Psalms 34:2-3
My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that David's boasting in the Lord isn't just for his own comfort, but is meant to be heard by the "humble." This suggests his public declaration of God's faithfulness is an invitation and encouragement to those who have learned patience and submission through suffering, offering them hope and a reason to rejoice.
This psalm is attributed to David, written during a time he feigned madness to escape King Abimelech of Gath. Following his vow to continually praise God, David declares that his soul will boast in the Lord, inviting those who are humble and have also suffered to hear his testimony and rejoice with him. This declaration serves as an encouragement to others facing similar afflictions, assuring them of God's deliverance.
What do you 'boast' about? Possessions? Talents? Achievements? David's boast is different, and it all starts with who God is and what He's done.
David declares, 'My soul shall make her boast in the LORD.' This isn't a casual compliment; it's a deep-seated declaration of trust and exultation.
What Does it Mean to 'Boast' in the Lord?
It means to find our ultimate security, satisfaction, and identity in God, not in ourselves or our circumstances. It's about recognizing His greatness, His faithfulness, and His power on our behalf. Even when David was in a desperate situation, pretending to be mad to escape danger, he knew where his true strength and hope lay.
A Boast That Transforms
This kind of boasting isn't arrogant. It's a humble acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and a joyful response to His delivered grace. It flows from a soul that has experienced God's presence and intervention, realizing that in Him, we have everything we truly need.
Why would David's personal testimony bring gladness to others? It's because his experience points to a hope that resonates with anyone facing struggles.
David doesn't keep his deliverance to himself. He calls out, 'let the humble hear and be glad.'
Who are the 'Humble'?
Here, 'humble' (or 'meek') doesn't mean weak or lacking in character. It refers to those who, like David, have learned patience and resilience through suffering. They are people who, in their trials, aren't puffed up with pride but are subdued by their circumstances and turn to God.
The Power of a Shared Testimony
When the humble hear David's story of God's faithfulness, it sparks hope in their own hearts. They see that the God who delivered David from his fears and troubles is the same God who can deliver them. His personal victory becomes a signpost, pointing them toward their own potential for joy and relief through trust in the Lord.
Understand the original words
nephesh · Hebrew Noun
The inner life or personhood; the totality of the human being, including emotions, will, and intellect, often contrasted with the physical body or standing as the seat of life.
halal · Hebrew Verb
To glory or pride oneself in something. Biblically, it signifies finding one’s security, joy, and value exclusively in God rather than in personal achievements or strength.
anav · Hebrew Adjective
Those who are socially or spiritually downcast, poor, or oppressed. They are often characterized by a lack of self-sufficiency and a reliance on God for justice and help.
gadal · Hebrew Verb
To make great, to enlarge, or to declare someone to be great. It is an act of communal worship that acknowledges God’s preeminence in the lives of His people.
This psalm's background reveals that David's boasting in the Lord isn't about personal achievement, but a profound declaration of faith born from a moment of extreme vulnerability and a clever, humbling escape. He calls on the 'humble' – those who know suffering – to rejoice with him, as his experience offers them hope.
c. 1020 BC
David flees from Saul
David, a rising hero, is persecuted by King Saul, forcing him to flee and live as a fugitive. He experiences periods of hiding and distress.
c. 1020 BC— this verse
David feigns madness before Achish
While fleeing Saul, David seeks refuge in Gath but is recognized. To escape, he pretends to be insane, scratching on doors and acting erratically, allowing him to be driven away instead of being captured or killed.
c. 1020 BC
David finds refuge in Adullam cave
After his narrow escape from Gath, David retreats to the cave of Adullam, where his family and a growing band of outlaws and debtors join him, forming a significant following.
c. 1020 BC
David writes Psalm 34
Reflecting on his deliverance from a perilous situation, David composes Psalm 34, expressing his trust in God and his resolve to praise Him, inviting the humble to share in his joy.
This passage speaks about boasting, but firmly in the cross of Christ, not in self or worldly achievements, echoing the Psalmist's decision to boast only in the LORD.
Jeremiah 9:23-24The prophet warns against boasting in wisdom, strength, or riches, urging instead to boast in the Lord's steadfast love and justice. This directly parallels the Psalmist's focus on boasting solely in God.
Philippians 3:3Paul describes the people of God as those who 'worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.' This highlights the internal, Spirit-led nature of true boasting, aligning with David's soul boasting in the LORD.
Psalm 22:26This verse describes the poor and afflicted eating and being satisfied, and their hearts living forever, with the humble (or meek) hearing and rejoicing. It connects the 'humble' hearing the good news and being glad, echoing Psalm 34:2.
Luke 18:14Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, stating that the tax collector went down to his house justified rather than the Pharisee, because 'everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.' This reinforces the value God places on humility, the very people who would rejoice at David's boasting in the Lord.
poolePsalms 34:2: "My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad."
My soul shall glory in this, that I have so powerful and so gracious a Lord and Master. The humble; or, the meek , i.e. the godly, oft called in Scripture by that title; and particularly my friends and favourers in Israel, whom he thus calls in opposition to his proud and furious adversaries in Saul’s court and camp. Be glad; both for their love to me and to the public good of Israel, which they…
ellicottPsalms 34:2: "My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad."
(2) Humble. —See Note on Psalm 9:12 . The LXX. and Vulg., “the meek.” It means here those who have learnt patience in the school of suffering.
The verse highlights that David's boasting in the Lord isn't just for his own comfort, but is meant to be heard by the "humble." This suggests his public declaration of God's faithfulness is an invitation and encouragement to those who have learned patience and submission through suffering, offering them hope and a reason to rejoice.
This psalm is attributed to David, written during a time he feigned madness to escape King Abimelech of Gath. Following his vow to continually praise God, David declares that his soul will boast in the Lord, inviting those who are humble and have also suffered to hear his testimony and rejoice with him. This declaration serves as an encouragement to others facing similar afflictions, assuring them of God's deliverance.
This psalm is attributed to David, written during a time he feigned madness to escape King Abimelech of Gath. Following his vow to continually praise God, David declares that his soul will boast in the Lord, inviting those who are humble and have also suffered to hear his testimony and rejoice with him. This declaration serves as an encouragement to others facing similar afflictions, assuring them of God's deliverance.
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rum · Hebrew Verb
To lift up or highly esteem. In biblical theology, exalting God’s name means to declare His reputation and nature to be supreme above all else.
shem · Hebrew Noun
The totality of who God is—His character, authority, and reputation. To call upon the 'name' is to appeal to God's nature and covenant presence.
"My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!" — The verse highlights that David's boasting in the Lord isn't just for his own comfort, but is meant to be heard by the "humble." This suggests his public declaration of God's faithfulness is an invit…
