They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
They looked {H5027} unto him, and were lightened {H5102}: and their faces {H6440} were not ashamed {H2659}.
They looked to him and grew radiant; their faces will never blush for shame.
Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces shall never be ashamed.
They looked unto him, and were radiant; And their faces shall never be confounded.
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Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. -
Psalms 123:1
¶ A Song of degrees. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. -
Psalms 123:2
Behold, as the eyes of servants [look] unto the hand of their masters, [and] as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes [wait] upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us. -
Psalms 25:3
Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. -
Psalms 18:28
For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. -
Psalms 36:9
For with thee [is] the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. -
Psalms 97:11
Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
Commentary on Psalms 34:5 KJV
Psalms 34:5 declares, "They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed." This verse offers a powerful testament to the transformative power of seeking God, promising divine illumination and freedom from shame to those who turn to Him.
Context
Psalm 34 is a psalm of David, traditionally believed to have been written after his escape from Achish, king of Gath (whom the KJV calls Abimelech), as recorded in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. In this precarious situation, David feigned madness to preserve his life, and God delivered him. The psalm is therefore a song of thanksgiving and an invitation for others to taste and see the goodness of the Lord. Verse 5 follows David's personal testimony of seeking the Lord and being heard, extending this promise to all who similarly seek God.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "lightened," nahar (נָהַר), means "to stream, to shine, to flow." It conveys the idea of radiating light or brightness, suggesting an inner illumination or joy that becomes visible outwardly. The word for "ashamed," chapher (חָפֵר), means "to be confounded, disappointed, or put to shame." The negation "not ashamed" therefore implies a state of being vindicated, confident, and satisfied, rather than humiliated or defeated.
Practical Application
This verse offers immense encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that no matter our circumstances, turning our gaze toward God in prayer and faith will lead to positive transformation. When we seek Him:
It's an invitation to cultivate a lifestyle of looking to God, knowing that He is ever-responsive to those who sincerely seek Him, filling them with His light and delivering them from shame.