Psalms20

Psalm 20 is a prayer for the king in a time of trouble, seeking divine help, strength, and acceptance of his offerings. The people express confidence that the Lord will hear and save His anointed. They declare their trust in the name of the Lord their God, contrasting it with reliance on worldly power, and anticipate victory.

A Prayer for the King’s Deliverance

1
For the leader. A psalm of David: May ADONAI answer you in times of distress, may the name of the God of Ya'akov protect you. ​
2
May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Tziyon.
3
May he be reminded by all your grain offerings and accept the fat of your burnt offerings. (Selah) ​
4
May he grant you your heart's desire and bring all your plans to success.
5
Then we will shout for joy at your victory and fly our flags in the name of our God. May ADONAI fulfill all your requests. ​

Declaration of Divine Confidence

6
Now I know that ADONAI gives victory to his anointed one -he will answer him from his holy heaven with mighty victories by his right hand. ​

Trusting in the Name of the Lord

7
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we praise the name of ADONAI our God. ​
8
They will crumple and fall, but we will arise and stand erect.

Final Plea for Royal Salvation

9
Give victory, ADONAI! Let the King answer us the day we call.

Study Notes for Psalms 20

Verse 1

This psalm is a corporate prayer offered by the congregation for the Davidic king, likely before or during a major military campaign ('day of trouble'). The phrase 'the name of the God of Jacob' emphasizes God's personal covenant power and historical faithfulness to Israel.

Verse 3

The reference to sacrifices highlights the importance of proper worship and reconciliation before seeking God's intervention in crisis. For the request to be granted, the offerings must first be 'accepted' (literally, 'turn to ashes,' signifying divine consumption and approval).

Verse 5

'Salvation' (Heb. *yeshua*) primarily means military victory and deliverance in this context. Setting up 'banners' (standards/flags) signifies celebrating the victory achieved by the authority and power of God, not human strength.

Verse 6

This verse marks a shift from communal petition to firm assurance, perhaps spoken by the priest or the king himself. 'His anointed' (*mashiach*, Messiah) refers specifically to the reigning Davidic king, whose success is guaranteed because he is God's chosen representative.

Verse 7

This verse establishes a stark contrast between reliance on earthly military technology ('chariots' and 'horses') and reliance on the covenant relationship with God. The 'name of the LORD' encapsulates God's revealed character, power, and commitment to Israel.

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