The Psalm Project - Psalm 34 (Taste and See That He Is Good) Lyrics
Lyrics
I will bless the Lord at all times
His praise will always be on my lips
My soul glories in Yahweh
Let the humble hear and rejoice
O magnify the Lord with me
Let us praise His name together
I sought the Lord, He answered me
Delivered me from all my fears
His saints will shine and not be shamed
This poor man cried, was saved from his trials
The angel of the LORD surrounds
His saints and delivers them
O, taste and see that He is good
Blessed is he who trusts in Him
O, taste and see that He is good
He is good, good to me
Fear the LORD, O you His saints
'Cause those who fear Him, they have no want
Young lions suffer hunger
But those who seek Him lack no good thing
Come, O children, listen to me
I'll counsel you in the fear of Yahweh
Which one of you wants to live a life
That's rich and long and full of good?
Keep your tongue from evil words
Hold back your lips from speaking lies
Depart from evil and do good
Seek peace and go after it
O, taste and see that He is good
Blessed is he who trusts in Him
O, taste and see that He is good
He is good, good to me
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous
And His ears listen to their cry
The face of the LORD is against the wicked
Their legacy will fade away
When the saints cry out, the LORD hears
He saves them out of all their trials
He's near to the brokenhearted
And saves the crushed in spirit
Many are the afflictions of His faithful ones
But the LORD delivers them out of all, He preserves their bones
Not even one is broken
But sin will slay the wicked ones
Those who hate the saints will be condemned
The LORD redeems His servants' souls
And none of them will be condemned
O, taste and see that He is good
Blessed is he who trusts in Him
O, taste and see that He is good
He is good, good to me
He is good, good to me
Video
Psalm 34 (Taste and See That He Is Good) by The Psalms Project (Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on August 6, 2021, The Psalm Project's "Psalm 34 (Taste and See That He Is Good)" is much more than a song; it's a direct, profound immersion into one of Scripture's most cherished psalms. The narrative behind this powerful piece originates directly from Psalm 34, attributed to King David, who penned it after feigning madness before Abimelech and subsequently being delivered (1 Samuel 21:10-15). This personal testimony of fear, prayer, and miraculous rescue forms the bedrock of the song's message, inviting everyone to experience God's goodness for themselves. It’s an urgent call to praise, a tender assurance of divine protection, and a practical guide for living a life that honors God and finds true satisfaction.
The song begins with a foundational declaration of perpetual worship, echoing Psalm 34:1-3, asserting a commitment to bless God at all times and for His praise to always be present. This isn't just a fleeting moment of devotion but an ongoing posture of the heart. The invitation to "magnify the Lord with me" extends beyond individual worship, drawing the community into a shared experience of exalting God's name. It beautifully transitions into a personal testimony of answered prayer and deliverance from all fears, a direct reflection of Psalm 34:4. This sets a tone of authenticity, grounded in real-life experience. The piece then reassures that those devoted to God will radiate confidence, never facing disgrace, and highlights God's swift salvation for the humble and desperate. The majestic imagery of the angel of the Lord surrounding and delivering His people, as captured in Psalm 34:7, powerfully illustrates God’s ever-present guardianship, a theme echoed in passages like Psalm 91:11-12.
Central to the song's message is the poignant chorus: "O, taste and see that He is good; Blessed is he who trusts in Him." This isn't merely an intellectual understanding of God's goodness but an experiential invitation, urging a personal encounter, much like tasting food to truly know its flavor. It’s a call to move beyond abstract belief into a deep, tangible relationship with a benevolent God. This command from Psalm 34:8 is immediately followed by a profound promise: "Those who fear Him, they have no want." This "fear of the Lord" is not terror but a reverent awe and submission that leads to divine provision and contentment, aligning with the wisdom found in Proverbs 9:10 and Matthew 6:33, which urges seeking first God's kingdom. The song further contrasts the struggles of the "young lions" with the abundance of those who seek God, underscoring that true provision comes from Him.
The musical journey then shifts to a wise counsel, reminiscent of a parent guiding their children, as depicted in Psalm 34:11-14. It poses a fundamental question about the desire for a rich, long, and fulfilling life, then offers practical steps to achieve it. These include guarding one's tongue from evil and lies, departing from wickedness, doing good, and actively pursuing peace. These instructions are not burdensome rules but pathways to flourishing, reflecting timeless biblical wisdom found in passages like Proverbs 18:21 on the power of the tongue and Hebrews 12:14, which emphasizes striving for peace. The song skillfully intertwines these moral imperatives with the overarching promise of God's watchful care.
As the song progresses, it elaborates on God's unwavering attention to the righteous and His protective stance against the wicked, drawing from Psalm 34:15-16. His ears are open to their cries, while His opposition ensures the wicked's legacy will fade. This distinction is further amplified by the comforting assurance that God is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit, a tender truth beautifully articulated in Psalm 147:3. Even amidst the numerous afflictions that the faithful inevitably face, the divine hand promises deliverance from all. The powerful assurance culminates in the declaration that God preserves their very physical being, a promise so profound it prophetically points to Christ Himself, as noted in John 19:36 regarding His unbroken bones on the cross. The piece concludes by reaffirming God’s justice and redemptive power, clarifying that while sin ultimately slays the wicked, the Lord redeems the souls of His servants, ensuring "none of them will be condemned," a powerful echo of Romans 8:1. The Psalm Project has not merely covered a psalm; they have crafted an experience, inviting hearers to truly "taste and see" the steadfast goodness of God, making this ancient text vibrant and deeply relevant for today.