23rd Sunday After Pentecost. October 27th, 2024. Series

Psalm 34:5. This could be the choir’s response to the voice of the soloist. The once-shameful respond with their own observation. “They looked to Him, and lightened were: not shamed were their faces.”

We are reminded of the glory of the LORD, reflected in the face of Moses. The idea of “being radiant” is echoed in Isaiah 60:5 (NRSV), as the people thrilled at the prospect of the abundance of the nations flowing to Zion. Also in Jeremiah 31:12 (NRSV), as they beamed with satisfaction at the goodness of the LORD.

We are also reminded of “the glory of the Lord in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). When we look to Him, the light of the LORD is reflected in our lives.

Psalm 34:6. Those in distress find their encouragement here. “This poor (humble) man cried…” This is answered prayer - even where prayer is scarcely articulated. “The LORD heard the cry of the children of Israel” in Egypt (Exodus 3:9). The LORD hears, and saves, and redeems us from trouble.

Psalm 34:7. The angel of the LORD is in the midst of the camp, surrounding those who have a right kind of fear - reverence and godly fear - toward the LORD. He is there to protect, and deliver.

Psalm 34:8. It is good to wake up in the morning with a word of worship in our mouths. It is good to speak well of the LORD throughout the day. It is good to lie down at night in praise and thanksgiving. Come, says David, “taste” His goodness with me.

We “taste and see” the goodness of the LORD when the words of the LORD have their rightful place in our lives (Psalm 119:103). Along with the good word of God, we also have a powerful foretaste of things to come (Hebrews 6:5). Peter encourages us in our desire for “the sincere milk of the word” which we have already tasted (1 Peter 2:2-3).

When we first believe, we savour the things of God, and put our trust in the LORD. We feast with Him in our day to day living. We draw nourishment from the table of the Lord, and all that the sacrament represents to us.

When the LORD blesses us, He adds something to us. He saves us from our sins, and redeems us from the full penalty of the law. He sends seasonable weather, and our crops are given increase. He grants health, wealth, wisdom, status, success - and children. The LORD protects us, and delivers us - and gives us “the peace that the world cannot give” (John 14:27).

Psalm 34:19. The Bible never denies that the righteous do suffer. Yet the LORD “rescues” them out of all their afflictions.

Psalm 34:20. He “keeps” all their bones. Not a bone of the Passover lamb was to be broken (Exodus 12:46). This prefigured the crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:33-36).

The resolution of the dichotomy between the righteous and the wicked is that each will reap just what they sow (Galatians 6:7-8).

Psalm 34:21. Evil itself shall slay those who persist in their wicked ways. Those who hate the righteous shall be desolate.

Psalm 34:22. The LORD “redeems” the soul of His servants. This echoes the positive assertion of verse 20. The idea of rescue echoes the beatitude of Psalm 34:8.