Psalms 34:14

Commentary on Psalms 34:14

Psalms 34:14 is a profound and practical instruction from King David, summarizing a pathway to a blessed and righteous life. This verse serves as a concise summary of ethical and spiritual conduct, urging believers to actively turn away from sin and proactively embrace goodness and harmony in their relationships.

Context

Psalm 34 is a psalm of David, composed after his encounter with Abimelech (Achish), king of Gath, where David feigned madness to escape capture (see 1 Samuel 21:10-15). Having experienced God's deliverance firsthand, David praises the Lord and then offers wisdom and instruction to those who fear God, emphasizing the benefits of righteous living. Verse 14 is a core part of this instruction, detailing how one should live to experience the Lord's favor and protection.

Key Themes

• Depart from Evil: This command is a call to active repentance and moral separation. It requires a conscious decision to turn away from sinful thoughts, words, and deeds. It's not merely avoiding wrongdoing, but a decisive break from the path of iniquity. This aligns with the broader biblical call to depart from evil by fearing the Lord.
• And Do Good: This is the positive counterpart to "depart from evil." It's not enough to simply cease doing wrong; one must actively engage in righteous and beneficial actions. This involves acts of kindness, justice, compassion, and living in a way that honors God and blesses others, as exemplified in the instruction to do good unto all men.
• Seek Peace: This emphasizes a proactive desire for harmony and well-being, both personally and in relationships with others. The Hebrew word for peace, shalom (שָׁלוֹם), is comprehensive, encompassing not just the absence of conflict but also wholeness, prosperity, health, and flourishing. It's about earnestly desiring a state of complete well-being.
• And Pursue It: This final phrase elevates the desire for peace into an active, persistent effort. It means to chase after peace, to run after it, to make it a priority in one's life, even when it is difficult. This active pursuit of peace is a recurring theme in Scripture, urging believers to follow peace with all men and holiness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verbs used convey strong, active meanings:

• "Depart" (סוּר - sur) means to turn aside, to remove oneself decisively.
• "Do good" (עָשָׂה טוֹב - asah tov) implies performing, making, or actively engaging in what is morally excellent.
• "Seek" (בַּקֵּשׁ - baqqesh) denotes an earnest, diligent search or request.
• "Pursue" (רָדַף - radaf) means to chase, run after, or diligently follow, indicating relentless effort.

Significance and Application

Psalms 34:14 provides a timeless blueprint for Christian living. It calls for a dual commitment: a negative command to abstain from evil, and a positive command to actively engage in good and pursue peace. This verse reminds us that spiritual growth and healthy relationships are not passive states but require deliberate choices and consistent effort. For believers today, it encourages a life of moral integrity, active benevolence, and diligent peacemaking, reflecting God's own character and contributing to the well-being of society, as also advised in Romans 12:18, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."