Psalms 34:11

ยถ Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Come {H3212}, ye children {H1121}, hearken {H8085} unto me: I will teach {H3925} you the fear {H3374} of the LORD {H3068}.

Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of ADONAI.

Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of Jehovah.

Commentary

Context

Psalm 34 is a psalm of thanksgiving attributed to David, written after he feigned madness before Abimelech (Achish) and was driven away (see 1 Samuel 21:10-15). Having experienced God's deliverance firsthand, David calls others to join him in praising the LORD and invites them, particularly the "children" (perhaps young people or those seeking instruction), to learn from his experience and the wisdom he has gained. Verse 11 marks a transition from his personal testimony and general exhortation to a direct invitation to receive teaching.

Key Themes

  • Invitation to Learn: David positions himself as a teacher, eager to impart crucial spiritual knowledge. The address "Come, ye children, hearken unto me" signifies a call to discipleship and attentive listening.
  • The Fear of the LORD: This is the core subject of the teaching. In biblical wisdom literature, the "fear of the LORD" is often described as the beginning of wisdom. It is not mere terror, but a profound reverence, respect, awe, and submission to God's authority and holiness, which leads to obedience and a life aligned with His will.
  • Instruction and Wisdom: The verse promises instruction in the most vital knowledge โ€“ understanding and living in proper relationship with God. This teaching is foundational for a blessed and righteous life, as the subsequent verses in Psalm 34 elaborate.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "fear of the LORD" translates the Hebrew yir'at Yahweh (ื™ึดืจึฐืึทืช ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื”). As mentioned, yir'ah (fear) in this context carries the weight of deep respect, reverence, and awe, not just fright. It implies recognizing God's supreme power and holiness and responding with humility and obedience. The word "hearken" (ืฉึดืืžึฐืขื•ึผ - shim'u) means more than just 'hear'; it implies listening attentively with the intent to obey, similar to the call heard elsewhere in scripture to "Hear, O Israel".

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless invitation for all who seek spiritual understanding. David's call to "hearken" is a call to actively listen to God's Word and the wisdom passed down through faithful teachers. Learning the fear of the LORD today involves studying the Bible, understanding God's character, acknowledging His sovereignty, and living a life of obedience and trust. It is the foundation upon which a genuine relationship with God is built and is essential for navigating life's challenges with wisdom and integrity.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 1:7

    ยถ The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.

  • Psalms 111:10

    The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endureth for ever.

  • Proverbs 2:1

    ยถ My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

  • Proverbs 2:9

    Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; [yea], every good path.

  • Psalms 32:8

    I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

  • Isaiah 28:9

    ยถ Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? [them that are] weaned from the milk, [and] drawn from the breasts.

  • Matthew 18:2

    And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,