Psalms 20:6

KJV

¶ Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now know {H3045} I that the LORD {H3068} saveth {H3467} his anointed {H4899}; he will hear {H6030} him from his holy {H6944} heaven {H8064} with the saving {H3468} strength {H1369} of his right hand {H3225}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He answers him from His holy heaven with the saving power of His right hand.

American Standard Version

Now know I that Jehovah saveth his anointed; He will answer him from his holy heaven With the saving strength of his right hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 20:6 serves as a powerful declaration of unwavering faith, marking a dramatic pivot from earnest petition to confident assurance. It proclaims with certainty that the LORD, Yahweh, will definitively save His anointed king, responding from His transcendent dwelling in "holy heaven" and acting with the irresistible, delivering power of His "right hand." This verse stands as a profound testament to divine faithfulness, the efficacy of prayer, and the guaranteed victory God grants to His chosen representative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 20 is a communal prayer offered on behalf of the king, likely David, as he prepares to engage in battle. The preceding verses ([Psalms 20:1-5](/psalms/20-1-5 "Psalms 20:1-5 - Prayer for the King's Victory")) consist of fervent petitions from the people or the Levitical priests, invoking God's protection, blessing, and triumph for their monarch. Verse 6 introduces a profound and dramatic shift in tone and perspective. It is not a continuation of supplication but a sudden, Spirit-inspired declaration of certainty, an affirmation of faith that God has heard the prayers and will act decisively. This declaration anticipates the thanksgiving and celebration of victory found in [Psalm 21](/psalms/21 "Psalm 21 - Thanksgiving for Victory"), which follows, demonstrating a movement within the psalms from hopeful supplication to confident expectation and culminating in praise for answered prayer.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm is firmly situated within the historical and cultural milieu of the Israelite monarchy, particularly the Davidic dynasty. Kings in ancient Israel were consecrated through anointing with oil, a ritual signifying their divine appointment and sacred status as God's chosen representatives (e.g., [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing")). Their welfare and success were intrinsically linked to the nation's well-being and security. In a period marked by frequent warfare, reliance on divine intervention for victory was not merely a religious custom but a strategic necessity, contrasting sharply with the reliance on military might, chariots, and horses by surrounding nations (a contrast explicitly highlighted in [Psalms 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalms 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")). The concept of God hearing from "His holy heaven" reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of a transcendent deity who, despite His exalted dwelling, actively engages with and intervenes in human affairs.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 20:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Divine Assurance and Confidence**, as the speaker's emphatic "Now know I" signifies a deep, experiential certainty in God's character, His covenant faithfulness, and His commitment to His promises. This declaration serves to bolster the faith of both the king and the entire community. The verse further underscores **God's Deliverance of His Anointed**, emphasizing God's unique commitment to save and uphold His chosen representative, a theme that finds its ultimate and climactic fulfillment in the person of the [Messiah, Jesus Christ](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Anointing at Nazareth"). Finally, the passage vividly portrays **God's Omnipotence and Responsiveness**, demonstrating that God, though dwelling in "His holy heaven," actively hears the prayers of His people and intervenes "with the saving strength of his right hand," a potent metaphor for His irresistible power and decisive action, echoing similar expressions of divine might seen in passages like [Exodus 15:6](/exodus/15-6 "Exodus 15:6 - The Lord's Right Hand's Power").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This word signifies more than mere intellectual understanding; it denotes a deep, intimate, and experiential knowledge, often implying recognition, discernment, and even relationship. In this context, "Now know I" expresses a profound, confident assurance and conviction, as if the psalmist has received an immediate, Spirit-inspired revelation or confirmation of God's intent. It is a declaration of faith born from a profound conviction of God's character and His faithfulness to His promises, moving from hopeful petition to absolute certainty.
* **anointed (Hebrew, _mâshîyach'_):** This pivotal term, from which the English word "Messiah" is directly derived, literally means "anointed one." In the Old Testament, it primarily refers to the king of Israel, who was consecrated with oil as God's chosen representative and ruler (e.g., [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed")). It could also apply to priests and, at times, prophets. Here, it underscores the special relationship between God and His divinely appointed ruler, implying divine protection, favor, and a guarantee of success in God's purposes.
* **right hand (Hebrew, _yâmîyn'_):** This is a powerful and frequently used biblical idiom representing strength, power, authority, and decisive action. God's "right hand" is consistently portrayed as the instrument of His might, whether in salvation, judgment, or victory. It signifies God's active, irresistible, and victorious intervention on behalf of His people, illustrating His ability to overcome any opposition and bring about His will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed;":** This opening clause marks the dramatic shift in the psalm's tone. The speaker, likely a priest or prophetic voice, declares with absolute certainty that Yahweh, the covenant God, is the one who "saveth" (delivers, brings victory to, grants salvation to) "His anointed" (the king). This is a declaration of established fact and unwavering faith, not a mere wish or a continued plea, affirming God's unfailing commitment to His chosen representative.
* **"he will hear him from his holy heaven":** This phrase emphasizes both God's transcendence and His immanence. God dwells in "His holy heaven," signifying His supreme authority, purity, and separation from human limitations and earthly defilement. Yet, from this exalted and sacred position, He actively "hears" the prayers and cries of His anointed, demonstrating His attentive, responsive, and engaged nature. It underscores that God's power is not distant or detached but intimately involved in human affairs, particularly those concerning His covenant people.
* **"with the saving strength of his right hand.":** This final clause specifies the *means* by which God's salvation and deliverance will be accomplished. It is not by human might, military prowess, or the strength of chariots and horses (as mentioned in [Psalms 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalms 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")), but by the "saving strength" of God's own "right hand." This powerful anthropomorphism vividly portrays God's irresistible power, His decisive action, and His ability to bring about complete victory and triumphant deliverance. It assures that God's intervention will be both effective and overwhelming.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 20:6 functions primarily as a powerful **Declaration** or **Affirmation**, marking a sudden and confident shift from the preceding petitions. The emphatic phrase "Now know I" acts as a **Pivot Point**, signaling an immediate, divinely-inspired assurance of victory, transforming the mood of the psalm. The description of God hearing from "His holy heaven" and acting "with the saving strength of His right hand" employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like qualities (hearing, having a hand) to God to make His actions comprehensible and impactful to human understanding. Specifically, "the saving strength of His right hand" is a potent **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where a part (the hand) stands for the whole (God's entire powerful being) and His attribute (strength) is personified as an active, delivering force. This vivid imagery creates a compelling picture of God's decisive, irresistible, and sovereign intervention. The consistent focus on God's active role ("saveth," "will hear," "strength of His right hand") highlights divine **Sovereignty** and **Omnipotence**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 20:6 stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering faithfulness of God to His covenant promises, particularly those made to the Davidic line. It underscores the profound truth that God is not a passive observer but an active, sovereign deliverer who hears the cries of His people and acts with irresistible power on behalf of His chosen ones. The confident declaration "Now know I" reflects a deep theological understanding that God's character and His covenant commitment guarantee His intervention, transforming hopeful petition into certain expectation. This divine assurance is foundational for the faith of both the king and the community, reminding them that ultimate victory belongs solely to the Lord.

* [Psalm 21:1](/psalms/21-1 "Psalm 21:1 - Thanksgiving for Victory")
* [Isaiah 59:1](/isaiah/59-1 "Isaiah 59:1 - The Lord's Arm is Not Short")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the contemporary believer, Psalms 20:6 offers profound encouragement and a powerful model for faith in the face of adversity. It reminds us that our earnest prayers are not offered into a void, but to a living God who hears from "His holy heaven" and responds with the "saving strength of His right hand." In moments of personal struggle, national crisis, or spiritual warfare, this verse invites us to move beyond mere hope to a confident declaration of God's certain intervention. Just as God was committed to His anointed king, He is infinitely more committed to His people, who are "anointed" by the Holy Spirit in Christ and called to be a kingdom of priests. This profound confidence allows us to face daunting challenges, not with reliance on human strength or ingenuity, but with the unwavering assurance that the Almighty God is actively working on our behalf, fully capable of delivering us from any adversary or circumstance. It calls us to place our trust solely in His omnipotent power, knowing that His saving strength is always sufficient for every need.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the psalmist's shift from petition to certain declaration in this verse challenge your own prayer life and level of faith?**
* **In what specific areas of your life or in what current challenges do you need to declare, with conviction, "Now know I that the LORD saveth..."?**
* **What does "the saving strength of his right hand" reveal about God's character, and how does that understanding impact your trust in Him during difficult times?**

### FAQ
**What does "his anointed" mean in the context of Psalms 20:6?**

Answer: In this specific context, "his anointed" (Hebrew: _mashiach_) primarily refers to the king of Israel, specifically the reigning Davidic monarch. Kings were consecrated through a ritual anointing with oil, which symbolized their divine appointment and special status as God's chosen representative to rule His people. This term underscores that the king's authority, legitimacy, and success were derived directly from God, not from human power or popular acclaim. This concept of God's "anointed" king also serves as a significant foreshadowing of the ultimate "Anointed One," the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

**How can we, as believers today, have the same "now know I" certainty as the psalmist?**

Answer: Our certainty, like the psalmist's, stems from faith in God's unchanging character and His revealed promises in Scripture. While the psalmist's declaration was likely a Spirit-inspired assurance for a specific battle, believers today can have an even greater and more comprehensive certainty through the finished work of Jesus Christ. We "know" God saves because He has already provided ultimate and eternal salvation through Jesus' death and resurrection. Our confidence in prayer, as articulated in [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14-15 "1 John 5:14-15 - Confidence in Prayer"), is rooted not in our feelings but in God's revealed will and His faithfulness to His Son. This "knowing" is based on the objective truth of God's Word and His demonstrated power throughout redemptive history.

**Is "holy heaven" a literal place where God's physical hand is located?**

Answer: "Holy heaven" refers to God's transcendent dwelling place, emphasizing His holiness, majesty, and supreme authority that exists beyond the physical, observable universe. It is a theological concept signifying God's otherness, His absolute purity, and His ultimate control over all creation. The phrase "with the saving strength of his right hand" is an anthropomorphism, a figure of speech that attributes human characteristics (like a physical hand) to God to help us comprehend His actions and attributes. It is not meant to be taken literally as God possessing a physical hand in heaven, but rather as a powerful and vivid metaphor for His omnipotent, active, and decisive intervention in human affairs, demonstrating His irresistible power to save and deliver.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 20:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true and eternal "Anointed One" (Messiah). While the psalm initially speaks of an earthly king, it serves as a prophetic shadow, pointing forward to the divine King whose victory is absolute, eternal, and universal. Jesus, as the Son of God, was uniquely anointed by the Holy Spirit for His redemptive mission, as prophesied in [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me") and explicitly affirmed by Jesus Himself in [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Anointing at Nazareth"). The declaration that the LORD "saveth his anointed" reaches its pinnacle in Christ's triumph over sin, death, and the grave through His crucifixion and glorious resurrection. It was precisely by the "saving strength of His right hand" that God raised Jesus from the dead and exalted Him to His own right hand in heaven, granting Him all authority, power, and dominion (as powerfully declared in [Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Exaltation of Christ") and [Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20-21 "Ephesians 1:20-21 - Christ's Authority at God's Right Hand")). Thus, the confident assurance expressed in Psalms 20:6 is fully realized in Jesus, who now intercedes for us from "His holy heaven" and through whom all believers receive salvation, eternal life, and the unwavering assurance of God's mighty, delivering power. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to save His Anointed, providing eternal victory for all who trust in Him.

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.

Cross-References

Psalms 28:8

The LORD [is] their strength, and he [is] the saving strength of his anointed.

Acts 5:31

Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Psalms 89:20

I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:

Psalms 89:23

And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.

Matthew 6:9

¶ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Psalms 18:50

Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.

Psalms 2:2

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying],