The Declarative Praise Psalm
The Psalmist has experienced the answer to his prayer and he declares in the temple with vows and
the offering of gifts
18, 21, 30, 32, 34, 40, 41, 66, 106, 116, 138
Distinct Motifs:
1. Proclamation to Praise the Lord (frequently not always)
2. Summary Statement (state in a nutshell what God has done for them)
3. Looking back at the time of Need (I cried, He heard,
4. Report of deliverance
5. Praise, usually with some homily. In the midst of God’s people he will praise and exhort
them to do the same (spontaneous witnessing). We have found forgiveness and healing and
want to share that with others.
Three Psalms:
First two not in detail, just to familiarize ourselves with the form
Jonah 2 – a song of deliverance in the belly of the fish
Introductory summary statement (skips the proclamation) v.2
Belly of sheol - is at the brink of death , not actually dead.
Looking back at time of need and report of deliverance (vv.3-7)
6b-7 is the report of deliverance
Praise with a homily (8-9)
Psalm 116
Proclamation and Summary Statement 1-2
Blended together.
Looking back at the time of Need 3
Report of Deliverance (4-11)
Praise (12-19)
Homily in v.15
Psalm 34
Psalm 56 is the lament counterpart of his confrontation with Achish. Here he acknowledges his
deliverance from that time.
1 Samuel 21: 10-22:1
Two problems
i. Why the different name Abimelech in Psalm 34? Hengstenberg in his commentary on
the Psalm says that Achish is the king’s personal name. Abimelech (father of the king – a
Philistine title) is his title.
ii. Why the difference in the account of 1 Sam and this Psalm where he said he sought the
Lord? David was in sin (1 Sam 21:12 – David feared Achish) and acted out of fear for
man. This Psalm teaches us that in the midst of that danger he became a man of faith.
See also Ps.56:3,4
The Proclamation to praise God (1-3)
1 At all times, continually I will praise God. Having come out of a state of fear, he is now resolved
that in whatever situation (good, bad, sickness, health, adversity, ease) I will worship.
2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord. Let the humble rejoice. 2 Distinct words in Hebrew for
humble (ani - afflicted, or ana – broken in heart). The second is used here. Those not committed to
their own heart but submitted to God’s ways.
3 let us magnify together
Summary Statement (4-6)
4 I sought the Lord. Not that the Lord is far away and we need to find him. It means I turned to the
Lord in my hour of need. I did not turn to anyone else (Is 31:1)
5 They looked at him (the poor man – david).
6 This afflicted (ani) man cried
Praise 7-10
Our God is a protector
7 The angel of the Lord – Jesus, protects us
Our God is a provider.
He provides all our needs. Goodness, practical needs.
8 Come and experience with me. How blessed is the man (strong man) who takes refuge in Him
9 To fear is to know Him as creator and not run from Him but submit and surrender to Him. And he
totally provides
10 The young lions (often used of enemies) will suffer hunger but those who seek the Lord will lack
no good thing
Homily 11-22
11 – Invitation to hear the lesson. Come you children (teacher in the bible is always thought of as a
father). Listen, I will teach you the fear of the Lord
12 – motivation
13-14 – Our Ethical responsibility
13 – words. The ninth commandment – false witness. We love to put the other fellow down and
put ourselves up.
14 – works. positively seek to promote the life of others. Seek the well being and security of others.
15-22 – The motivation
15 – God looks with favor on a righteous man
16 – not so for the unrighteous
17 the Lord is the deliverer
18 – broken of self will, and broken of self assertion
19 we will have calamity and suffering, good for our growth in grace. The Lord is able to take us
through them all
20 Not one of his bones is broken – ultimately of Jesus. He alone went through the greatest calamity
and came through. David speaks prophetically.
21 – Wicked men will die
22 – The Lord redeems His servants
