Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the lord delivers him out of them all explanation

 

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:19, NKJV)

1. Meaning and Interpretation of Psalm 34:19

      Psalm 34:19 consists of two key parts:

1. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous”

2. “But the Lord delivers him out of them all”

      Let’s break down each section.

A. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous” – The Reality of Suffering

1. Suffering is Unavoidable

      This verse does not say that the righteous will have few troubles; rather, it explicitly states that they will have many afflictions. This dispels the myth that being faithful to God guarantees a life free of hardships. Throughout Scripture, we see that those who follow God often experience trials:

● Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and imprisoned unjustly (Genesis 37, 39-41).

● Moses faced opposition from Pharaoh and his people (Exodus 5-14).

● Job, a righteous man, endured immense suffering (Job 1-2).

● Jesus Christ, though sinless, suffered rejection, persecution, and crucifixion (Isaiah 53, Matthew 27).

● Paul the Apostle endured beatings, imprisonment, and hardship for the Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

2. Why Do the Righteous Suffer?

      There are several biblical reasons why God allows affliction in the lives of His people:

1. To Refine and Strengthen Faith – Trials help believers develop endurance and spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4).

2. To Draw Us Closer to God – In times of trouble, people often seek God more earnestly (Psalm 50:15).

3. To Test and Prove Our Commitment – Like Job, sometimes suffering is a test of faith (Job 1:8-12).

4. Because We Live in a Fallen World – Sin and suffering entered the world through Adam (Romans 5:12).

5. For the Sake of Christ – Believers may suffer for their faith (John 15:18-20).

      The Bible never promises a trouble-free life but assures us that affliction is not meaningless—it has a divine purpose.

B. “But the Lord Delivers Him Out of Them All” – God’s Promise of Deliverance

      The second part of Psalm 34:19 is a powerful declaration of God’s faithfulness. Though afflictions may be many, the Lord delivers His people from all of them.

1. What Does “Deliverance” Mean?

       Deliverance does not always mean immediate removal from suffering. It can take different forms:

● Physical Deliverance – God can rescue His people from harm (e.g., Daniel in the lion’s den, Daniel 6).

● Spiritual Strength in Trials – Sometimes, God does not remove the suffering but gives grace to endure it (2 Corinthians 12:9).

● Eternal Deliverance – The ultimate deliverance is salvation and eternal life with God (Revelation 21:4).

2. Biblical Examples of God’s Deliverance

● Noah – Delivered from the flood (Genesis 7-8).

● Joseph was delivered from prison to become a ruler (Genesis 41).

● Daniel – Saved from the lion’s den (Daniel 6).

● Peter – Rescued from prison by an angel (Acts 12:1-17).

● Paul – Delivered multiple times from persecution (2 Timothy 4:17).

      Even when believers do not experience deliverance in this life, God still fulfills His promise by sustaining them spiritually and granting them eternal life.

2. Application of Psalm 34:19 in Our Lives

A. Trust in God During Hard Times

      Psalm 34:19 teaches us to rely on God, not our strength. When we face difficulties, we should pray, seek His presence, and hold on to His promises (Philippians 4:6-7).

B. Develop a Biblical Perspective on Suffering

      Instead of seeing suffering as punishment, believers should view it as a tool for growth and sanctification (Romans 8:28).

C. Encourage Others in Their Trials

      Since all believers face hardships, we should support and encourage one another (Galatians 6:2).

D. Hold on to the Promise of Deliverance

       Even if deliverance does not come immediately, we can trust that God is working behind the scenes (Isaiah 55:8-9).

      Psalm 34:19 is a reminder that affliction is a reality for the righteous, but deliverance is a certainty from God. The Bible does not promise a life free of suffering, but it does promise that God will never leave His people alone in their trials.

      Whether deliverance comes in the form of protection, strength, or eternal salvation, God’s faithfulness remains constant. As believers, we must trust God, endure hardships with faith, and look forward to His ultimate deliverance.