Psalms 34:5

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.

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

  • Seeking God's Presence: The phrase "They looked unto him" emphasizes the act of turning to God in faith, prayer, and dependence. It's an active posture of expectation and reliance on divine intervention rather than human strength or cunning.
  • Divine Illumination and Guidance: To be "lightened" (Hebrew: nahar, נָהַר) signifies receiving understanding, joy, and spiritual radiance. It implies being enlightened by God's truth, having burdens lifted, and experiencing a sense of hope and clarity that dispels the darkness of distress or confusion. This resonates with other scriptures where God is described as light, such as Psalm 27:1, "The LORD is my light and my salvation."
  • Freedom from Shame and Vindication: "And their faces were not ashamed" speaks to the experience of vindication, honor, and confidence. In ancient cultures, shame was a deeply humiliating experience, often associated with failure, disgrace, or public exposure. This verse promises that those who trust in God will not be disappointed or disgraced; instead, they will find their hope confirmed and their integrity upheld. Their countenances will reflect joy and boldness, not humiliation. This promise echoes throughout scripture, assuring believers that whoever believes in Him shall not be put to shame.

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:

  • We can expect spiritual clarity and guidance in times of confusion.
  • We will find inner peace and joy that radiate outwardly, even amidst trials.
  • We are assured that our trust in God will not lead to disappointment or disgrace, but to ultimate vindication and honor.

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.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • 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.

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