Psalm 20
Psalm 20 offers a prayer for God’s help and protection, traditionally seen as a blessing for the king before going into battle. It expresses trust in God's power, not in human strength, and ends with a confident assurance that God will save His anointed.
Psalm 20:1 (NKJV)
1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
This verse is a plea for God’s immediate help and protection in times of distress. The mention of the “God of Jacob” points to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The prayer emphasizes that divine intervention, not human might, is essential for safety and deliverance.
Psalm 20:2 (NKJV)
2 May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion;
This verse, in its Old Testament context, reflects the ancient belief that God’s presence and help were centered in specific holy locations, like the sanctuary or Zion, which symbolized His dwelling place among His people. However, in light of New Testament revelation, believers understand that God's presence is not limited to a physical place.
Psalm 20:3 (NKJV)
3 May He remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah
This verse reflects a prayer that God acknowledges the king’s faithfulness through offerings and sacrifices. It underscores the connection between devotion to God and receiving His favor. The pause with "Selah" invites reflection on the importance of worship.
Psalm 20:4 (NKJV)
4 May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose.
This prayer calls for God to align His will with the king’s righteous desires and purposes, indicating that when one’s heart is devoted to God, their goals align with His divine plan.
Psalm 20:5 (NKJV)
5 We will rejoice in your salvation, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.
The people express confidence that God will bring victory. Their banners symbolize triumph, raised in God’s honor. The community’s faith in God’s salvation brings joy and hope even before the battle is won.
Psalm 20:6 (NKJV)
6 Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand.
This verse reflects certainty that God will rescue His chosen one, possibly referring to the king. The “right hand” is a symbol of God’s power and authority, showing that victory comes from His strength.
Psalm 20:7 (NKJV)
7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
This verse contrasts human reliance on military power with trust in God. While others put confidence in physical strength, God's people rely solely on His name and power.
Psalm 20:8 (NKJV)
8 They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright.
This statement declares the triumph of those who trust in God over those who depend on their own strength. The enemies are defeated, while God's people stand firm, sustained by His power.
Psalm 20:9 (NKJV)
9 Save, Lord! May the King answer us when we call.
The psalm concludes with a plea for God’s salvation and a final expression of hope that the King (likely referring to God) will respond when His people seek Him. It reflects ultimate reliance on divine help.