Psalms 20:8

KJV

They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

KJV (with Strong's)

They are brought down {H3766} and fallen {H5307}: but we are risen {H6965}, and stand upright {H5749}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will crumple and fall, but we will arise and stand erect.

Berean Standard Bible

They collapse and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

American Standard Version

They are bowed down and fallen; But we are risen, and stand upright.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 20:8 stands as a powerful declaration of faith, contrasting the ultimate downfall of those who rely on worldly strength with the enduring triumph of those who trust in the Lord. It is a prophetic affirmation, spoken in anticipation of divine victory, assuring God's people that their reliance on His name will result in their steadfastness and elevation, even as their adversaries are utterly defeated. This verse encapsulates the core message of the psalm: that true security and success are found not in human might, but in the unwavering power and faithfulness of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 20 is a communal prayer offered for the king, likely David, as he prepares for battle. It is a psalm of supplication and confidence, preceding the conflict itself. The verses leading up to verse 8 express the community's fervent prayers for God's protection and favor upon their king, asking that the Lord "send thee help from the sanctuary" and "remember all thy offerings" [Psalms 20:2-3](/psalms/20-2 "Psalms 20:2-3 - Prayer for the King"). Verse 7, immediately preceding our text, sets up the profound contrast that verse 8 resolves: "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God" [Psalms 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalms 20:7 - Trust in the Lord"). This declaration of trust in God’s name is the foundation upon which the triumphant statement of verse 8 is built, presenting the inevitable outcome of such faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern warfare, chariots and horses represented the pinnacle of military technology and power. Nations prided themselves on the size and strength of their cavalry and chariot corps, viewing them as decisive factors in battle. For Israel, a nation often militarily outmatched by its neighbors, the temptation to rely on such conventional military might would have been strong. However, the Mosaic Law prohibited the king from multiplying horses for himself [Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Prohibition against Multiplying Horses"), emphasizing that Israel's strength lay in God, not in worldly armaments. Thus, Psalms 20:8, in conjunction with verse 7, directly challenges the prevailing military wisdom of the time, asserting that divine intervention far surpasses any human advantage. The psalm reflects a moment of national crisis or impending conflict, where the king and the people collectively seek God's intervention rather than trusting in their own resources.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance**, asserting God's ultimate control over the outcomes of human endeavors and His power to save His people from overwhelming odds. Secondly, it highlights the **Contrast Between Human Reliance and Divine Trust**, a recurring motif where the futility of trusting in human strength, wealth, or military might is set against the unfailing security found in God alone. This is vividly seen in passages like [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - Victory is from the Lord") or [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help"). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **Steadfastness and Restoration** for God's faithful. "Risen, and stand upright" signifies not merely a temporary victory but a firm, enduring position, reflecting God's commitment to uphold and establish His people, ensuring their stability even after severe trials, as promised in [Psalms 37:24](/psalms/37-24 "Psalms 37:24 - Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Brought down (Hebrew, _kāraʿ_):** This verb, used in conjunction with "fallen," describes the complete and utter defeat of the adversaries. _Kāraʿ_ literally means "to bow down," often in submission or defeat, implying a posture of being overwhelmed and humbled.
* **Fallen (Hebrew, _nāphal_):** This verb, used with "brought down," means "to fall," indicating a collapse, ruin, or prostration, often associated with death or utter destruction. Together, these verbs paint a vivid picture of enemies utterly vanquished, unable to stand, completely prostrate in defeat. This is not merely a setback but a decisive and irreversible collapse.
* **Risen (Hebrew, _qūm_):** In stark contrast to the enemies' demise, this verb describes the triumphant state of God's people. _Qūm_ means "to rise," "to stand up," or "to be established." It signifies a movement from a low or fallen state to an elevated and secure one, implying restoration, revival, and triumph.
* **Stand upright (Hebrew, _ʿāmad_):** This verb, used with "risen," means "to stand," "to remain," or "to endure." It denotes a firm, stable, and enduring position, indicating steadfastness, persistence, and an unyielding presence. Combined, these words convey not just a temporary victory, but a lasting establishment, a firm and secure standing that cannot be shaken, reflecting God's sustaining power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They are brought down and fallen:"** This clause refers to the "some" mentioned in the preceding verse—those who place their trust in worldly power, specifically chariots and horses. It is a declarative statement of their inevitable fate: utter defeat and collapse. The use of the perfect tense in Hebrew often implies a completed action with lasting results, suggesting that their downfall is a certainty, as good as done. This is a prophetic pronouncement of judgment against those who oppose God and rely on their own might.
* **"but we are risen, and stand upright."** This clause presents the dramatic antithesis. "We" refers to the king and the people who have chosen to "remember the name of the LORD our God" [Psalms 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalms 20:7 - Trust in the Lord"). Their fate is the direct opposite of their adversaries. They are not merely spared but are elevated, restored, and firmly established. This is a declaration of confidence rooted in divine faithfulness, a prophetic assurance that God will uphold His people, granting them not just victory in battle but an enduring, stable position. It speaks to God's power to not only deliver but to sustain and empower His faithful.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Psalms 20:8 is **Antithesis**, or sharp contrast. The verse masterfully juxtaposes two opposing outcomes: the downfall of the enemies ("brought down and fallen") versus the triumph of God's people ("risen, and stand upright"). This stark contrast serves to highlight the absolute difference in destiny between those who trust in human power and those who rely on divine strength. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Prophetic Declaration**, stating a future event with the certainty of an accomplished fact. This prophetic tone instills confidence and assures the listeners of God's certain intervention. The language also employs **Figurative Language** through vivid verbs that describe physical states ("brought down," "fallen," "risen," "stand upright") to represent abstract concepts of defeat, ruin, victory, and stability, making the spiritual truth tangible and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 20:8 profoundly articulates the theological truth that ultimate victory and stability are found exclusively in God. It echoes the consistent biblical theme that human strength, military might, or worldly resources are ultimately futile when compared to the omnipotence of the Lord. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is the true source of security and triumph, and that those who faithfully depend on Him will never be put to shame. It foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on spiritual warfare, where believers are called to stand firm not in their own power, but in the strength of the Lord, knowing that He has already secured the victory. The contrast between falling and standing upright also resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God raising up the humble and bringing down the proud.

* [Proverbs 11:28](/proverbs/11-28 "Proverbs 11:28 - Trust in Riches or the Righteous") - "He that trusts in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch."
* [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Hope in the Lord") - "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
* [1 Corinthians 15:57](/1_corinthians/15-57 "1 Corinthians 15:57 - Victory through Christ") - "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 20:8 offers timeless encouragement for believers navigating a world that often prioritizes self-reliance and material strength. In an age where success is frequently measured by worldly achievements, financial security, or personal influence, this verse redirects our gaze to the foundational truth that true and lasting stability comes only from God. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust lies—is it in our own abilities, our resources, or the systems of the world, or is it in the unfailing name of the Lord our God? When we face personal struggles, spiritual battles, or societal pressures that threaten to overwhelm us, this psalm calls us to declare with prophetic certainty that while the forces arrayed against us may falter and fall, we, who trust in God, will be raised up and stand firm. Our confidence should always be in the Lord, for He not only grants victory but ensures our steadfastness and enduring position in His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on "chariots and horses" (worldly resources) rather than the "name of the LORD our God"?**
* **How does the certainty of the enemies' downfall and the believer's steadfastness in this verse encourage you in the face of current challenges?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more consistently place your trust in God's power rather than your own or the world's?**
* **How does the idea of being "risen, and stand upright" apply to your spiritual walk and resilience in faith?**

### FAQ

**Is Psalms 20:8 only applicable to physical battles or warfare?**

Answer: While Psalms 20 was originally composed in the context of a king preparing for physical warfare, its theological principles extend far beyond literal battles. The "chariots and horses" mentioned in the preceding verse [Psalms 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalms 20:7 - Trust in the Lord") represent any form of human strength, worldly power, or self-reliance that people might trust in apart from God. Therefore, the verse applies to all forms of conflict and challenge that believers face: spiritual warfare [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare"), personal struggles, financial difficulties, health crises, or societal pressures. In every arena of life, the principle remains: those who rely on their own strength or the world's resources will ultimately falter, but those who trust in the Lord will be upheld and stand firm.

**How can I apply "we are risen, and stand upright" to my daily life when I feel defeated?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful declaration of faith and a promise of divine upholding. When you feel defeated, it calls you to shift your perspective from your current circumstances to God's ultimate power and faithfulness. To apply this in daily life:
1. **Remember God's Track Record:** Recall times when God has delivered you or others, strengthening your faith in His ability to raise you up again.
2. **Declare God's Truth:** Actively confess the truth of this verse over your situation, speaking words of faith rather than despair.
3. **Stand in His Strength:** Recognize that your ability to "stand upright" is not from your own resilience but from God's empowering presence within you [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ").
4. **Seek His Guidance:** Trust that even in defeat, God can restore and re-establish your path, guiding you to a firm standing. It's an assurance that God will not let His faithful people remain utterly cast down, but will lift them up and establish them in His purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 20:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "we" who are "risen, and stand upright" is perfectly embodied in Christ, who, through His death on the cross, appeared to be "brought down and fallen" by the powers of sin and death. Yet, in the ultimate act of divine victory, God raised Him from the dead [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up"), demonstrating His absolute triumph over all the "chariots and horses" of this world—sin, death, and the grave [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). Christ's resurrection is the definitive "rising" that establishes Him in an eternal, upright, and unshakeable position at the right hand of God [Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-21 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand"). Furthermore, believers, through faith in Him, are united with His victory. We are spiritually "risen with Christ" [Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Raised with Christ") and are called to "stand firm in the Lord" [Philippians 4:1](/philippians/4-1 "Philippians 4:1 - Stand Firm in the Lord"), knowing that His triumph is our triumph, and His steadfastness is the guarantee of our own enduring position in Him. Thus, Psalms 20:8 is not merely a historical declaration of Israel's military hope, but a prophetic whisper of the ultimate victory secured by the Lamb of God, who forever stands upright, and in whom His people also find their eternal standing.

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 125:1

¶ A Song of degrees. They that trust in the LORD [shall be] as mount Zion, [which] cannot be removed, [but] abideth for ever.

Micah 7:8

Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD [shall be] a light unto me.

Psalms 34:21

Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.

Psalms 34:22

The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

Jeremiah 17:7

Blessed [is] the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

Jeremiah 17:8

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and [that] spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Judges 5:31

So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but [let] them that love him [be] as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.