Psalms 34:22
The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Redemption (padah) language pervades Exodus narrative. God redeemed Israel from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 6:6, 15:13), not by their merit but by His power and grace. Firstborn were redeemed by Passover lamb's blood (Exodus 13:13-15). This established pattern: God saves His people by redemption—paying price, delivering from bondage, bringing into freedom.
New Testament fulfills Old Testament redemption. Jesus is Lamb of God taking away world's sin (John 1:29). His blood redeems us (Ephesians 1:7, 1 Peter 1:18-19). He gave His life ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Those trusting Him shall never be desolate—never condemned (John 5:24), never perish (John 10:28), never be separated from God's love (Romans 8:38-39). Old Testament redemption finds ultimate fulfillment in Christ's redemptive work.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that LORD redeems soul of His servants—how does redemption differ from mere improvement?
- How does promise that none trusting God shall be desolate provide assurance regarding salvation's security?
- In what ways does Old Testament redemption language (Exodus deliverance) illuminate New Testament salvation?
- How have you experienced God redeeming your soul from various threats, dangers, or bondages?
- Why does David conclude with invitation to trust rather than command to achieve—what does this reveal about salvation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate. David concludes Psalm 34 with comprehensive promise of redemption and protection. This summarizes entire psalm—God delivers His people, and those trusting Him are never forsaken. Ending provides assurance and invitation.
The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants declares God's saving action. Redeemeth (padah) means ransom, deliver, rescue by payment. This is Exodus language—God redeemed (padah) Israel from Egypt (Deuteronomy 7:8, 9:26, 13:5). Soul (nephesh) means life, person, being. His servants ('ebed) identifies covenant people—those belonging to God, serving Him. God ransoms His servants' lives from danger, death, destruction. This is comprehensive salvation—not merely improving circumstances but delivering from ultimate threats.
And none of them that trust in him shall be desolate promises preservation from judgment. None (kol) means not any, without exception. Them that trust (chasah) are those taking refuge in God, fleeing to Him for safety. Shall be desolate ('asham) means become guilty, bear judgment, be held accountable. Promise isn't that trusting ones never face trials (verse 19 acknowledges many afflictions) but that they never bear ultimate judgment. God's wrath doesn't fall on them; condemnation doesn't reach them. They're preserved from desolation that destroys wicked (v. 21).
This echoes Romans 8:1: There is therefore now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:33-34: Who shall bring charge against God's elect? It's God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It's Christ who died, yes rather who is risen, who is even at right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Those trusting Christ shall never be desolate—never condemned, never forsaken, never ultimately lost. This is perseverance of saints—true believers endure because God preserves them.
Psalm 34 began with David's resolve: I will bless LORD at all times (v. 1). It ends with confident promise: None trusting Him shall be desolate. Between these bookends, David testified to deliverance, invited others to taste and see, taught fear of LORD, promised blessings for righteous, warned judgment for wicked. Conclusion synthesizes all—God redeems His servants; those trusting Him are preserved. This is gospel summary: redemption accomplished, judgment averted, trust rewarded.