Psalms 34:7

KJV

The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

KJV (with Strong's)

The angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} encampeth {H2583} round about {H5439} them that fear {H3373} him, and delivereth {H2502} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

The angel of ADONAI, who encamps around those who fear him, delivers them.

Berean Standard Bible

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.

American Standard Version

The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear him, And delivereth them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 34:7 offers a profound declaration of divine protection and active intervention for those who hold God in reverent awe. It vividly portrays the "angel of the LORD" establishing a comprehensive, defensive perimeter around the faithful, assuring them of God's unwavering commitment to guard and rescue them from peril. This verse provides deep spiritual comfort, highlighting God's personal, powerful, and tangible involvement in the lives of His devoted followers, promising not just His presence but also His efficacious deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 34 is a psalm of thanksgiving, attributed to David, and structured as an acrostic poem, though the acrostic pattern is somewhat loose in places. It recounts David's personal experience of crying out to the Lord and receiving deliverance from all his fears, as expressed in [Psalm 34:4](/psalms/34-4 "Psalm 34:4 - David's Deliverance from Fears"). Verse 7 serves as a powerful theological generalization of this personal testimony, extending the promise of divine protection to all who "fear him." It functions as a foundational truth that undergirds the subsequent invitation to "taste and see that the LORD is good" in [Psalm 34:8](/psalms/34-8 "Psalm 34:8 - Invitation to Experience God's Goodness"), implying that the security offered is a direct benefit of a reverent relationship with God. The surrounding verses consistently emphasize God's attentiveness to the cries of the righteous and His steadfast opposition to the wicked, framing verse 7 as a central affirmation of God's covenant faithfulness and protective nature.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription of Psalm 34 links it to David's desperate flight from King Saul, specifically when he feigned madness before Achish (referred to as Abimelech in the superscription, potentially a generic title for Philistine kings) in Gath to escape capture ([1 Samuel 21:10-15](/1_samuel/21-10-15 "1 Samuel 21:10-15 - David's Escape from Gath")). David's experience of miraculous escape and divine preservation in a hostile foreign land forms the immediate historical backdrop for the psalm's themes of divine deliverance. The imagery of an "encampment" would have resonated deeply in the ancient Near East, where military encampments provided vital security and defense for armies, caravans, or vulnerable communities. The concept of the "angel of the LORD" was also well-established in Israelite thought, often signifying a unique divine manifestation or a powerful celestial being acting as God's personal representative, frequently associated with protection, guidance, and judgment (e.g., the Angel of the LORD leading Israel in [Exodus 14:19](/exodus/14-19 "Exodus 14:19 - The Angel of God Leads Israel")).
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 34:7 encapsulates several major theological themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the broader Old Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Protection and Security**, portraying God not as a distant observer but as an active, immanent guardian who surrounds and defends His people. This is intimately connected to the theme of **Active Deliverance**, where God intervenes directly to rescue the faithful from various perils, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Crucially, this protection is predicated upon **The Fear of the LORD**, which is not a cowering terror but a profound reverence, awe, and humble submission to God's sovereignty and holiness, leading to obedience and trust. This "fear" is consistently presented as the beginning of wisdom and the foundation of a right relationship with God ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")). Finally, the verse highlights **Angelic Ministry**, underscoring the unseen spiritual forces God employs to accomplish His purposes and minister to His saints, a concept affirmed in both Old and New Testaments ([Hebrews 1:14](/hebrews/1-14 "Hebrews 1:14 - Angels as Ministering Spirits")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Angel (Hebrew, _mălʼâk'_):** (H4397) From an unused root meaning "to despatch as a deputy," this term refers to a messenger, specifically, of God, i.e., an angel. It can also denote a prophet, priest, or teacher. In this context, combined with "of the LORD," it signifies a divine messenger of exceptional power and authority, often understood as a special manifestation of God's own presence or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ (a Christophany). The presence of such an "angel" underscores the direct, personal, and powerful nature of God's intervention.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often rendered "Jehovah" or "Yahweh," signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal One." Its use here, in conjunction with "angel," emphasizes that the protective action is not merely by a created being but by God's own authoritative representative, acting with the full power and character of the covenant-keeping God.
* **encampeth (Hebrew, _chânâh'_):** (H2583) A primitive root meaning "to incline," by implication "to decline," specifically "to pitch a tent," or generally "to encamp." This verb evokes the vivid imagery of a military unit setting up a defensive camp, creating a secure perimeter. When applied to the "angel of the LORD," it powerfully portrays a comprehensive, surrounding defense, a protective encirclement that leaves no flank exposed, ensuring the absolute security of those within its bounds.
* **fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** (H3373) This term, derived from a root meaning "to fear," signifies more than mere terror. In a moral and spiritual context, it denotes a profound reverence, awe, and humble respect for God's holiness, power, and majesty. It is a recognition of His supreme authority that leads to obedience, trust, and a desire to live in alignment with His will. This "fear" is the foundation of a right relationship with God and the prerequisite for experiencing His promised protection and deliverance.
* **delivereth (Hebrew, _châlats'_):** (H2502) A primitive root meaning "to pull off," "to strip," or by implication, "to deliver," "to equip (for fight)," or "to strengthen." In this verse, it carries the strong sense of rescue, liberation, or extrication from danger or distress. It implies an active, powerful intervention that frees one from a threatening situation, assuring the faithful that God's protection is not passive but results in tangible salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The angel of the LORD":** This opening phrase introduces the divine agent of protection, emphasizing that God's intervention is not abstract but mediated through a powerful, active force. The specific designation "angel of the LORD" points to a unique, authoritative manifestation of God's protective presence and power, acting directly on His behalf.
* **"encampeth round about them that fear him":** This clause describes the nature and scope of the divine protection. The imagery of "encamping round about" signifies a complete, encompassing defense, a secure perimeter established by this divine agent. The recipients of this protection are specifically identified as "them that fear him," emphasizing that God's protective care is extended to those who demonstrate genuine reverence, awe, and obedient trust in Him. This highlights the conditional aspect of this specific promise, linking divine favor to a posture of humility and devotion.
* **"and delivereth them":** This final clause states the ultimate outcome and purpose of the divine encampment. The protection is not passive but active, culminating in tangible "deliverance." This implies rescue from dangers, adversaries, and difficult circumstances, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. It assures the faithful that God's presence is not merely comforting but efficacious, leading to actual salvation and liberation from peril.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 34:7 is rich in **Imagery**, primarily employing the vivid military image of an **encampment**. This **metaphor** conveys a powerful sense of strong, organized, and comprehensive protection, much like a fortified camp surrounding its inhabitants. The "angel of the LORD" can be seen as an instance of **Personification**, as this divine agent is depicted performing an active, protective role. There is also a clear implicit **Cause and Effect** relationship: the "fear of the LORD" (the cause) leads to the divine "encampment" and subsequent "deliverance" (the effect). The verse also utilizes **Synecdoche** where "angel of the LORD" represents the larger protective power and presence of God Himself. The concise nature of the verse, coupled with its powerful imagery, makes it a memorable and comforting declaration of God's faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates God's active, personal, and immanent involvement in the lives of His faithful. It underscores the theological truth that God is not a distant deity but an ever-present Protector who deploys His resources, including unseen spiritual forces, to safeguard those who honor Him. The "angel of the LORD" often serves as a manifestation of God's own presence, reinforcing the idea of divine omnipresence and omnipotence in guarding His people. The condition "them that fear him" highlights the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship: God's promises of protection are activated by a heart of reverence and obedience, demonstrating that a right relationship with the Creator is foundational to experiencing His full care. This protection extends beyond mere physical safety to spiritual deliverance from the snares of the enemy and the trials of life, ensuring ultimate salvation and well-being for those who trust in Him.

* [Psalm 91:11-12](/psalms/91-11-12 "Psalm 91:11-12 - Angels Guarding the Righteous")
* [Hebrews 1:14](/hebrews/1-14 "Hebrews 1:14 - Angels as Ministering Spirits for Heirs of Salvation")
* [2 Kings 6:15-17](/2_kings/6-15-17 "2 Kings 6:15-17 - Elisha's Servant Sees Angelic Armies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 34:7 offers profound encouragement and a call to deeper trust for believers navigating a world filled with uncertainty, opposition, and peril. In moments of fear, anxiety, or direct threat, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that we are never truly alone. God, through His powerful agents, actively "encampeth round about" us, establishing a divine perimeter of protection that transcends human understanding. This promise does not guarantee an absence of trials, suffering, or even physical harm, but it assures us of God's sovereign presence and ultimate deliverance through them. Our vital role is to cultivate a genuine "fear of the LORD"—not a cowering dread, but a humble reverence that acknowledges His majesty, trusts His wisdom, and seeks to obey His will in all circumstances. When we live in this posture of awe, submission, and trust, we position ourselves to experience His tangible care, intervention, and ultimate salvation. This verse invites us to rest in the peace that comes from knowing unseen spiritual forces are at work on our behalf, orchestrated by a loving and omnipotent God who is deeply committed to our well-being and eternal destiny. It challenges us to examine our hearts: do we truly fear the Lord, and does that fear translate into a life of unwavering trust and obedient devotion?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "fearing the LORD" practically look like in your daily life, and how does it influence your decisions and reactions to challenges?**
* **How does the imagery of the "angel of the LORD encamp[ing] round about" you bring comfort or challenge your perspective on difficulties and unseen spiritual realities?**
* **Can you recall a specific instance when you experienced God's "deliverance" in a tangible way, even if it was not immediately apparent or was spiritual rather than physical?**
* **How might cultivating a deeper reverence for God impact your response to fear, uncertainty, and the various forms of spiritual warfare you encounter?**

### FAQ

**Who is "the angel of the LORD" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The angel of the LORD" (Hebrew: _malakh Yahweh_) is a unique and significant figure in the Old Testament. While sometimes referring to a powerful angelic being, in many instances, biblical scholars interpret this figure as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ (a Christophany) or a direct manifestation of God Himself. This figure often speaks with divine authority, accepts worship, and performs actions only God can do (e.g., in [Genesis 16:7-13](/genesis/16-7-13 "Genesis 16:7-13 - Hagar and the Angel of the LORD"), the Angel of the LORD speaks as God, and in [Exodus 3:2-6](/exodus/3-2-6 "Exodus 3:2-6 - Moses and the Burning Bush"), identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). In Psalm 34:7, it signifies a powerful, personal, and active divine presence ensuring protection and deliverance.

**What does it mean to "fear him" in the context of this psalm?**

Answer: To "fear him" (Hebrew: _yare'_) in this biblical context does not mean to be terrified of God, but rather to hold Him in profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission. It encompasses recognizing His absolute sovereignty, holiness, and power, which naturally leads to a desire to obey His commands, trust His wisdom, and worship Him wholeheartedly. This "fear" is consistently presented as the foundation of wisdom ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")) and a prerequisite for experiencing God's blessings and protection. It's a humble acknowledgment of who God is and our rightful place before Him, fostering a relationship of trust and obedience.

**Is the protection promised in this verse guaranteed for every believer in all circumstances?**

Answer: The promise of protection and deliverance in Psalm 34:7 is profound and true for those who fear the Lord, but it must be understood within the broader biblical narrative and God's sovereign purposes. While God's protective presence is constant for His people, "deliverance" does not always mean exemption from suffering, trials, or even physical death. Rather, it signifies God's ultimate faithfulness to bring His people through difficulties, often providing spiritual strength, inner peace, and eventual salvation. For instance, martyrs were not delivered from physical death, yet they experienced ultimate spiritual deliverance and triumph in Christ. God's protection is always according to His perfect will and for our ultimate good, which may sometimes involve passing through the fire, knowing He is intimately with us ([Isaiah 43:2](/isaiah/43-2 "Isaiah 43:2 - God's Presence in Trials")). The ultimate deliverance is always spiritual and eternal, securing our souls for eternity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 34:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Angel of the LORD," often understood as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ Himself, foreshadows His definitive role as the divine Protector and Deliverer. In His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated this protective power, calming raging storms ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), healing the sick, and casting out demons, literally "delivering" people from various forms of bondage and affliction. More significantly, Christ's sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection represent the ultimate deliverance from the power of sin, death, and the grave itself ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Delivers from Death")). For those who "fear Him" – which in the New Covenant means to believe in, trust, and follow Jesus as Lord and Savior – the Holy Spirit, the very Spirit of Christ, now "encampeth round about" them, dwelling within them as a constant presence, seal, and guarantee of God's protection and eternal inheritance ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the promise of divine presence and deliverance is not merely an external angelic guard but an internal, indwelling reality through Christ, who is our ultimate refuge and strength, our ever-present help in times of trouble ([Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is our Refuge and Strength")). He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, ensuring their ultimate safety and eternal well-being ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 91:11

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

Daniel 6:22

My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

Hebrews 1:14

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

2 Kings 19:35

¶ And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses.

2 Kings 6:17

And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain [was] full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

Genesis 32:1

¶ And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.

Genesis 32:2

And when Jacob saw them, he said, This [is] God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.