The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants— This is a detached sentence, added, as in Psalms 25 beyond the alphabet; perhaps that the same may sound well, in ending with a promise rather than a threat: the latter Jews, for the same reason, repeat a verse at the end of some books in the Old Testament. Shall be desolate, may be rendered, shall be guilty; which is the proper meaning of the original word יאשׁמו ieeshemu. They are guilty, and liable to punishment. The word is frequently rendered thus in our version (see Leviticus 13:22.), and generally includes in it the idea of guilt, and the punishment incurred by it. Chandler; who observes, that this psalm is well adapted to the occasion on which it was penned. David was in a very dangerous situation at Gath, and seems to have been apprehensive that the Philistines would have treated him as an enemy and a spy. He was himself greatly afraid, Psalms 34:4. His friends were in pain for him when they heard of his situation, and earnestly looked to God, that, as he had promised him the crown, he would protect and restore him to his country in safety: Psalms 34:5. There is something very striking and pleasing in the sudden transitions, and the change of persons which is observable in these few verses. My soul shall boast—The humble shall hear—I sought the Lord—This poor man cried, &c. There is a force and elegance in the very unconnection of the expressions which, had they been more closely tied by the proper particles, would have been in a great measure lost. Things thus separated from each other, and yet accelerated, discover, as Longinus observes, the earnestness and vehemency of the inward working of the mind; and, though it may seem to interrupt or disturb the sentence, yet quickens and enforces it. De Sublim. cap. 19:
REFLECTIONS.—1. He professes his fixed purpose, at all times, and in all places, to be shewing forth God's praise; both as the grateful tribute which he owed, and that other humble men in distress might hear and be glad, encouraged by his mercies to hope for help and deliverance. In the Lord he will boast, ascribing all to him, and counting his interest in his favour the greatest and most invaluable acquisition.
2. He labours to excite others to join him in the work of praise, exalting and magnifying God's holy name. And good reason was there for so doing: great was his distress, an exile in an enemy's country; his life in danger; but he could be in no place where a throne of grace was not open: thither he flies, tells his compassionate Lord of all his fears, and is heard and holpen. Nor was his case singular; multitudes, like himself, had prayed, and were lightened, their darkness of soul dispelled, and their distressful circumstances cleared up: nor did ever God refuse the meanest, who thus were found waiting upon him. Angelic hosts disdain not the employment of ministering to the heirs of salvation; but, happy in obedience to their Lord's commands, encamp around them. Thus God delivers his believing people from every danger, and they are bound to bless and praise him.
3. He invites all to taste and see that the Lord is good, to come and partake of the riches of his mercy in Christ, so freely offered, and so richly bestowed on the sinful sons of men. Blessed is the man that trusteth in him, accepts the gracious invitation, and rests on his merciful goodness for pardon, grace, and glory.
4. He exhorts his saints to fear him for his goodness' sake, engaged thereby to more dutiful submission and service; and surely their interest is highly concerned in so doing, for there is no want to them that fear him. As much of this world's good as is advantageous for them shall be given them; but especially the spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus, in all their rich abundance, shall be their happy portion. Thus, though the lions hunger through the scarcity of prey; or the covetous and ravenous oppressor is reduced to want, God's faithful people shall be fed to the full, their soul and body both replenished, and nothing be wanting to make them truly and abidingly happy.