Psalms 34:11
Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Teaching children God's ways was central to Israel's covenant identity. Passover included explicit pedagogical element: when children ask What does this mean?, parents explain redemption (Exodus 12:26-27, 13:8,14). Deuteronomy repeatedly commands teaching children God's laws, mighty acts, covenant requirements (Deuteronomy 4:9-10, 6:7,20-25, 11:19, 31:12-13).
Wisdom literature was often cast as father teaching son (Proverbs 1:8,10, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1). This pedagogical framework shaped Israelite education. Faith transmission occurred in family and community contexts through intentional instruction. Jesus continued pattern, teaching disciples, who taught others, who taught faithful men able to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). Discipleship is inherently intergenerational.
Questions for Reflection
- How does David's invitation Come, ye children model appropriate posture for intergenerational discipleship?
- What is difference between casual exposure to faith and intentional teaching of fear of LORD?
- Who are children you can teach (literal children, younger believers, new converts), and how will you teach them?
- Why is fear of LORD something requiring teaching rather than being instinctively understood?
- How can modern church recover robust catechetical tradition David exemplifies here?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. David shifts to didactic mode, assuming teacher's role to instruct next generation. This establishes intergenerational discipleship—experienced believers teaching younger ones how to fear God.
Come, ye children issues invitation. Children (banim) means sons, descendants, younger ones. Can refer to literal children or disciples/students. Come calls them to attention, nearness, receptive posture. Hearken unto me (shama') means listen attentively, obey, respond. Not casual hearing but active listening that leads to action. David positions himself as instructor, assuming authority to teach based on experience recounted in previous verses.
I will teach you provides educational commitment. Teach (lamad) means instruct, train, cause to learn. This is intentional pedagogy, not casual advice. The fear of the LORD identifies curriculum. Fear (yir'ah from yare) means reverent awe, worshipful obedience. David promises to teach how to fear God—implying fear is learned, not automatic; cultivated, not instinctive. Proper response to God requires instruction, modeling, training.
This establishes biblical pattern for discipleship. Older generation must intentionally teach younger how to know and worship God. Faith isn't genetically transmitted but discipleship-mediated. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 commands: These words shall be in your heart, and you shall teach them diligently to your children. Psalm 78:4-7 declares: We will not hide from their children, telling to generation coming the praises of LORD, that they should set their hope in God.
Reformed catechetical tradition builds on this. Westminster Shorter Catechism begins: What is man's chief end? To glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Q2: What rule has God given to direct us? Scripture. Systematic instruction shapes hearts, minds, lives. Modern church's catechesis neglect explains generational faith loss. We must recover David's commitment: Come, children, I will teach you fear of LORD.