . . bones are often symbols of physical affliction (51:8; Is 38:13) or oppression (Mc 3:3). God protects his own from these dangers. Verse 20 was recognized as literally fulfilled by Jesus (Jn 19:36).

34:21 Evil (Hb ra‘ah) can mean disaster and calamity as well as the abstract concept of evil. In this case it is personified as the one who kills the wicked. Note how this contrasts with goodness and faithful love pursuing the person who trusts in the Lord (23:6).