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Psalms 34:19 meaning

The LORD is our faithful deliverer.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.” (v.19)

This psalm, attributed to King David—who likely ruled Israel around 1010 to 970 BC—reminds us that life’s trials come in great number to people who seek to walk uprightly. David is the second king of Israel (after Saul), and he authored many psalms that record both his struggles and triumphs as he trusted in the LORD. Here, the psalmist states, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous”—and David certainly knew difficulty. He was pursued by enemies, including King Saul, and he faced great hardships before, during, and after his reign. Yet he observes that while such troubles are numerous, “the LORD delivers him out of them all.” Throughout scripture, we see this theme: God protects and upholds His faithful ones, even if deliverance does not always come in the manner or timing they expect (Romans 8:28).

The phrase “But the LORD delivers him out of them all” underscores the sovereign power and goodness of God. As in other psalms, David repeatedly seeks refuge in the almighty God because he understands that his salvation and redemption rest upon the LORD’s steadfast love, not his own abilities. Particularly, this verse highlights God’s commitment to rescue and sustain His people for His purposes—even if they endure painful times. Jesus in the New Testament is the ultimate fulfillment of this idea, as He offers eternal deliverance from sin and calls believers to persevere in hope (John 16:33). The psalmist’s words encourage us to remain devoted to righteousness, trusting God for help and relief.

Living righteously does not immunize us from struggle; in fact, the Bible consistently shows that opposition, suffering, or challenges can be part of God’s process to grow, strengthen, and refine His people (James 1:2-4). This psalm’s promise offers a deep reassurance that, in the end, every trial in the believer’s life is noticed by God and will be answered by His perfect and saving power. The faithful follower, then, can endure hardship and affliction, confident that the LORD is present through it all.

Psalms 34:19