Psalms 34:19

Analysis & Commentary

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. David acknowledges reality of suffering while affirming certainty of deliverance. This balances honest realism (righteous face many afflictions) with confident hope (LORD delivers from all), providing both warning and comfort.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous states reality honestly. Many (rab) means numerous, abundant, great in number. Afflictions (ra'ah) means evils, troubles, calamities. Righteous (tsaddiq) are covenant-faithful people, not sinless perfectionists. This is sobering reality: righteousness doesn't exempt from troubles; godliness doesn't guarantee ease. In fact, righteous may face more afflictions because world hates God's people (John 15:18-20). Discipleship costs; following Christ brings opposition. David doesn't promise trouble-free life but acknowledges many afflictions.

But the LORD delivereth him out of them all provides counterbalancing promise. But signals contrast—yes, many afflictions exist, but deliverance is certain. Delivereth (natsal) means rescues, saves, snatches from danger. Him refers to each individual righteous person—personal, particular deliverance, not just corporate. Out of them all emphasizes comprehensive salvation. All (kol) means every single one, without exception. No affliction is too great, no trouble too complex for divine deliverance. God saves from all—not some, not most, but all.

This requires proper interpretation. Doesn't mean immediate deliverance from every difficulty or that righteous never die in afflictions. Hebrews 11 lists faithful who were tortured, stoned, sawn asunder, slain with sword. Yet same chapter declares they received better resurrection (Hebrews 11:35), obtained good report through faith (11:39). Ultimate deliverance comes—sometimes temporally, always eternally. God delivers from all afflictions either by removing them or by sustaining through them unto eternal glory.

Paul experienced this. 2 Corinthians 1:8-10: We were burdened beyond measure, despairing even of life...But God who raises the dead delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us. Past deliverance (delivered), present experience (does deliver), future confidence (will deliver). This is perseverance of saints—righteous endure many afflictions but God delivers ultimately.

Historical Context

Righteous suffering was perennial problem for Israel. Job's comforters assumed suffering proved sin. Psalms wrestle with prosperity of wicked versus afflictions of righteous (Psalms 37, 73). Prophets suffered—Jeremiah imprisoned, Uriah killed, Daniel in lions' den. Pattern emerged: righteous suffer in this age but are vindicated ultimately.

Jesus warned disciples: In world you will have tribulation (John 16:33). Paul testified: Through many tribulations we must enter kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). All who will live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). Yet same passages promise: I have overcome the world (John 16:33); LORD delivered me out of them all (2 Timothy 3:11). Christian life includes both afflictions and deliverance, cross and resurrection, suffering and glory.

Questions for Reflection

• How does acknowledging that righteous face many afflictions affect your expectations for Christian life?
• What is difference between immediate deliverance from troubles and ultimate deliverance through troubles unto glory?
• How have you experienced God's deliverances (past, present, anticipated future) from various afflictions?
• Why doesn't righteousness exempt from troubles—what purposes do afflictions serve in God's plan for His people?
• How does promise that LORD delivers from all afflictions provide hope without promoting prosperity gospel's false promises?