Psalms 34:22

The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

The LORD {H3068} redeemeth {H6299} the soul {H5315} of his servants {H5650}: and none of them that trust {H2620} in him shall be desolate {H816}.

But ADONAI redeems his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

The LORD redeems His servants, and none who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

Jehovah redeemeth the soul of his servants; And none of them that take refuge in him shall be condemned.

Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 34:22

Psalm 34:22 concludes a powerful psalm of praise and testimony, emphasizing God's unfailing care and protection for those who serve and trust Him. This verse serves as a comforting assurance of divine faithfulness.

Context

This psalm, attributed to David, was likely composed after his terrifying escape from Abimelech (or Achish) of Gath, as referenced in the superscription (1 Samuel 21:10-15). Having feigned madness to preserve his life, David, upon his miraculous deliverance, poured out his heart in praise to God. The entire psalm celebrates God's attentive ear to the cries of the righteous and His consistent deliverance from their troubles, culminating in this final, overarching promise of redemption and preservation for His faithful ones.

Key Themes

  • Divine Redemption: The phrase "The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants" highlights God's active and powerful role as a deliverer. This redemption is not merely forgiveness but a comprehensive act of rescuing from distress, danger, and the ultimate consequences of sin. It points to God's broader plan of salvation and deliverance, ultimately fulfilled in Christ's atoning work.
  • God's Servants: The beneficiaries of this redemption are specified as "his servants" – those who live in obedience, devotion, and a committed relationship with the Lord. This emphasizes that God's covenant promises are for those who acknowledge His authority and serve Him.
  • Trust in the Lord: The second part of the verse connects redemption and protection directly to "them that trust in him." This trust is not passive but an active, confident reliance on God's character, power, and promises, especially amidst life's challenges. It echoes the wisdom found in Proverbs 3:5-6, which admonishes us to trust in the Lord with all our heart.
  • Protection from Desolation: The promise that "none of them that trust in him shall be desolate" assures believers of divine preservation and vindication. The term 'desolate' implies being utterly abandoned, condemned, or left without hope and help. God guarantees that His faithful will not face ultimate ruin, despair, or condemnation, but rather will be upheld and cared for.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "redeemeth" is padah (Χ€Χ“Χ”), which signifies to ransom, deliver, or set free. It implies an act of intervention to rescue from bondage or danger. This word emphasizes God's active, personal involvement in the deliverance of His people. The word "desolate" comes from the Hebrew 'asham (אשם), which can mean to be guilty, condemned, or suffer punishment for wrongdoing. In this context, it carries the nuance of not being held guilty, abandoned to consequences, or left in a state of utter ruin or despair by God.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 34:22 offers immense comfort and encouragement. It reminds us that even when facing life's deepest trials, God is actively involved in our deliverance and well-being. Our part is to live as His devoted servants and cultivate unwavering trust in His providence and power. This verse assures us that no matter how dire circumstances may seem, God will not abandon those who rely on Him; they will not be left in a state of ultimate despair or condemnation. It calls us to reflect on our own trust in God: Do we truly believe He will redeem us from our troubles, whether spiritual, emotional, or physical? The promise is clear: 'none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.' This divine promise reassures us of God's steadfast care, similar to the promise in Psalm 37:25, 'I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.'

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 103:4

    Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

  • 1 Peter 1:18

    Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;

  • 1 Peter 1:19

    But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

  • Psalms 71:23

    My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.

  • 2 Samuel 4:9

    ΒΆ And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, [As] the LORD liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity,

  • Romans 8:31

    ΒΆ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

  • Romans 8:39

    Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.