Psalms – Chapter 34

Old Testament28 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 34 of Psalms begins: "For David himself. Judge thou, O Lord, them that wrong me: overthrow them that fight against me." David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 28 verses, two threads run through the text: justice and care for the poor and sin and divine judgment. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1For David himself. Judge thou, O Lord, them that wrong me: overthrow them that fight against me.

2Take hold of arms and shield: and rise up to help me.

3Bring out the sword, and shut up the way against them that persecute me: say to my soul: I am thy salvation.

4Let them be confounded and ashamed that seek after my soul. Let them be turned back and be confounded that devise evil against me.

5Let them become as dust before the wind: and let the angel of the Lord straiten them.

6Let their way become dark and slippery; and let the angel of the Lord pursue them.

7For without cause they have hidden their net for me unto destruction: without cause they have upbraided my soul.

8Let the snare which he knoweth not come upon him: and let the net which he hath hidden catch him: and into that very snare let them fall.

9But my soul shall rejoice in the Lord; and shall be delighted in his salvation.

10All my bones shall say: Lord, who is like to thee? Who deliverest the poor from the hand of them that are stronger than he; the needy and the poor from them that strip him.

11Unjust witnesses rising up have asked me things I knew not.

12They repaid me evil for good: to the depriving me of my soul.

13But as for me, when they were troublesome to me, I was clothed with haircloth. I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer shall be turned into my bosom.

14As a neighbour and as an own brother, so did I please: as one mourning and sorrowful so was I humbled.

15But they rejoiced against me, and came together: scourges were gathered together upon me, and I knew not.

16They were separated, and repented not: they tempted me, they scoffed at me with scorn: they gnashed upon me with their teeth.

17Lord, when wilt thou look upon me? rescue thou my soul from their malice: my only one from the lions.

18I will give thanks to thee in a great church; I will praise thee in a strong people.

19Let not them that are my enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: who have hated me without cause, and wink with the eyes.

20For they spoke indeed peaceably to me; and speaking in the anger of the earth they devised guile.

21And they opened their mouth wide against me; they said: Well done, well done, our eyes have seen it.

22Thou hast seen, O Lord, be not thou silent: O Lord, depart not from me.

23Arise, and be attentive to my judgment: to my cause, my God, and my Lord.

24Judge me, O Lord my God according to thy justice, and let them not rejoice over me.

25Let them not say in their hearts: It is well, it is well, to our mind: neither let them say: We have swallowed him up.

26Let them blush: and be ashamed together, who rejoice at my evils. Let them be clothed with confusion and shame, who speak great things against me.

27Let them rejoice and be glad, who are well pleased with my justice, and let them say always: The Lord be magnified, who delights in the peace of his servant.

28And my tongue shall meditate thy justice, thy praise all the day long.

Important Verses in Psalms 34

Bring out the sword, and shut up the way against them that persecute me: say to my soul: I am thy salvation.

Psalms 34:3

But my soul shall rejoice in the Lord; and shall be delighted in his salvation.

Psalms 34:9

Judge me, O Lord my God according to thy justice, and let them not rejoice over me.

Psalms 34:24

Let them rejoice and be glad, who are well pleased with my justice, and let them say always: The Lord be magnified, who delights in the peace of his servant.

Psalms 34:27

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Psalms was written with god's people at prayer in every age in view. Chapter 34 of 150 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 28 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on David, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The passage starts with these words: "For David himself. Judge thou, O Lord, them that wrong me: overthrow them that fight against me." The chapter ends with: "And my tongue shall meditate thy justice, thy praise all the day long. " In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Psalms around Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 3: "Bring out the sword, and shut up the way against them that persecute me: say to my soul: I am thy salvation." The passage repeatedly touches on justice and care for the poor.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 34 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. Athanasius and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 74).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Psalms 34 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

As Catholics read Psalms Chapter 34, we do so within the living Tradition that has guarded this text for two millennia.

The saints did not treat Scripture as antiquarian literature. St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, and countless others used passages such as this to fuel daily conversion. the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love remains a practical lesson for modern disciples.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 113).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 34 about?

Psalms 34 contains 28 verses. It opens with "For David himself. Judge thou, O Lord, them that wrong me: overthrow them that fight against me." and closes with "And my tongue shall meditate thy justice, thy praise all the day long. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 34?

One of the most significant verses is verse 3: "Bring out the sword, and shut up the way against them that persecute me: say to my soul: I am thy salvation." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 34?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

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