We can read about the background to Psalm 34 in 1 Samuel 21 as this next Psalm Of David is specifically said to have been written When he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he left. David, having decided to seek refuge in the Philistine court then thought better of it but could only get out by faining madness. Having said that, there is no obvious connection except the opening line I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips and the statements about God having delivered David. David seeks through his experience to encourage praise, faith and obedience in others. There are many verses that we could profitably take up to meditate on but to light just on verse 7 - here we are told that God does two things for those who fear him. Those who fear him are those (see verses 11-14) who, it is explained, keep their tongues from evil, do good and pursue peace. First, the angel of the LORD, which must refer ultimately to the Christ encamps around them. Just as an army encamps so does God's Angel or Messenger, his Christ. He is there to defend at any moment. More than that, he actually delivers. What a comfort there is in such a thought. We cannot see the angel of the LORD, of course, but we can know that he is there and we can be sure that he will deliver us at all times whatever the trouble. His way may not cover us in honour but we will escape nevertheless. Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned but The LORD redeems his servants; no-one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.
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