Psalms 20:1

KJV

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;

KJV (with Strong's)

To the chief Musician {H5329}, A Psalm {H4210} of David {H1732}. The LORD {H3068} hear {H6030} thee in the day {H3117} of trouble {H6869}; the name {H8034} of the God {H430} of Jacob {H3290} defend {H7682} thee;

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

American Standard Version

Jehovah answer thee in the day of trouble; The name of the God of Jacob set thee up on high;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 20:1 opens a profound psalm of intercession, articulating a fervent prayer for divine intervention on behalf of the king, likely as he faces a significant national crisis or prepares for battle. It is a communal cry for God's immediate attention in "the day of trouble," invoking the powerful and covenantal "name of the God of Jacob" to provide unwavering defense and protection. This verse encapsulates the deep trust of ancient Israel in their covenant-keeping God to hear their pleas and actively safeguard their anointed leader.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 20 stands as a communal prayer for the king, typically offered before a military campaign or in the face of a severe national threat. It is strategically placed within the Psalter, often seen as a companion to [Psalms 21](/psalms/21 "Psalms 21 - A Psalm of Thanksgiving for Victory"), which is a psalm of thanksgiving for victory already granted. This pairing suggests a liturgical sequence: prayer for success (Psalm 20) followed by praise for answered prayer (Psalm 21). The superscription, "To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David," indicates its liturgical use and Davidic authorship, framing it as a model for public worship and royal intercession. The psalm moves from the people's prayer (vv. 1-5) to the king's confident declaration (vv. 6-7), concluding with a renewed communal petition (vv. 8-9), establishing a clear progression of faith and reliance on God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the king was not merely a political leader but also God's anointed representative, a figure whose well-being and success were inextricably linked to the nation's prosperity and God's favor. Military conflicts were often viewed as divine judgments or tests, and success was attributed to God's intervention rather than human might. Therefore, it was customary for the community to engage in fervent prayer and sacrifice on behalf of their king before significant undertakings, especially battles. The invocation of "the God of Jacob" is highly significant, recalling God's covenant faithfulness to Jacob (Israel) and his descendants, as seen in foundational narratives like [Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10 "Genesis 28:10-22 - Jacob's Ladder and God's Promise"). This reference grounds the prayer in Israel's rich history of divine intervention and covenant promises, reinforcing the expectation that the same God who protected their patriarchs would now defend their king and nation.

* **Key Themes:** This opening verse immediately establishes several pivotal themes that resonate throughout the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **necessity and efficacy of prayer in distress**, modeling how a community should turn to God in times of national or personal "trouble." Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine intervention and protection**, emphasizing God's active engagement in the affairs of His people, not as a distant deity but as a present help. The plea for God to "hear" and "defend" signifies an expectation of powerful, tangible action. Thirdly, and most profoundly, it introduces the **power and significance of God's Name**. In biblical thought, God's "name" ([Exodus 3:13-15](/exodus/3-13 "Exodus 3:13-15 - God Reveals His Name")) represents His very character, authority, and revealed presence. To invoke "the name of the God of Jacob" is to appeal to His entire being, His covenant faithfulness, and His proven track record of delivering His people, as exemplified in the exodus narrative ([Exodus 15:1-21](/exodus/15 "Exodus 15 - The Song of Moses")). This invocation demonstrates a profound **trust in God's character**—that He is both attentive to the cries of His people and supremely capable of providing strong defense.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yahweh_):** This capitalized rendering in the KJV translates the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), the personal, covenant name of God revealed to Moses. It signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises and His people. To call upon "Yahweh" is to appeal to the God who is, who was, and who is to come, the One who actively enters into covenant relationship.
* **Hear (Hebrew, _ʿānâ_):** More than merely perceiving sound, _ʿānâ_ in this context implies a responsive hearing—to answer, to respond effectively, to pay attention with the intent to act. It conveys the expectation that God will not only listen to the prayer but will also intervene decisively in response to it.
* **Defend (Hebrew, _śāgaḇ_):** This verb means to be high, inaccessible, to be set securely on high, or to protect. When applied to God, it speaks of His ability to elevate someone beyond the reach of danger, to place them in a secure, unassailable position. It denotes strong, active protection and exaltation above one's adversaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David."**: This is the superscription, providing crucial information about the psalm's authorship, purpose, and liturgical setting. "To the chief Musician" indicates it was intended for public worship and musical performance, likely under the direction of a choirmaster. "A Psalm of David" attributes its origin to King David, suggesting a historical context within his reign or reflecting his spiritual insights. This framing establishes the psalm's authority and its role as a model for corporate prayer.
* **"The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble;"**: This clause is the core petition of the people for their king. "The LORD" (Yahweh) is the specific deity invoked, emphasizing His covenant relationship with Israel. "Hear thee" signifies a plea for God's attentive and responsive action, not just passive listening. "In the day of trouble" acknowledges the reality of adversity and the urgent need for divine assistance, setting a tone of earnest supplication.
* **"the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;"**: This second clause parallels and amplifies the first, specifying the agent of defense. "The name of the God of Jacob" is a powerful invocation. God's "name" represents His complete character, authority, and presence. To call upon His name is to appeal to all that He is. "The God of Jacob" specifically grounds this appeal in God's historical covenant faithfulness to the patriarch Jacob (Israel) and his descendants, reminding God and the supplicants of His proven track record of protection and provision for His chosen people. This phrase underscores that the defense sought is not merely human strength but the omnipotent power of the covenant-keeping God.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 20:1 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its urgent and profound message. **Invocation** is central, as the verse directly calls upon God, "The LORD," setting the tone for a prayer of direct address. **Parallelism** is evident in the two main clauses: "The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble" and "the name of the God of Jacob defend thee." This is an example of **synonymous parallelism**, where the second line reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first, emphasizing both God's attentive hearing and His active defense. The phrase "the name of the God of Jacob" uses **metonymy**, where "name" stands for the person, character, and power of God Himself. It is not merely a label but the embodiment of His divine essence and covenant faithfulness. Finally, the concept of God "hearing" can be seen as a subtle form of **anthropomorphism**, attributing a human action (hearing) to God to make His responsiveness relatable, while still maintaining His transcendence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 20:1 is a profound theological statement on the nature of prayer, God's character, and His active involvement in human affairs. It teaches that in times of crisis, the proper response for God's people, and especially their leaders, is to seek divine intervention with absolute confidence. The emphasis on "the name of the God of Jacob" highlights God's covenant faithfulness and the enduring power of His revealed character. It asserts that God is not a distant, passive observer but an immanent, powerful, and responsive deliverer who acts on behalf of those who trust in Him. This verse sets the stage for a theology of reliance, where human strength is recognized as insufficient, and divine power is acknowledged as the ultimate source of salvation and victory.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.")
* [Nahum 1:7](/nahum/1-7 "Nahum 1:7 - The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble.")
* [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 20:1 offers timeless encouragement and instruction for believers navigating their own "days of trouble." It reminds us that our first and most effective recourse in times of personal crisis, national upheaval, or any significant challenge is fervent prayer to God. Our confidence in prayer is not rooted in our own merit or eloquence, but in the unwavering character and covenant faithfulness of God, encapsulated in His "name." Just as ancient Israel interceded for their king, we are called to engage in intercessory prayer for our leaders, our communities, and all those facing adversity, recognizing that God is both attentive to our cries and fully capable of providing powerful defense. This verse invites us to rest in the assurance that the same God who heard and defended His people in ancient times continues to be our refuge and strength, a very present help in every generation. It challenges us to deepen our trust in His revealed character and to consistently bring our needs before Him, knowing that His "name" is our ultimate stronghold.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "day of trouble" are you currently facing, and how does this verse encourage you to approach it in prayer?**
* **How does understanding "the name of the God of Jacob" deepen your trust in God's character and His ability to defend you?**
* **For whom are you called to intercede today, following the example of communal prayer in this psalm?**
* **In what ways can you practically demonstrate your reliance on God's defense rather than your own strength or resources?**

### FAQ
**Why is the king the focus of this communal prayer in Psalms 20:1?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, the king was considered God's anointed representative and the embodiment of the nation. His well-being, success, and divine favor were directly linked to the prosperity and security of the entire community. When the king faced "the day of trouble," such as a military threat or national crisis, it was perceived as a threat to the entire nation. Therefore, the people's fervent prayer for the king was an act of national solidarity and a plea for God's protection over their collective future. This highlights the king's unique role as a mediator and representative figure, foreshadowing the ultimate King, Jesus Christ.

**What is the significance of invoking "the name of the God of Jacob" for defense?**

Answer: In biblical thought, God's "name" is far more than a mere label; it embodies His very essence, character, authority, and revealed power. To invoke "the name of the God of Jacob" is to appeal to God's covenant faithfulness, His historical acts of deliverance, and His proven track record of protecting and providing for His people, particularly as demonstrated in the life of Jacob (Israel) and his descendants. This phrase connects the current plea for defense to God's unchanging nature and His enduring promises, assuring the supplicants that the same God who faithfully led and defended their patriarchs will also defend them in their present trouble. It signifies a complete reliance on God's inherent power and His commitment to His covenant people, as seen in passages like [Genesis 32:22-32](/genesis/32-22 "Genesis 32:22-32 - Jacob Wrestles with God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 20:1 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true and eternal King, whose "day of trouble" far surpassed any earthly monarch's. While the psalm's original context is an earthly king facing battle, it prophetically points to the spiritual warfare and ultimate victory secured by the Messiah. Jesus, as the perfect King, faced the ultimate "day of trouble" in His suffering, crucifixion, and descent into death, bearing the sins of the world ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant")). Yet, it was through His perfect obedience and sacrifice that God "heard" and "defended" Him, raising Him from the dead and exalting Him to the highest place ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Name Above All Names")). The "name of the God of Jacob" that defends is now fully revealed in the "name of Jesus," which is above every name, and at which every knee shall bow. Believers today do not pray for an earthly king's military victory, but they pray in the powerful name of Jesus, knowing that He is our ultimate defense, our High Priest who intercedes for us ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Our Great High Priest")), and the One through whom we have access to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). In His name, we find salvation, protection, and the assurance that God always hears the prayers offered through Him ([John 14:13-14](/john/14-13 "John 14:13-14 - Praying in Jesus' Name")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.