Friday, June 7 – Psalms 34, 52

1. According to Psalm 34:7, where does the angel of the Lord encamp?

2. According to Psalm 52, what will happen to the man who trusts in his riches?

Commentary and Reflection

Studying the Psalms within the historical context of the authors’ experiences is profoundly beneficial and instructive. David’s experiences, as accounted for in the books of Samuel, find resonance in the Psalms, portraying the lived reality of Israel’s poet and singer.

Frequently, we encounter terms and expressions in the Psalms that appear as Hebrew words in our Bibles. Some examples include:

Selah (Hebrew “to lift ” or “to exalt”) refers to a moment when instruments accompanying singers softly elevate their sounds, emphasizing a point.

Neginoth: A string instrument.

Maschil: (Understanding, paying attention) a call to reflection.

Michtam: Meditation, silent prayer.

These terms, among others, offer insights into the spirit with which the Psalms would be sung and understood.

Psalm 34 contains beloved passages of praise and assurance in God’s goodness. David composed it when he feigned madness before Abimelech, who drove him away. This occurred during David’s flight from Saul.

It’s essential to clarify that this Abimelech, before whom David acted insane, is the same Achish, the Philistine king of Gath. He is referred to as Abimelech in this psalm because it was the title used by Philistine kings, akin to Pharaoh in Egypt or Caesar in Rome.

Let us repeat along with the psalmist:

“I sought the Lord, and he heard me; And delivered me from all my fears.… This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.“

David urges us to wait for and seek the Lord, with the promise that “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.”

Reflecting on David’s experience, Ellen White remarks:

“There is an evidence that is open to all, the most highly educated, and the most illiterate, the evidence of experience. God invites us to prove for ourselves the reality of His word, the truth of His promises. He bids us “taste and see that the Lord is good.” Psalm 34:8. Instead of depending upon the word of another, we are to taste for ourselves… And as we draw near to Jesus, and rejoice in the fullness of His love, our doubt and darkness will disappear in the light of His presence.” Steps to Christ 111

Psalm 52 is a Maschil by David. As mentioned before, it is an invitation to reflection for the wise. David wrote it based on his experience when fleeing from Saul and seeking aid from Ahimelech, the priest of the Lord in the city of Nob. At that time, Doeg the Edomite, Saul’s servant, was in the sanctuary. He informed the king that David had been with Ahimelech and that Ahimelech had given him Goliath’s sword.

In summary, Psalm 52 presents a portrait of the wicked, exemplified by Doeg the Edomite. Verses 5-7 anticipate the end of the evil,

 “⁵ God shall likewise destroy you forever;
He shall take you away, and pluck you out of your dwelling place,
And uproot you from the land of the living. Selah
⁶ The righteous also shall see and fear,
And shall laugh at him, saying,
⁷ “Here is the man who did not make God his strength,
But trusted in the abundance of his riches,
And strengthened himself in his [b]wickedness.” Psalms 52:5-7

Let the praise of our God flow from our lips!