Psalms 34:5

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.