Psalms 20:4

Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.

Grant {H5414} thee according to thine own heart {H3824}, and fulfil {H4390} all thy counsel {H6098}.

May he grant you your heart's desire and bring all your plans to success.

May He give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

Grant thee thy heart’s desire, And fulfil all thy counsel.

Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 20:4 (KJV)

Psalm 20:4 is a powerful declaration of prayer and blessing, likely offered by the people or priests on behalf of their king before a significant undertaking, such as battle. It expresses a deep reliance on God's divine favor to bring about the righteous desires and plans of His chosen servant.

Context

This verse is an integral part of Psalm 20, which is generally understood as a communal prayer for the king's success in battle. The preceding verses establish a plea for God's help in times of trouble, a remembrance of sacrifices, and a trust in the Lord's name. The psalm sets forth the idea that true victory comes not from chariots or horses, but from the power and salvation of the Lord. Verse 4, therefore, is a specific petition for God to grant the king's righteous plans and intentions.

Key Themes

  • Divine Favor and Answered Prayer: The core message is a petition for God to actively intervene and bless an individual's endeavors. It highlights the belief that God hears and responds to the prayers of those who seek His will, particularly leaders who lead justly.
  • Righteous Desires of the Heart: The phrase "according to thine own heart" is crucial. It implies that the desires and intentions being prayed for are inherently good, righteous, and aligned with God's purposes. This is not a request for God to fulfill any arbitrary wish, but rather those aspirations that honor Him and serve His kingdom. This echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 37:4, "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
  • Fulfillment of God-Given Plans: "And fulfil all thy counsel" refers to the successful completion of one's plans, strategies, or purposes. The prayer is for God to bring these intentions to fruition, demonstrating a profound dependence on divine enablement for success in all undertakings, especially those pursued in faith and obedience. This aligns with the wisdom found in Proverbs 16:3, "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "heart" here is leb (לֵב), which encompasses more than just emotions; it refers to the inner self, the seat of intellect, will, and moral character—the very core of one's being and intentions. The word for "counsel" is `etsah (עֵצָה), meaning plans, purposes, or deliberate intentions. Thus, the verse is a prayer for God to bring to pass the deep-seated, well-considered plans of the leader, presuming these plans are consistent with God's own character and will.

Practical Application

This verse provides timeless insights for believers today:

  • Intercessory Prayer for Leaders: It encourages us to pray earnestly for those in authority, asking God to grant them wisdom, righteous desires, and to fulfill their good plans for the welfare of society (see 1 Timothy 2:1-2).
  • Aligning Personal Desires with God's Will: While we can pray for our desires to be fulfilled, the emphasis is on cultivating a heart that is aligned with God's will. When our deepest longings are truly for His glory and purposes, we can trust that He will work to bring them to pass in our lives.
  • Trusting God with Our Plans: We are called to commit our plans and endeavors to the Lord, trusting that He will guide and establish them. This verse reminds us that true and lasting success comes not solely from human effort, but from divine enablement and favor.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 37:4 (26 votes)

    Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

  • Psalms 145:19 (25 votes)

    He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

  • Psalms 21:2 (19 votes)

    Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah.

  • Matthew 21:22 (19 votes)

    And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

  • Proverbs 11:23 (15 votes)

    ¶ The desire of the righteous [is] only good: [but] the expectation of the wicked [is] wrath.

  • John 16:23 (15 votes)

    And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give [it] you.

  • Romans 8:27 (12 votes)

    And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God.