David
Psalm 20
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
Scripture (KJV)
1The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
2Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
3Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.
4Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.
5We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.
6Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.
7Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
8They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
9Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.
Summary
Psalm 20 is a prayer for the king before battle, a liturgy in which the congregation asks the LORD to defend, help, and strengthen him from His sanctuary. The people pray that God would grant the king the desires of his heart and fulfil his plans, and they resolve to rejoice in God’s salvation and raise banners in His name. The central confession comes in verse 7: while others trust in chariots and horses, Israel remembers the name of the LORD. The psalm closes with a confident plea for the LORD to save and for the king to be heard when he calls.
The major themes are trust, protection, victory, prayer, and the name of God. The contrast between trusting in military might and remembering the name of the LORD is the heart of the psalm. Practically, it teaches that faith does not deny the reality of battle but redefines where strength is found. The great lesson is that the name of the LORD is a surer defense than any army.
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 20
LORD, in the day of trouble, hear me and defend me with the name of the God of Jacob. Send help from Your sanctuary and strengthen me from Zion. Remember my offerings and accept my sacrifice. Grant me the desires of my heart and fulfil Your counsel in my life. I will rejoice in Your salvation and set up banners in the name of my God. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but I will remember the name of the LORD my God. When others fall, raise me to stand upright. Save me, LORD, and hear me when I call. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1What "chariots and horses" am I tempted to trust in instead of the name of the LORD?
- 2How does prayer for others in their day of trouble reflect the heart of this psalm?
- 3Where have I seen God answer with the saving strength of His right hand?
- 4What would it look like to rejoice in God’s salvation before the battle is won?
Related Psalms
Psalm 21
“The king shall joy in thy strength, O Lord; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!”
Thanksgiving for the king’s victories and a trust in God’s steadfast love.
Read morePsalm 18
“I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.”
A royal thanksgiving for deliverance, praising God as rock and rescuer.
Read morePsalm 27
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Courage from seeking God’s presence and waiting patiently on Him.
Read morePsalm 46
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
God our refuge amid chaos; be still and know that He is God.
Read morePsalm 144
“Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:”
Psalm 144 is a royal psalm of David that blends military thanksgiving, cosmic theophany, and a vision of national flourishing.
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