Psalms 20

Some trust in chariots

ay the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.a ²May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. ³May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings.

⁴May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.b ⁵May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests.c ⁶Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand.d

⁷Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.e ⁸They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. ⁹Lord, give victory to the king! Answer us when we call!

Commentary

Psalms 20 is a liturgical prayer for victory, likely spoken by the congregation on behalf of the king as he prepares for battle. The psalm moves from confident petition (verses 1-5) to a declaration of trust in God rather than military might (verses 6-8), ending with a final plea

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Bible Dictionary· Psalms 20(2)

Hand Right

Bible Characters· Psalms 20(1)

Jacob

References· Psalms 20

a: v.1 — Proverbs 18:10, Psalms 138:7, Psalms 91:14-15, Psalms 46:11, Hebrews 5:7, Matthew 26:38-39, Psalms 46:1, Isaiah 50:10, Psalms 83:18, Jeremiah 30:7
b: v.4 — Psalms 145:19, Psalms 37:4, Matthew 21:22, Psalms 21:2, John 16:23, Proverbs 11:23, Romans 8:27-28, 1 John 5:14-15, John 11:42
c: v.5 — Exodus 17:15, 1 Samuel 1:17, Psalms 60:4, Isaiah 25:9, Isaiah 61:10, Habakkuk 3:18, Luke 1:47, Isaiah 12:1-3, Psalms 118:15, Psalms 9:14
d: v.6 — Psalms 28:8, Psalms 18:50, Acts 5:31, Psalms 89:20-23, Acts 4:10, Psalms 2:2, Isaiah 63:15, Matthew 6:9, Psalms 41:11, Isaiah 58:9
e: v.7 — Isaiah 31:1, Jeremiah 17:5, Proverbs 21:31, Psalms 33:16-17, 2 Chronicles 32:8, 2 Chronicles 14:11, 2 Chronicles 20:12-20, Psalms 45:17, 2 Chronicles 13:10-12, Isaiah 30:16

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