Psalms 34:4

I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

I sought {H1875} the LORD {H3068}, and he heard {H6030} me, and delivered {H5337} me from all my fears {H4035}.

I sought ADONAI, and he answered me; he rescued me from everything I feared.

I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.

I sought Jehovah, and he answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.

Commentary

Psalm 34:4 (KJV) beautifully captures a powerful truth about God's responsiveness to those who seek Him, particularly in times of distress. It states, "I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."

Context of Psalm 34:4

This psalm is attributed to David, specifically recounting his experience when he "feigned madness before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed" (Psalm 34:1 superscription). Historically, this event is detailed in 1 Samuel 21:10-15, where the Philistine king is named Achish. David, fleeing from King Saul, found himself in a precarious situation, fearing for his life. In this desperate moment, David turned to the LORD, and this verse testifies to the profound relief and peace he experienced as a result of God's intervention, not just from the external threat but from the internal turmoil of his fears.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Earnest Seeking: The phrase "I sought the LORD" implies an active, intentional, and often desperate turning to God. It's not a casual inquiry but a fervent pursuit of His presence and help.
  • God's Responsiveness: "He heard me" highlights God's attentiveness to the prayers and cries of His people. God is not distant or indifferent; He listens and responds. This assurance is a cornerstone of faith, reinforcing the belief that when we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him.
  • Deliverance from Fears: Significantly, David was delivered "from all my fears." While God often delivers from external dangers (as He did for David from Achish), this verse emphasizes the internal deliverance from anxiety, dread, and the psychological burden of fear. This speaks to God's ability to grant inner peace amidst outer turmoil.
  • Testimony of Faith: The verse serves as a personal testimony, encouraging others to seek God and trust in His unfailing help. David's experience becomes a beacon of hope for those facing similar struggles.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "sought" is darash (דרשׁ), which means to inquire, to seek diligently, to frequent a place, or to worship. It suggests a serious and intentional effort to connect with God.
  • "Heard" comes from the Hebrew anah (ענה), which implies not just perceiving sound but responding, answering, or afflicting (in other contexts, but here, answering). God's hearing is always followed by a response.
  • "Delivered" is natsal (הציל), meaning to snatch away, to rescue, to pull out. It conveys the idea of being pulled out of danger or distress, emphasizing God's active intervention. The specificity "from all my fears" indicates that God's deliverance encompasses both physical and psychological well-being.

Practical Application

Psalm 34:4 offers profound encouragement for believers today. When faced with overwhelming anxiety, dread, or any form of fear, the pathway to peace is to actively seek the LORD. This involves prayer, meditation on His word, and trusting in His character. God promises to hear our cries and, just as He did for David, to provide deliverance—not necessarily by removing the challenging circumstances, but by calming our hearts and minds, granting a peace that transcends all understanding. This verse reminds us that true freedom from fear comes from a deep, abiding relationship with God.

For further study on God's deliverance from fear and anxiety, consider Isaiah 41:10 and 2 Timothy 1:7, which both speak to God's provision against a spirit of fear.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 18:6 (142 votes)

    In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, [even] into his ears.

  • Matthew 7:7 (102 votes)

    Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

  • Psalms 116:1 (100 votes)

    ¶ I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice [and] my supplications.

  • Psalms 116:6 (100 votes)

    The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

  • Psalms 56:3 (90 votes)

    What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

  • 2 Timothy 1:7 (80 votes)

    For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

  • Jonah 2:2 (61 votes)

    And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, [and] thou heardest my voice.