Psalms 20:7

KJV

Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Some trust in chariots {H7393}, and some in horses {H5483}: but we will remember {H2142} the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we praise the name of ADONAI our God.

Berean Standard Bible

Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

American Standard Version

Some trustin chariots, and some in horses; But we will make mention of the name of Jehovah our God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 20:7 is a profound declaration of unwavering faith, contrasting the fleeting security found in human military might with the enduring strength derived from remembering and relying upon the revealed character and covenant faithfulness of the LORD God. It serves as a pivotal statement within a psalm that is a communal prayer for divine assistance and victory, likely offered for the king before a significant battle, asserting that true triumph comes not from earthly armaments but from divine power and presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 20 is a communal prayer, likely offered by the people and priests for their king as he prepared for or went into battle. It is a prayer for victory and divine favor, preceding Psalm 21, which is a psalm of thanksgiving for victory. The psalm opens with petitions for God to answer the king in distress, to send help from Zion, and to accept his offerings and requests ([Psalms 20:1-5](/psalms/20-1 "Psalms 20:1-5 - Prayer for the King")). Verse 6 expresses confidence that the LORD will save His anointed. Against this backdrop of fervent prayer and hopeful expectation, verse 7 stands as the theological bedrock, articulating the true source of their confidence, not in visible instruments of war, but in the invisible, yet omnipotent, God. It sets the stage for the triumphant affirmation in verse 8 that "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, chariots and horses represented the pinnacle of military technology and power. Nations with large, well-equipped chariot forces, such as Egypt or the Hittites, were considered formidable. Israel, by contrast, was often admonished against accumulating horses and chariots, as seen in the law concerning kings ([Deuteronomy/17-16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Prohibition against accumulating horses")). This was not merely a practical military strategy but a theological statement, encouraging reliance on God rather than on human or material strength. The setting of this psalm is likely a time of national crisis or impending warfare, where the temptation to rely on conventional military advantages would be strong. The psalmist's declaration in verse 7 directly challenges this worldly perspective, grounding the nation's hope in their covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of Psalms 20:7 is the stark **contrast between human reliance and divine trust**. It highlights the futility of placing ultimate confidence in material or military strength (symbolized by "chariots and horses") versus the absolute security found in God. This verse also powerfully emphasizes the **sovereignty and power of God** over all earthly might, echoing themes found in other psalms that declare God's supremacy over nations and their armies, such as [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - God's Deliverance, Not Human Strength"). Furthermore, the phrase "the name of the LORD" underscores the theme of **God's revealed character and covenant faithfulness**. To "remember" His name is not mere mental recall but an active, faith-filled commitment to rely on His attributes, His promises, and His historical acts of deliverance, which are all encapsulated in His divine name. This deep theological understanding of God's name is foundational to Israel's identity and hope, as seen in passages like [Exodus 3:15](/exodus/3-15 "Exodus 3:15 - God's Name Revealed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chariots (Hebrew, _rekeb'_):** In ancient warfare, chariots were the most advanced and fearsome military technology, akin to modern tanks or fighter jets. They symbolized overwhelming power, speed, and strategic advantage. The mention of "chariots" here represents the pinnacle of human military might and, by extension, any form of human strength, resource, or ingenuity that people might trust in for security and victory, apart from God.
* **Remember (Hebrew, _zakhar'_):** This word in Hebrew carries a much deeper meaning than simple mental recall. To "remember" the name of the LORD implies an active, intentional, and covenantal act of bringing to mind God's character, His past deeds of deliverance, His promises, and His very presence. It involves a commitment to act in accordance with that remembrance, to rely on Him, and to live out the implications of His identity. It is a dynamic, faith-filled engagement with God's nature.
* **Name of the LORD (Hebrew, _shem YHWH'_):** In Hebrew thought, a "name" (שֵׁם, _shem_) is not just a label but encapsulates the very essence, character, authority, and reputation of the person. "The Name of the LORD" (YHWH, God's personal covenantal name, often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles) therefore signifies the fullness of God's revealed being—His attributes (holiness, power, faithfulness, love), His covenant relationship with Israel, and His active presence in the world. To remember His name is to trust in all that God is and has revealed Himself to be, especially His power to save and deliver.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses:"** This clause sets up a stark contrast, identifying the common human tendency to place confidence in visible, tangible sources of power and security. "Chariots" and "horses" are metonymic for all forms of human strength, military might, wealth, political alliances, or personal abilities. It acknowledges that many nations and individuals rely on these earthly advantages for their well-being and success, viewing them as their ultimate source of protection and victory.
* **"but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."** This is the counter-declaration, a resolute statement of faith and allegiance. The "we" is emphatic, representing the psalmist, the king, and the faithful community of Israel. Their confidence is not in armaments but in an active, conscious reliance on the "name of the LORD our God." This signifies a deep, covenantal trust in God's revealed character, His omnipotence, His faithfulness, and His unique relationship with His people. It is a commitment to draw strength and hope from who God is, rather than from what human effort can achieve.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting up a clear dichotomy between reliance on human strength ("chariots" and "horses") and divine trust ("the name of the LORD our God"). This stark opposition highlights the folly of the former and the wisdom of the latter. **Merism** is also present, where "chariots and horses" represent the totality of military power, using two prominent components to stand for the whole. Furthermore, **Metonymy** is evident in "the name of the LORD," where the "name" stands for the entire person, character, and power of God Himself. This is more than just a label; it embodies God's very being and His covenant relationship with His people. The verse's concise, parallel structure also contributes to its memorable and impactful declaration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 20:7 articulates a fundamental biblical truth: true security and ultimate victory are found not in human might or material resources, but in the sovereign power and faithful character of God. This principle challenges humanity's innate tendency towards self-reliance and idolatry, where created things (like military strength or wealth) are elevated to a position of ultimate trust. The verse calls the people of God to actively remember and rely upon the LORD's revealed name, which encapsulates His covenant promises, His omnipotence, and His unwavering commitment to His people. It's a call to prioritize spiritual dependence over worldly confidence, recognizing that God's power far surpasses any earthly strength or strategic advantage.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by His Army")
* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that constantly encourages us to place our trust in visible, tangible securities—financial portfolios, career achievements, political systems, technological advancements, or personal abilities—Psalms 20:7 serves as an enduring and vital counter-cultural declaration. It challenges us to honestly examine the true objects of our confidence. When faced with personal crises, professional challenges, national uncertainties, or global anxieties, where do we instinctively turn for help and hope? Do we, like "some," primarily rely on our "chariots and horses"—our resources, our intellect, our networks, or our own strength? Or do we, like the psalmist, consciously and actively "remember the name of the LORD our God," bringing to mind His unchanging character, His past faithfulness, and His boundless power? This verse calls us to a radical reorientation of our trust, reminding us that our ultimate security and deliverance come from God alone, whose power and wisdom infinitely transcend all human capabilities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "chariots and horses" in my life today—the things I tend to rely on more than God for security and success?**
* **How does "remembering the name of the LORD our God" practically manifest in my daily life, especially during times of challenge or uncertainty?**
* **What specific attributes or past acts of God's faithfulness can I bring to mind to strengthen my trust in His name?**

### FAQ
**What does "remember the name of the LORD our God" truly mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: In a practical sense, "remembering the name of the LORD our God" goes far beyond a simple mental recollection of a title. It means actively calling to mind God's revealed character, His attributes (such as His omnipotence, faithfulness, love, and justice), His covenant promises, and His historical acts of deliverance and provision for His people. Practically, this involves meditating on Scripture, recalling personal testimonies of God's faithfulness, engaging in prayer that acknowledges His sovereignty, and consciously choosing to align our trust and actions with His revealed will. It's a dynamic, faith-filled reliance on who God is, rather than on our own strength or worldly resources, especially when facing challenges. It is a conscious decision to lean into the reality of God's presence and power, as opposed to the fleeting security offered by human means, as highlighted throughout [the Psalms](/psalms "The Book of Psalms").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 20:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the psalmist's declaration pointed to the covenant name of Yahweh as Israel's true source of strength, the New Testament reveals that this divine "name" is fully embodied and made accessible through Jesus. He is the ultimate "name above every name" ([Philippians/2-9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - The Name Above Every Name")), through whom alone salvation and true victory are found. Where "chariots and horses" represent the pinnacle of human power and wisdom, Christ's victory was achieved not through worldly might but through His sacrificial death and resurrection, triumphing over sin, death, and all spiritual principalities and powers ([Colossians/2-15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph over Principalities and Powers")). Believers are called to place their trust entirely in Him, remembering His finished work on the cross and His resurrection power, knowing that "there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved" ([Acts/4-12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). Our confidence is not in our own strength or achievements, but in the power of His name, which raises the dead, casts out demons, and brings eternal life, demonstrating that God "chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong" ([1_corinthians/1-27](/1-corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Weak")).

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

Isaiah 31:1

¶ Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Jeremiah 17:5

¶ Thus saith the LORD; Cursed [be] the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

Proverbs 21:31

The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD.

Psalms 33:16

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

Psalms 33:17

An horse [is] a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver [any] by his great strength.

2 Chronicles 32:8

With him [is] an arm of flesh; but with us [is] the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

2 Chronicles 14:11

And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, [it is] nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou [art] our God; let not man prevail against thee.