John Trapp on Psalms 34:1

PSAL. XXXIV.

VErſ. 1. A Pſalm of David] An Alphabeticall Pſalm, which David (newly delivered from the Philiſtines,Semper in Eceleſia his Pſalmus piis ſuit commendatiſſimus. Moller. who had taken him priſoner, and preſented him to their King as a ſpeciall prize) compoſed with ſingular art; as fit to be committed to memory by all godly people, who may here meet with many excellent leſſons, and cordiall comforts.

When he changed his behaviour] Heb. guſt um, hoc eſt geſtum. This he did (being put to his ſhifts) but not without ſin,Lib. 3. Od. 11. for he was ſplendide mendax (as Horace ſaith of Hypermueſtra) at the beſt; neither can this diſſimulation or officious lye of his be excuſed; as ſome have by diſtinctions indeavoured it, but in vain.

Before Abimelech] Or, Achiſh, King of Gath, 1 Sam. 21. for he was binomini[illegible: 1 letter], ſaith Aben-Ezra; or elſe Abimelech, that is, Father-King was his title of honour. As Auguſtus would be ſtiled Pater Patria, the Father of his Country. R. Solomon ſaith that Abimelech was a common name to all the Philiſtin-Kings, as Pharaoh to the Egyptian.

Who caſt him one] For a mad man, 1 Sam. 21.15. wherein there was a ſweet providence of God, who can order our diſorders to his own glory, and our good; like as an Artificer with a crooked tool can make ſtraight work; or as an Apothecary of a poyſonfull Viper can make a wholeſome triacle.

And he departed] Into ſome parts of Judea, where he might repent of his ſin firſt (as Peter did when got into a corner) and then compile this Pſalm of thankſgiving to God, who had ſo graciouſly delivered him out of that hard and hazardous condition, not only above, but againſt his deſert.

Verſ. 1. I will bleſſe the Lord at all times] As not ſatisfied with any thing I can do herein, at any time. The Saints have large hearts; and could bet eem the Lord a great deal more ſervice than they are able to perform. A certain Martyr ſaid at the ſtake, I am ſory that I am going to a place, where I ſhall be ever receiving wages, and do no more work.

His praiſe ſhall continually be in my mouth] For this remarkable mercy eſpecially, which I will ſtill be telling of, and ſpeaking good of Gods name to as many as I can poſſibly extend unto. This thankfull man was worth his weight in the gold of Ophir.