The righteous cry out
The term "righteous" in the biblical context refers to those who are in right standing with God, often characterized by their faith and obedience to His commandments. This phrase emphasizes the relationship between God and His people, highlighting that the righteous are those who seek God earnestly. In the Old Testament, righteousness is often associated with adherence to the Law, but it also encompasses a heart posture of humility and dependence on God. The act of crying out signifies a deep, earnest plea for help, reflecting a trust in God's ability to respond. This is seen throughout the Psalms, where David and other psalmists frequently cry out to God in times of distress.

and the LORD hears
This phrase underscores the personal and attentive nature of God. The LORD, represented by the tetragrammaton YHWH, is the covenant name of God, indicating His faithfulness and commitment to His people. The assurance that God hears the cries of the righteous is a recurring theme in Scripture, affirming His omnipresence and omniscience. In 1 Peter 3:12, it is reiterated that "the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their prayer." This reflects the intimate relationship between God and His people, where He is not distant or indifferent but actively engaged in their lives.

He delivers them from all their troubles
Deliverance is a central theme in the Bible, often associated with God's saving acts throughout history. The phrase "from all their troubles" suggests a comprehensive salvation, not limited to spiritual deliverance but encompassing physical, emotional, and social aspects as well. This deliverance is seen in the Exodus narrative, where God rescues the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, and it is a type of the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the Deliverer who saves humanity from sin and death. The promise of deliverance is not always immediate or in the way one might expect, but it is assured for those who trust in God. This reflects the eschatological hope of ultimate redemption and restoration in God's kingdom.

1. David
The author of Psalm 34, who wrote this psalm after pretending to be insane before Abimelech, who drove him away.

2. The Righteous
Refers to those who are in right standing with God, living according to His commandments and seeking His will.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and relationship with His people.

4. Troubles
Represents the various afflictions, challenges, and adversities faced by the righteous.

5. Deliverance
The act of God rescuing or saving His people from their difficulties.God's Attentiveness to the Righteous
God is always attentive to the cries of the righteous. This should encourage believers to maintain a life of righteousness, knowing that God hears and responds to their prayers.

The Power of Prayer
The verse emphasizes the importance of prayer as a means of communication with God. Believers should be encouraged to cry out to God in times of trouble, trusting in His promise to hear and deliver.

God's Faithfulness in Deliverance
God's deliverance is a testament to His faithfulness. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is committed to rescuing them from their troubles, just as He has done throughout biblical history.

Living Righteously
The promise of God's deliverance is specifically for the righteous. This should motivate believers to pursue a life that aligns with God's will and commands.

Trust in God's Timing
While God promises deliverance, it may not always come immediately. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's perfect timing and continue to rely on His faithfulness.Verse 17. - The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth; literally, they cry, and the Lord heareth. "Cry," which by the ordinary rules of grammar should have for its subject the "evil-doers" of the preceding verse, must, it is obvious from the context, refer to the "righteous" of ver. 15, who are the predominant subject of the entire passage(vers. 15-22). And delivereth them out of all their troubles (comp. ver. 19 and Psalm 54:7).

Parallel Commentaries ...


The righteous cry out,
צָעֲק֣וּ (ṣā·‘ă·qū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6817: To shriek, to proclaim

and the LORD
וַיהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

hears;
שָׁמֵ֑עַ (šā·mê·a‘)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

He delivers them
הִצִּילָֽם׃ (hiṣ·ṣî·lām)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5337: To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver

from all
וּמִכָּל־ (ū·mik·kāl-)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

their troubles.
צָ֝רוֹתָ֗ם (ṣā·rō·w·ṯām)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6869: Tightness, a female rival


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OT Poetry: Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry and Yahweh hears (Psalm Ps Psa.)