Psalms 34:5

“They looked to him, and were lightened, etc.] That is, “the humble” ones, (<193402>Psalm 34:2); and so this is a reason why they should join in praising and magnifying the Lord; these “looked” up to God in prayer and by faith, when in distressed and uncomfortable circumstances, for help and deliverance, and a supply of every needful good thing; and they were “enlightened”; so the Targum renders it, “their faces were enlightened”; as Jarchi and Aben Ezra interpret it, in opposition to what follows: they must have been enlightened before they could look, but by looking to the Lord more light was gained: this chiefly designs the light of joy, peace, and comfort, which is had in a way of…”

“God's favor to the pious generally, and to himself specially, is celebrated. looked--with desire for help. lightened--or, "brightened," expressing joy, opposed to the downcast features of those who are ashamed or disappointed (Psa 25:2-3).”

“They looked unto him - That is, they who were with the psalmist. He was not alone when he fled to Abimelech; and the meaning here is, that each one of those who were with him looked to God, and found light and comfort in Him. The psalmist seems to have had his thoughts here suddenly turned from himself to those who were with him, and to have called to his remembrance how they “all” looked to God in their troubles, and how they all found relief. And were lightened - Or, “enlightened.” They found light. Their faces, as we should say, “brightened up,” or they became cheerful. Their minds were made calm, for they felt assured that God would protect them. Nothing could better express what often…”

“Lightened - Comforted and encouraged. Ashamed - They were not disappointed of their hope. Psalms 34:6”

“34:5-6 The psalmist narrates his experiences of answered prayer.”

“They: Psa 123:1, Psa 123:2; Isa 45:22; Heb 12:2 and were: Psa 13:3, Psa 18:28, Psa 97:11; Est 8:16 lightened: or, flowed unto him their: Psa 83:16; Sa2 19:5 Psalms 34:6”