¶ [A Psalm] of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise [shall] continually [be] in my mouth.
A Psalm of David {H1732}, when he changed {H8138} his behaviour {H2940} before {H6440} Abimelech {H40}; who drove him away {H1644}, and he departed {H3212}. I will bless {H1288} the LORD {H3068} at all times {H6256}: his praise {H8416} shall continually {H8548} be in my mouth {H6310}.
By David, when he pretended to be insane before Avimelekh, who then drove him away; so he left: I will bless ADONAI at all times; his praise will always be in my mouth.
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.
I will bless Jehovah at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
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1 Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. -
Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. -
Psalms 145:1
¶ David's [Psalm] of praise. I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. -
Psalms 145:2
Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. -
Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; -
Psalms 71:8
Let my mouth be filled [with] thy praise [and with] thy honour all the day. -
Psalms 71:14
¶ But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
Context
Psalm 34 opens with a unique superscription, attributing it to David "when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed." This refers to the event recorded in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. In that account, David, fleeing from King Saul, sought refuge with Achish, the king of Gath. The discrepancy between "Abimelech" in the Psalm's superscription and "Achish" in 1 Samuel is often understood by scholars to mean "Abimelech" was a royal title (like "Pharaoh" for Egyptian kings), while Achish was the specific king's name. Faced with great danger in Gath, David feigned madness to escape, drooling and scrabbling on doors. This psalm is a powerful testimony to David's deliverance from that desperate situation, highlighting his immediate response of praise and worship.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "bless" here is barak (בָּרַךְ), which implies much more than just speaking well of someone. In this context, it signifies an act of reverent worship, often involving kneeling or prostrating oneself before God, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness. When we "bless the LORD," we are acknowledging His inherent blessedness and expressing our adoration. The phrase "at all times" (בְּכָל־עֵת, b'khol-et) underscores the comprehensive and unceasing nature of this commitment, while "continually" (תָּמִיד, tamid) reinforces the idea of an unbroken flow of praise.
Practical Application
Psalm 34:1 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It challenges us to cultivate a heart of praise that transcends our immediate circumstances. When we face fear, uncertainty, or humiliation, like David did, our natural inclination might be to complain or despair. However, David's example teaches us to deliberately choose to "bless the LORD at all times." This act of faith-filled praise can transform our perspective, reminding us of God's unchanging character and His ultimate faithfulness to hear our prayers and deliver us. It encourages a lifestyle where gratitude and worship are not optional extras, but essential components of our walk with God, no matter what challenges life presents.