Psalms 34

The angel of the LORD

Angel of the LORD — the messenger of Jehovah's presence

The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. Psalms 34:7

The angel of the LORD surrounds and rescues the faithful. In some Old Testament passages the angel of the LORD is the LORD's own presence; here it assures that the Lord's power guards His people.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Isaiah 63:9 — The angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them.
• alludes to D&C 84:88 — Mine angels round about you, to bear you up.

Taste and see that the LORD is good

Jehovah — the LORD, the covenant name of the premortal Christ

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalms 34:8

We come to know the LORD's goodness by experience. Peter echoed this verse about believers who have tasted that the Lord Jesus is gracious.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to 1 Peter 2:3 — If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

Broken heart and contrite spirit

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Psalms 34:18

The LORD saves those with a broken heart and contrite spirit. The Book of Mormon teaches that Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice for exactly such people, and asks this offering of us.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to 2 Nephi 2:7 — He offereth himself a sacrifice for sin... unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
• alludes to 3 Nephi 9:20 — Ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

Not a bone broken

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. Psalms 34:19–20

The soldiers broke the legs of the two thieves but not Jesus's, because He was already dead. John says this fulfilled scripture that not a bone of Him would be broken, like the Passover lamb.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfilled by John 19:36 — These things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.
• a type of what is in Exodus 12:46 — The Passover lamb: neither shall ye break a bone thereof.

The LORD redeems souls

Redeemer — the one who buys back and frees

The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate. Psalms 34:22

The LORD redeems the souls of those who serve and trust Him. Our Redeemer is Jesus Christ.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same title in Job 19:25 — I know that my redeemer liveth.