Psalms 20

King James Version (KJV) · English

1 The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; 2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; 3 Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah. 4 Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel. 5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfil all thy petitions. 6 Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. 8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. 9 Save, Lord: let the king hear us when we call.

Commentary — not Bible text

Psalms 20:1

PSALM 20

Psa 20:1-9. David probably composed this Psalm to express the prayers of the pious for his success as at once the head of the Church and nation. Like other compositions of which David in such relations is the subject, its sentiments have a permanent value--the prosperity of Christ's kingdom being involved, as well as typified, in that of Israel and its king.

1. hear thee--graciously (Psa 4:1).

name of--or manifested perfections, as power, wisdom, &c.

defend thee--set thee on high from danger (Psa 9:9; 18:3).

Psalms 20:2

2. strengthen thee--sustain in conflict; even physical benefits may be included, as courage for war, &c., as such may proceed from a sense of divine favor, secured in the use of spiritual privileges.

Psalms 20:3

3. all thy offerings--or gifts, vegetable offerings.

accept--literally, "turn to ashes" (compare 1Ki 18:38).

Selah--(See on Psa 3:2).

Psalms 20:4

4. thy counsel--or plan.

Psalms 20:5

5. salvation--that wrought and experienced by him.

set up our banners--(Nu 2:3, 10). In usual sense, or, as some render, "may we be made great."

Psalms 20:6

6. He speaks as if suddenly assured of a hearing.

his anointed--not only David personally, but as the specially appointed head of His Church.

his holy heaven--or, literally, "the heavens of His holiness," where He resides (Psa 2:6; 11:4).

saving ... hand--His power which brings salvation.

Psalms 20:8

8. They--that is, who trust in horses, &c.

stand upright--literally, "we have straightened ourselves up from our distress and fears."

Psalms 20:9

9. let the king hear--as God's representative, delivered to deliver. Perhaps a better sense is, "Lord, save the king; hear us when we call," or pray.

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