Psalms 20
Psalm 20 is a psalm of David, composed in the form of prayers that the community offers for their king (leader). Overall, it contains what is sought from God to help the king in times of war or difficult circumstances. Verses 1-5 are the part where the people pray to God for the king, verses 6-8 sing with confidence about the response, and in the final verse 9 it concludes again with a plea for deliverance.
1verseFor the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble. May the name of the God of Jacob set you up on high,
2versesend you help from the sanctuary, grant you support from Zion,
3verseremember all your offerings, and accept your burned sacrifice. Selah.
4verseMay he grant you your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your counsel.
5verseWe will triumph in your salvation. In the name of our God, we will set up our banners. May the LORD grant all your requests.
6verseNow I know that the LORD saves his anointed. He will answer him from his holy heaven, with the saving strength of his right hand.
7verseSome trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
8verseThey are bowed down and fallen, but we rise up, and stand upright.
9verseSave, LORD! Let the King answer us when we call!
Key Points and Meaning
- Verses 1–5: We ask that on days of suffering, God would help the king, accept every offering, and bring to completion all the plans he has. These entries show what a faithful community that relies on God looks like.
- Verses 6–8: The psalmist is confident that God will respond to the one he has anointed (the king). It emphasizes that, unlike relying on human strength (chariots, horses, etc.), true strength comes from relying on God’s name alone.
- Verse 9: Finally, we pray that both the king and his people may experience God’s deliverance. As a result, Psalm 20 reminds both individuals and the community that they must rely on God.
Reflection Point
- During times of trials and hardship, what should our hearts be like when we rely on God?
- Or when either we or our community faces difficulties, we reflect on whether there is a way of seeking God without depending on other things (ability, circumstances, people, etc.).
- We take another moment to remember the power of intercessory prayer offered to God and the importance of praying for one another within the community.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- In difficult and anxious situations, check what you look for first and who you lean on.
- You can practice a life of prayer where you become an intercessor for others and the community in the home, faith community, and society you belong to.
- Today, entrust all your plans and worries to God and carry faith that trusts in His guidance.
