Psalms 34:1

KJV

¶ [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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.

American Standard Version

I will bless Jehovah at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 34:1, framed by its unique superscription, captures David's unwavering resolve to offer continuous praise to the Lord despite a recent, humiliating, and life-threatening ordeal. Emerging from a desperate situation where he feigned madness to escape King Achish of Gath, David immediately declares his commitment to bless the LORD at all times, ensuring God's praise will continually be on his lips. This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, presenting a powerful testimony to God's faithfulness and an exhortation to a life of perpetual thanksgiving, irrespective of circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The superscription of Psalm 34:1 is crucial, providing the historical backdrop for David's declaration. It explicitly links the psalm to a specific event in David's life, as recorded in [1 Samuel 21:10-15](/1_samuel/21-10 "1 Samuel 21:10-15 - David's Flight to Gath and Feigned Madness"). This immediate contextualization transforms the psalm from a general expression of praise into a deeply personal testimony of deliverance. The opening verse then serves as David's immediate, visceral response to God's intervention, setting the theme of grateful worship that permeates the subsequent acrostic structure of the psalm, where each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet (though this is not evident in the English translation of [Psalm 34](/psalms/34 "Psalm 34 - The Lord Delivers the Righteous")). The psalm unfolds as an invitation to others to join in this praise, to "magnify the LORD with me" ([Psalm 34:3](/psalms/34-3 "Psalm 34:3 - Magnify the Lord")), and to "taste and see that the LORD is good" ([Psalm 34:8](/psalms/34-8 "Psalm 34:8 - Taste and See That the Lord Is Good")), all rooted in the experience of God's delivering power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Psalm 34:1 is David's flight from King Saul, who was relentlessly pursuing him ([1 Samuel 21](/1_samuel/21 "1 Samuel 21 - David Flees Saul")). In a moment of desperation, David sought refuge with Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, a city notorious for its giant warriors (Goliath was from Gath, [1 Samuel 17:4](/1_samuel/17-4 "1 Samuel 17:4 - Goliath of Gath")). This was an incredibly dangerous move, as David was a celebrated warrior who had previously killed thousands of Philistines ([1 Samuel 18:7](/1_samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7 - Saul's Jealousy of David")). When recognized, David feigned madness—scribbling on doors, letting saliva run down his beard—a culturally understood sign of mental instability that would make him undesirable and harmless. The "Abimelech" in the superscription is likely a royal title, akin to "Pharaoh" for Egyptian kings, with Achish being the specific king's name. David's escape from Gath was an act of God's grace, allowing him to survive a truly perilous and humiliating situation. His subsequent praise was not a casual utterance but a profound, heartfelt response to divine intervention in a moment of extreme vulnerability.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 34:1 introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Unwavering Praise in Adversity**, demonstrating David's commitment to worship God regardless of his terrifying and humiliating circumstances. This is a deliberate choice to praise, transforming fear into faith. Secondly, the verse underscores **God's Deliverance**, as David's praise is a direct, immediate response to the Lord's faithful intervention and protection in Gath. His escape was not by his own cunning alone, but by God's hand. Thirdly, the phrases "at all times" and "continually be in my mouth" emphasize **Continual Worship** as a lifestyle, not merely an occasional act. This speaks to a perpetual state of gratitude and devotion, reflecting a deep, abiding trust in God's character and sovereignty. Finally, the psalm implicitly touches upon the theme of **Trust in God's Providence**, acknowledging that even in the most desperate human situations, God remains in control and acts on behalf of those who seek Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bless (בָּרַךְ, _barak'_):** This Hebrew verb carries a rich theological meaning far beyond merely speaking well of someone. When applied to God, it signifies an act of reverent worship and adoration, often involving kneeling or prostrating oneself (though not explicitly stated in the text, this is the root meaning), acknowledging His inherent goodness, sovereignty, and blessedness. To "bless the LORD" is to acknowledge His supreme worth and to express profound gratitude and reverence for who He is and what He has done. It is an act of recognizing and declaring God's glorious nature.
* **At all times (בְּכָל־עֵת, _b'khol-et'_):** This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive and unceasing nature of David's commitment to praise. It signifies "in every season," "in every circumstance," encompassing moments of joy, sorrow, peace, and turmoil. It speaks to a persistent, unwavering disposition of the heart that finds expression regardless of external conditions, reflecting a deep-seated trust in God's unchanging character.
* **Continually (תָּמִיד, _tamid'_):** This adverb reinforces the idea of an unbroken flow or perpetual state. In other biblical contexts, _tamid_ is used to describe the daily sacrifices in the temple (e.g., [Exodus 29:42](/exodus/29-42 "Exodus 29:42 - The Continual Burnt Offering")), implying regularity, consistency, and an unbroken presence. Here, it transforms the concept of praise from an occasional act into a consistent, enduring practice, a lifestyle of worship that is always "in my mouth."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ [A Psalm] of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed.":** This is the superscription, a divinely inspired interpretive heading that grounds the psalm in a specific historical event. It refers to David's desperate flight from King Saul, seeking refuge with King Achish of Gath, a Philistine city ([1 Samuel 21:10-15](/1_samuel/21-10 "1 Samuel 21:10-15 - David's Escape from Gath")). The name "Abimelech" is understood by scholars as a royal title, similar to "Pharaoh," rather than Achish's personal name. David's "changed behaviour" refers to his feigning madness to escape capture or death, a humiliating but effective strategy that led to his expulsion from Gath. This superscription sets the stage for the psalm as a testimony of God's deliverance from a perilous situation.
* **"I will bless the LORD at all times:":** This clause marks David's immediate, personal, and resolute response to his deliverance. The "I will" (אֲבָרְכָה, _avarkhah_, a cohortative verb) expresses a strong personal commitment and intention. Despite the recent humiliation and danger, David's first inclination is not to complain or despair, but to actively choose to "bless the LORD." This demonstrates a profound act of faith, recognizing God's hand in his escape and resolving to offer Him worship irrespective of the circumstances he has just endured or those he might face in the future.
* **"his praise [shall] continually [be] in my mouth.":** This second clause parallels and amplifies the first, emphasizing the vocal and public nature of David's commitment. His inward resolve to bless the Lord will find outward expression through "praise" (תְּהִלָּתוֹ, _tehillato_). The phrase "in my mouth" signifies that this praise will be spoken, sung, and declared, making it an active and ongoing testimony. The adverb "continually" reinforces the idea of an unbroken, consistent flow of worship, suggesting that praise is not merely a reaction to good times but a constant disposition, a lifestyle of gratitude that flows from a heart fixed on God's faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 34:1 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is the **Superscription**, which functions as an interpretive frame, grounding the psalm in a specific historical narrative and immediately informing the reader of the context for David's profound declaration of praise. This device elevates the psalm from a generic expression to a personal testimony. The verse also utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism** between its two main clauses: "I will bless the LORD at all times" and "his praise shall continually be in my mouth." These phrases do not merely repeat but reinforce and intensify the same core idea—a commitment to perpetual worship. "Blessing the LORD" and "His praise in my mouth" are two ways of expressing the same devotion, while "at all times" and "continually" emphasize the unbroken nature of this worship. Furthermore, the phrase "in my mouth" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the mouth) represents the whole (David's entire being and life devoted to praise). This highlights the vocal and active nature of his worship, which is not merely internal but expressed outwardly.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 34:1 establishes a foundational theological truth: praise to God is not merely a response to favorable circumstances but a deliberate act of faith and a spiritual discipline to be maintained "at all times." David's commitment to bless the Lord even after a humiliating and terrifying ordeal demonstrates that authentic worship flows from a deep trust in God's character and sovereignty, rather than from fleeting emotions or external comfort. This verse teaches that our praise can transform our perspective in adversity, shifting our focus from our problems to God's unchanging faithfulness and delivering power. It underscores that God is worthy of our continuous adoration, not just for what He does, but for who He is, and that a life of praise is a life lived in constant acknowledgment of His presence and goodness.

* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Prayer with Thanksgiving")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:18](/1_thessalonians/5-18 "1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Give Thanks in All Circumstances")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 34:1 offers profound encouragement and a challenging call to action for believers today. David's resolute declaration to "bless the LORD at all times" provides a powerful model for cultivating a heart of praise that transcends our immediate circumstances. In a world often characterized by anxiety, fear, and complaint, David's example teaches us to deliberately choose worship as our primary response to life's trials, just as he did after feigning madness to escape a perilous situation. This act of faith-filled praise is not a denial of suffering but a profound affirmation of God's unchanging character and His ultimate faithfulness. When we intentionally choose to praise God amidst our struggles, we shift our focus from our limited perspective to His infinite power and love, reminding ourselves that He is sovereign and capable of delivering us, just as He delivered David. This verse encourages us to integrate gratitude and worship into the very fabric of our daily lives, making them essential components of our walk with God, transforming our outlook and strengthening our trust in Him, no matter what challenges life presents.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for you personally to "bless the LORD at all times," especially during difficult or humiliating circumstances?**
* **How can you cultivate a habit of continual praise, ensuring God's praise is "continually in your mouth," even when you don't feel like it?**
* **Reflect on a time when you experienced God's deliverance. How did that experience shape your desire or ability to praise Him?**
* **In what practical ways can you express your praise to God today, moving beyond mere words to a lifestyle of worship?**

### FAQ

**Why is "Abimelech" used in the superscription when 1 Samuel 21 refers to "Achish"?**

Answer: The discrepancy between "Abimelech" in the Psalm's superscription and "Achish" in [1 Samuel 21:10-15](/1_samuel/21-10 "1 Samuel 21:10-15 - David's Flight to Gath") is commonly understood by scholars as "Abimelech" being a royal title, much like "Pharaoh" for Egyptian kings or "Caesar" for Roman emperors. Achish was the specific king of Gath reigning at the time of David's encounter. Therefore, the superscription uses the generic royal title, while the historical narrative provides the specific name of the individual monarch. This practice was not uncommon in the ancient Near East, where royal titles often carried significant cultural and religious weight.

**How can one truly "bless the LORD at all times" when facing extreme hardship or despair?**

Answer: To "bless the LORD at all times" is a profound act of faith and a deliberate choice, not merely an emotional response. It acknowledges that God's worthiness of praise is inherent to His nature, independent of our circumstances. When facing hardship, it means choosing to focus on God's unchanging character, His past faithfulness, and His ultimate promises, rather than being consumed by present difficulties. It's a spiritual discipline that transforms perspective, allowing believers to find strength and hope even in the darkest moments. This commitment is often a "sacrifice of praise" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")), offered not because one feels joyful, but because one knows God is good and sovereign, even when the path is unclear.

**Is "his praise shall continually be in my mouth" solely about vocal praise, or does it imply more?**

Answer: While the phrase "in my mouth" certainly implies vocal expression—singing, speaking, testifying—it encompasses more than just audible words. It points to a lifestyle of perpetual gratitude and worship that flows from the heart. It signifies a disposition of constant awareness of God's goodness and presence, where praise becomes a natural, ongoing outflow of one's being. This includes not only spoken words but also thoughts, attitudes, and actions that honor God. It suggests that praise is not an occasional activity but an integral part of one's daily existence, an unbroken communion with the Divine, reflecting a deep and abiding trust in the Lord's faithfulness and provision.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 34:1, with David's resolute commitment to perpetual praise in the face of profound adversity, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. David's deliverance from Achish was a shadow of the greater deliverance accomplished by the true Son of David. Jesus, the perfect man, perfectly embodied this commitment to bless the Lord at all times, even unto death. His life was a continuous act of praise and obedience to the Father, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Where David feigned madness to escape death, Jesus willingly embraced suffering and death, trusting in His Father's deliverance, even crying out, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" ([Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus' Last Words of Trust")). Through His resurrection, Christ became the ultimate deliverer, conquering sin and death, thereby enabling all who believe in Him to offer genuine, continual praise. Our ability to "bless the LORD at all times" is not based on our own strength or circumstances, but on the finished work of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Because Christ has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")), believers can, through Him, offer a "sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")), knowing that in Him, we are "more than conquerors" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")) and can "give thanks in all circumstances" ([1 Thessalonians 5:18](/1_thessalonians/5-18 "1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Give Thanks in All Circumstances")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.