Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 34:8

"Oh taste and see that Jehovah is good: Blessed is the man that taketh refuge in him." — Psalms 34:8 (ASV)

O taste and see - This is an address to others, founded on the psalmist's experience. He had found protection from the Lord, had evidence of His goodness, and now asks others to make the same trial he had made.

It is the language of piety in view of personal experience. It is language a young convert, whose heart is filled with joy as hope first dawns on his soul, would address to his companions, friends, and all the world around. It is also language one who has had any special comfort, or who has experienced any special deliverance from temptation or trouble, would address to others.

We may properly recommend lessons derived from our own experience to others; we may properly use the evidence furnished to us that God is good in persuading others to come and taste His love. The word “taste” here—טעם ṭâ‛am—properly means to try the flavor of anything (Job 12:11); to eat a little to ascertain what a thing is (1 Samuel 14:24, 1 Samuel 14:29, 1 Samuel 14:43; Jonah 3:7); and then to perceive by the mind, to try, to experience (Proverbs 31:18).

It is used here in the sense of making a trial of, or testing by experience. The idea is that by putting trust in God—by testing the comforts of religion—one would so thoroughly see or perceive its blessings, and would have so much happiness in it, that he would be led to seek his happiness there altogether.

In other words, if we could only get people to make a trial of religion, to enter upon it so as to really understand and experience it, we can be certain that they would have the same appreciation for it that we have, and that they would truly engage in the service of God.

If those who are in danger would look to Him; if sinners would believe in Him; if the afflicted would seek Him; if the wretched would cast their cares on Him; if those who have sought happiness in vain in the world would seek happiness in Him—they would, one and all, so surely find what they need that they would renounce everything else and put their trust in God alone. Of this the psalmist was certain; of this all are sure who have sought happiness in religion and in God.

“Oh, make but trial of His love;
Experience will decide
How blessed are they—and only they—
Who in His truth confide.”

Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him - Compare the notes at Psalm 2:12.