Psalm 34:14

Commentary on Psalm 34:14 (NKJV)

Psalm 34:14 (NKJV) states: “Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.”

Context and Overview of Psalm 34

Psalm 34, attributed to David, is a song of thanksgiving and praise for God’s deliverance and protection. It reflects a period in David’s life when he feigned madness before Abimelech, leading to his escape from danger (1 Samuel 21:10–15). The psalm is an acrostic poem, with each verse beginning with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet, demonstrating its poetic and didactic nature.

The psalm is structured around the themes of God’s goodness, the blessedness of those who trust in Him, and the call to righteous living. It encourages believers to seek the Lord, trust in His providence, and live according to His commandments.

Exegesis of Psalm 34:14

The verse is a clear, concise instruction that encapsulates the moral and ethical expectations for believers:

“Depart from evil”:

This phrase calls for an active renunciation of sin and wickedness. It echoes the broader biblical mandate for holiness, as seen in passages like 1 Peter 1:15–16, which quotes Leviticus 11:44, “Be holy, for I am holy.” This imperative aligns with the doctrine of sanctification, where believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, progressively grow in holiness.

“Do good”:

Beyond avoiding evil, the psalmist urges proactive righteousness. This reflects the emphasis on living out one’s faith through good works, not as a means of earning salvation (which is by grace alone through faith alone), but as the fruit and evidence of genuine faith (James 2:14–26).

“Seek peace and pursue it”:

The pursuit of peace is a recurring biblical theme (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14). Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of righteousness and justice in relationships with God and others. It is a reflection of the shalom that God desires for His creation.

Theological Insights and Application to Modern Christian Living

Holiness and Sanctification:

Psalm 34:14 highlights the dual aspects of sanctification—negative (departing from evil) and positive (doing good). Modern Christians are reminded that sanctification is an ongoing process, requiring both the rejection of sinful behaviours and the active pursuit of righteousness.

Ethical Living:

The call to “do good” encourages believers to engage in actions that reflect God’s character. This includes acts of kindness, justice, mercy, and love. Ethical living is a response to God’s grace, rather than a means to earn His favour.

Pursuit of Peace:

In a world often marked by strife and division, Psalm 34:14’s call to seek and pursue peace is profoundly relevant. Christians are called to be peacemakers, actively working to reconcile relationships and promote harmony, reflecting the peace of Christ (Matthew 5:9; Colossians 3:15).

Witness to the World:

Living out the principles of Psalm 34:14 serves as a powerful witness to the world. As believers embody these values, they testify to the transformative power of the gospel and the reality of God’s kingdom.

Psalm 34:14 serves as a timeless guide for Christian conduct, calling believers to a life of holiness, ethical action, and peace-making, grounded in the grace of God and empowered by the Holy Spirit.