Taste and See That the Lord Is Good: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Psalm 34

Executive Summary ✨

Psalm 34, a powerful acrostic psalm attributed to David, is a profound invitation to Taste and See That the Lord Is Good. This psalm, birthed from a moment of apparent madness and deliverance, resonates deeply with the Coptic Orthodox understanding of God’s unwavering providence and tender mercy. It’s a hymn of praise, a manual for holy living, and a testament to the transformative power of faith. We explore its verses through the lens of our rich Patristic tradition, uncovering the hidden depths of its spiritual wisdom. From the fear of the Lord to the angelic encampment, from the brokenheartedness that attracts divine healing to the promise of eternal life, Psalm 34 offers a roadmap to a life centered on God. By examining its historical and geographical context, we gain insights into its universal applicability, even amidst the challenges of the modern world. This is a call to experience the Lord’s goodness firsthand, a call to trust in His promises, and a call to share His light with others.

Introduction: Psalm 34, subtitled “A Psalm of David when he pretended madness before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed,” is more than just a historical account. It’s a timeless invitation to experience the goodness of God. This psalm, like a fragrant offering, rises from the depths of human frailty and dependence, proclaiming the unwavering love and protection of the Lord for those who seek Him. Let us delve into its verses, illuminated by the wisdom of the Coptic Orthodox tradition, and discover how we too can Taste and See That the Lord Is Good.

Commentary Section 📖

Verse 1: I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Hebrew: אֲבָרֲכָה אֶת־יְהוָה בְּכָל־עֵת תָּמִיד תְּהִלָּתוֹ בְּפִי

KJV: I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

NKJV: I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

This opening verse sets the tone for the entire psalm. It is a declaration of unwavering devotion. “At all times” means even in times of suffering, doubt, and temptation. It is a call to cultivate a heart that is perpetually praising God. The phrase “continually be in my mouth” indicates a habit of thanksgiving that permeates our entire being. As St. Athanasius said, “Αδιαλείπτως δεῖ προσεύχεσθαι” (We must pray without ceasing) (Epistula ad Marcellinum, PG 27:12A).

Spiritual Application: Make a conscious effort to thank God throughout the day, even for small things. Start a gratitude journal and record the blessings you receive. Find a local church to pray and worship together with others. Consider joining church management software to help keep track of your spiritual growth.

Verse 2: My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.

Hebrew: בַּיהוָה תִּתְהַלֵּל נַפְשִׁי יִשְׁמְעוּ עֲנָוִים וְיִשְׂמָחוּ

KJV: My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.

NKJV: My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.

This verse is not about boasting in oneself, but in the Lord. It is about recognizing that all our blessings come from Him. “The humble shall hear of it and be glad” because they recognize their own dependence on God and rejoice in the testimonies of others. St. Augustine wrote, “Superbia est initium omnis peccati” (Pride is the beginning of all sin) (De Civitate Dei, XIV, 13). Humility, therefore, is essential for recognizing and receiving God’s grace.

Spiritual Application: Practice humility by acknowledging your weaknesses and seeking help from others. Share your experiences of God’s faithfulness with those around you, especially those who are struggling.

Verses 3-7: Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together… The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.

Hebrew (Verse 7): חֹנֶה מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה סָבִיב לִירֵאָיו וַיְחַלְּצֵם

KJV (Verse 7): The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

NKJV (Verse 7): The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.

This section emphasizes communal worship and the protection afforded to those who fear the Lord. The call to “magnify the Lord” together speaks to the importance of corporate prayer and fellowship within the Church. The image of the angel of the Lord encamping around those who fear Him is a powerful reminder of God’s constant protection. The Coptic Orthodox Church believes in the active role of angels in our lives, as guardians and intercessors. We see this reflected in our prayers and hymns. As St. Cyril of Alexandria said, “Άγγελοι φωτισταί και φύλακες ημών” (Angels are our enlighteners and guardians) (Commentary on Isaiah, PG 70:1325B). This angelic protection is conditional upon fearing the Lord, meaning having a reverent and obedient heart.

Spiritual Application: Make an effort to participate in communal worship and fellowship. Pray to your guardian angel for protection and guidance. Cultivate a reverent fear of the Lord, not out of terror, but out of love and respect.

Verse 8: Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

Hebrew: טַעֲמוּ וּרְאוּ כִּי־טוֹב יְהוָה אַשְׁרֵי הַגֶּבֶר יֶחֱסֶה־בּוֹ

KJV: O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

NKJV: Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

This verse is the heart of the psalm, the essence of the invitation. “Taste and see” is an invitation to a personal, experiential knowledge of God. It’s not enough to simply believe; we must experience His goodness in our lives. The phrase “blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” underscores the importance of faith and reliance on God. This is an invitation to the Holy Eucharist, the taste of which nourishes our souls. St. Ignatius of Antioch calls it “φάρμακον αθανασίας” (the medicine of immortality) (Ephesians, 20:2). Just as physical food nourishes the body, so too does the Eucharist nourish the soul, allowing us to truly “taste and see” the Lord’s goodness.

Spiritual Application: Spend time in prayer and meditation, seeking a deeper personal experience of God. Participate in the Holy Mysteries (Sacraments) of the Church, especially Holy Communion. Trust in God, even when you don’t understand His plans. Regularly attending services at your local church and receiving Eucharist can help with this!

Verses 9-14: Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints!… Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

This section emphasizes the ethical implications of fearing the Lord. It’s not merely about religious piety, but about living a life of righteousness and compassion. “Depart from evil and do good” is a call to moral integrity. “Seek peace and pursue it” highlights the importance of reconciliation and harmonious relationships. This is a call to holiness, a separation from the world and a dedication to God. The Fathers often speak of the “royal way” of virtue, balancing opposing forces and finding the narrow path to salvation.

Spiritual Application: Examine your conscience regularly and confess your sins. Strive to live a life of integrity and compassion. Be a peacemaker in your relationships and community. Practice forgiveness.

Verses 15-22: The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry… Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

This final section offers assurance and comfort to those who are suffering. “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous” indicates God’s watchful care and protection. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous” acknowledges the reality of suffering in this world. But the promise is clear: “the Lord delivers him out of them all.” This is not a promise of a life free from trouble, but a promise of God’s presence and support in the midst of our trials. The deuterocanonical book of Sirach echoes this sentiment, saying, “My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials” (Sirach 2:1). It is through these trials that our faith is tested and strengthened.

Spiritual Application: Remember that God is always with you, even in your darkest moments. Pray for strength and perseverance in times of suffering. Trust that God will ultimately deliver you from your trials, even if the deliverance looks different than you expect. Read and meditate on the lives of the saints for inspiration and encouragement.

Subtopic: The Fear of the Lord 🕊️

The “fear of the Lord” is a recurring theme in Psalm 34. But what does it truly mean?

• Reverence and Awe: The fear of the Lord is not a cowering terror, but a deep reverence and awe for His holiness and power.
• Obedience and Respect: It is a desire to please Him and to avoid anything that would displease Him.
• Humility and Dependence: It is a recognition of our own limitations and a reliance on His grace.
• Wisdom and Understanding: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).
• Separation from Evil: The fear of the Lord leads us to turn away from sin and embrace righteousness.
• Source of Blessing: Those who fear the Lord are promised blessings and protection (Psalm 34:9).

FAQ ❓

Q: What does it mean to “taste and see that the Lord is good”?

A: It means to experience God’s goodness personally and directly, not just to believe it intellectually. It’s an invitation to a transformative encounter with His love and grace, often through prayer, scripture reading, and participation in the Church’s sacraments.

Q: How does the promise of angelic protection apply to my life today?

A: The belief in angelic protection is central to our faith. By living a life of faith and obedience, we invite the presence and protection of our guardian angels. Remember to pray to them for intercession and guidance in your daily life, trusting that they are working on your behalf.

Q: What does Psalm 34 teach us about suffering?

A: Psalm 34 acknowledges that the righteous will face many afflictions. However, it also assures us that the Lord is always with us in our suffering and will ultimately deliver us. It is not a promise of a trouble-free life, but a promise of God’s unwavering presence and support. He will deliver us from these, ultimately!

Q: How can I apply the teachings of Psalm 34 to my daily life?

A: By cultivating a habit of praising God, practicing humility, seeking peace, and trusting in His protection. By seeking to “taste and see” His goodness through prayer and the sacraments, and by striving to live a life of righteousness and compassion, by helping out through various church services.

Conclusion

Psalm 34, at its heart, is an invitation to encounter the living God. It urges us to Taste and See That the Lord Is Good, a journey not of mere intellectual assent, but of lived experience. From David’s desperate flight to our modern-day struggles, the psalm’s message resonates powerfully: God is a refuge for the brokenhearted, a protector of the righteous, and a source of unwavering love. This ancient hymn, steeped in the wisdom of the Coptic Orthodox tradition, calls us to a life of praise, humility, and trust. It is a roadmap to a life centered on Christ, a life of communion with the Holy Trinity, and a life that radiates the light of God to the world. Let us, therefore, embrace the invitation and embark on this transformative journey, tasting and seeing the inexhaustible goodness of our Lord.

Tags

Psalm 34, David, Taste and See, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Patristic, Faith, Trust, Angelic Protection, Goodness of God

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Explore Psalm 34 through a Coptic Orthodox lens. Discover the invitation to Taste and See That the Lord Is Good and experience God’s unwavering love & protection.