Today’s passage: Psalm 34
Helpful thoughts:
- This Psalm was written after the events of 1 Samuel 21. If you read the description for the psalm in your Bible, it might be confusing because the priest David visited was named “Ahimelech” but “Abimelech” is the name given to the kings of the Philistines. So, the “Abimelech” the psalm refers to in 1 Samuel 21 is actually Achish the king of Gath.
- When David might have been tempted to pat himself on the back for his evasive maneuver, he rightly thanked God for his safety.
- Verse 20 is referenced in John 19:36. Jesus died on the cross before the soldiers went to break the legs of the crucified in order to hasten their death. Another prophecy fulfilled.
Questions to consider:
- What was the criteria for those who will not be condemned in verse 22? How does this compare to Romans 8:1? How do we take refuge in Jesus Christ?
- What would David had to have done before he could rightly praise God for his protection after having faked insanity? Was he excusing his fabrication or thinking God rewarded him for his clever idea (His lie)? Did David escape the Philistine king because of his lie or because God willed it?
- Where would we be wise to redirect praise away from ourselves and to the Lord for His mercies, giving credit where credit is due?