Psalms 34:7

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 34:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear him, And delivereth them.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear him, And delivereth them.
Psalms 34:7 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 34

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
7The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear him, And delivereth them.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, etc.] By whom may be meant, either the uncreated Angel, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Angel of God’s presence, and of the covenant, the Captain of salvation, the Leader and Commander of the people; and whose salvation is as walls and bulwarks about them; or as an army surrounding them: or a created angel may be intended, even a single one, which is sufficient to guard a multitude of saints, since one could destroy at once such a vast number of enemies, as in (<121935>2 Kings 19:35); or one may be put for more, since they are an innumerable company that are on the side of the Lord’s people, and to whom they are joined; and these may…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“angel--of the covenant (Isa 63:9), of whom as a leader of God's host (Jos 5:14; Kg1 22:19), the phrase-- encampeth, &c.--is appropriate; or, "angel" used collectively for angels (Heb 1:14).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The angel of the Lord - The angel whom the Lord sends, or who comes, at his command, for the purpose of protecting the people of God. This does not refer to any particular angel as one who was specifically called “the angel of the Lord,” but it, may refer to any one of the angels whom the Lord may commission for this purpose; and the phrase is equivalent to saying that “angels” encompass and protect the friends of God. The word “angel” properly means a “messenger,” and then is applied to those holy beings around the throne of God who are sent forth as his “messengers” to mankind; who are appointed to communicate his will, to execute his commands; or to protect his people. Compare Matthew…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The angel - The angels, the singular number being put for the plural. Psalms 34:8”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“34:7 The angel of the Lord represented the Lord’s presence during the wilderness journey. He protected Israel from the forces of Egypt (Exod 14:19-20), and he will guard all the godly (Ps 91:11).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“The angel: Psa 91:11; Kg2 6:17, Kg2 19:35; Dan 6:22; Mat 18:10; Luk 16:22; Heb 1:14 encampeth: Gen 32:1, Gen 32:2; Zac 9:8 Psalms 34:8”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“(Heb.: 34:8-11) This praise is supported by a setting forth of the gracious protection under which God's saints continually are. The מלאך יהוה, is none other than He who was the medium of Jahve's intercourse with the patriarchs, and who accompanied Israel to Canaan. This name is not collective (Calvin, Hupfeld, Kamphausen, and others). He, the One, encampeth round about them, in so far as He is the Captain of the host of Jahve ( Jos 5:14), and consequently is accompanied by a host of inferior ministering angels; or insofar as He can, as being a spirit not limited by space, furnish protection that covers them on every side. חנה (cf. Zac 9:8) is perhaps an allusion to מחנים in Gen 32:2., that…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification