TRV
Translation
World English Bible Messianic
They are bowed down and fallen, but we rise up, and stand upright.
Young's Literal Translation
They--they have bowed and have fallen, And we have risen and station ourselves upright.
In the KJVVerse 14,191 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 20 verses 6–9
6 ¶ 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.
7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
9 Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.
Here is, I. Holy David himself triumphing in the interest he had in the prayers of good people (Psa 20:6): "Now know I (I that pen the psalm know it) that the Lord saveth his anointed, because he hath stirred up the hearts of the seed of Jacob to pray for him." Note, It bodes well to any prince and people, and may justly be taken as a happy presage, when God pours upon them a spirit of prayer. If he see us seeking him, he will be found of us; if he cause us to hope in his word, he will establish his word to us. Now that so many who have an interest in heaven are praying for him he doubts not but that God will hear him, and grant him an answer of peace, which will, 1. Take its rise from above: He will hear him from his holy heaven, of which the sanctuary was a type (Heb 9:23), from the throne he hath prepared in heaven, of which the mercy-seat was a type. 2. It shall take its effect here below: He will hear him with the saving strength of his right hand; he will give a real answer to his prayers, and the prayers of his friends for him, not by letter, nor by word of mouth, but, which is much better, by his right hand, by the saving strength of his right hand. He will make it to appear that he hears him by what he does for him.
II. His people triumphing in God and their relation to him, and his revelation of himself to them, by which they distinguish themselves from those that live without God in the world. 1. See the difference between worldly people and godly people, in their confidences, Psa 20:7. The children of this world trust in second causes, and think all is well if those do but smile upon them; they trust in chariots and in horses, and the more of them they can bring into the field the more sure they are of success in their wars; probably David has here an eye to the Syrians, whose forces consisted much of chariots and horsemen, as we find in the history of David's victories over them, Sa2 8:4; Sa2 10:18. "But," say the Israelites, "we neither have chariots and horses to trust to nor do we want them, nor, if we had them, would we build our hopes of success upon that; but we will remember, and rely upon, the name of the Lord our God, upon the relation we stand in to him as the Lord our God and the knowledge we have of him by his name," that is, all that whereby he makes himself known; this we will remember and upon every remembrance of it will be encouraged. Note, those who make God and his name their praise may make God and his name their trust. 2. See the difference in the issue of their confidences and by that we are to judge of the wisdom of the choice; things are as they prove; see who will be ashamed of their confidence and who not, Psa 20:8. "Those that trusted in their chariots and horses are brought down and fallen, and their chariots and horses were so far from saving them that they helped to sink them, and made them the easier and the richer prey to the conqueror, Sa2 8:4. But we that trust in the name of the Lord our God not only stand upright, and keep our ground, but have risen, and have got ground against the enemy, and have triumphed over them." Note, A believing obedient trust in God and his name is the surest way both to preferment and to establishment, to rise and to stand upright, and this will stand us in stead when creature-confidences fail those that depend upon them.
III. They conclude their prayer for the king with a Hosanna, "Save, now, we beseech thee, O Lord!" Psa 20:9. As we read this verse, it may be taken as a prayer that God would not only bless the king, "Save, Lord, give him success," but that he would make him a blessing to them, "Let the king hear us when we call to him for justice and mercy." Those that would have good of their magistrates must thus pray for them, for they, as all other creatures, are that to us (and no more) which God makes them to be. Or it may refer to the Messiah, that King, that King of kings; let him hear us when we call; let him come to us according to the promise, in the time appointed; let him, as the great Master of requests, receive all our petitions and present them to the Father. But many interpreters give another reading of this verse, by altering the pause, Lord, save the king, and hear us when we call; and so it is a summary of the whole psalm and is taken into our English Liturgy; O Lord! save the king, and mercifully hear us when we call upon thee.
In singing these verses we should encourage ourselves to trust in God, and stir up ourselves to pray earnestly, as we are in duty bound, for those in authority over us, that under them we may lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 6–9. Public domain.
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Eusebius of CaesareaAD 339
COMMENTARY ON PSALMS 20:8-10
They say these things will happen in the time of the advent of that Savior. Then all the powers of the adversaries and those hidden and secret enemies of God who have turned their backs on the Savior will be laid low. All who receive that Savior will rise from the first fall. Therefore, Simeon says, “Behold, this child is destined to cause the rising and falling of many,” namely, the ruin of his enemies and adversaries and the resurrection of those who, having fallen once, have been rescued by him.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 20
"They have been bound, and fallen" [Psalm 20:8]. And therefore were they bound by the lust of temporal things, fearing to spare the Lord, lest they should lose their place by "the Romans:" [John 11:48] and rushing violently on the stone of offense and rock of stumbling, they fell from the heavenly hope: to whom the blindness in part of Israel has happened, being ignorant of God's righteousness, and wishing to establish their own. "But we are risen, and stand upright." But we, that the Gentile people might enter in, out of the stones raised up as children to Abraham, [Matthew 3:9] who followed not after righteousness, have attained to it, and are risen; [Romans 9:30] and not by our own strength, but being justified by faith, we stand upright.
Arnobius the YoungerAD 460
COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 20
We will rise upright as others are collapsing, because our King is saved, and arising from the dead he ascends into the heavens, and as he sits on the right hand of God the Father he hears us in the day we call him. To him be glory forever. Amen.
CassiodorusAD 585
EXPLANATION OF THE PSALMS 20:9
Those who trust in human honors have been snared by their own perverse desires and have fallen into the pit of death.
CassiodorusAD 585
EXPLANATION OF THE PSALMS 20:9
A Christian is said to rise in two senses; first, when he is freed by grace from the death of vices in this life and he continues in God’s grace of justification.… Second, there is also the general resurrection at which the just will receive their eternal rewards. In this passage it is clear that both senses of resurrection are appropriate. For this reason, when he adds “we have been raised,” it is because in any sort of resurrection the faithful arise from their humble status and are elevated to divine rewards.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 20:8 is a profound declaration of faith, contrasting the inevitable downfall of those who place their trust in human strength with the enduring triumph and steadfastness of those who rely on the Lord. Spoken as a prophetic affirmation in anticipation of divine victory, this verse assures God's people that their unwavering confidence in His name will result in their being raised up and firmly established, even as their adversaries are utterly defeated. It encapsulates the core message of the psalm: true security, success, and stability are found not in human might or worldly resources, but solely in the unfailing power and faithfulness of God.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalms 20 is a communal prayer offered on behalf of the king, likely David, as he prepares to engage in battle. It functions as a psalm of supplication and profound confidence, uttered before the conflict commences. The preceding verses (20:1-6) articulate the community's fervent prayers for God's divine protection and favor upon their monarch, earnestly desiring that the Lord "send thee help from the sanctuary" and "remember all thy offerings" Psalms 20:2-3. Verse 7, immediately preceding our focal text, establishes the critical antithesis 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. This foundational declaration of trust in God's sovereign name forms the bedrock upon which the triumphant and certain statement of verse 8 is built, presenting the inevitable and contrasting outcomes of such divergent allegiances.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, chariots and horses represented the zenith of military technology and overwhelming power. Empires and kingdoms prided themselves on the formidable size and strength of their cavalry and chariot corps, viewing them as decisive instruments of victory in warfare. For Israel, a nation frequently militarily outmatched by its formidable neighbors, the temptation to emulate these powerful nations by accumulating conventional military might would have been immense. However, the Mosaic Law explicitly prohibited the Israelite king from multiplying horses for himself Deuteronomy 17:16, thereby underscoring a fundamental theological principle: Israel's true strength and security resided in their covenant relationship with God, not in worldly armaments. Thus, Psalms 20:8, read in conjunction with verse 7, directly challenges the prevailing military wisdom of the era, asserting unequivocally that divine intervention and favor far surpass any human or technological advantage. The psalm reflects a moment of national crisis or impending conflict, where both the king and the people collectively turn to God for intervention rather than relying on their own limited resources.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance, asserting God's ultimate and unchallengeable control over the outcomes of human endeavors and His unparalleled power to rescue and deliver His people from overwhelming odds. Secondly, it highlights the profound Contrast Between Human Reliance and Divine Trust, a recurring motif throughout Scripture where the inherent futility of trusting in human strength, material wealth, or military prowess is starkly juxtaposed against the unfailing security and steadfastness found in God alone. This contrast is vividly illustrated in passages such as Proverbs 21:31, which states, "The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD," or Isaiah 31:1, which warns against seeking help from Egypt's chariots. Finally, the verse powerfully speaks to the theme of Steadfastness and Restoration for God's faithful. The phrases "risen, and stand upright" signify not merely a temporary victory but a firm, enduring, and divinely established position, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to uphold, restore, and establish His people, ensuring their stability even after severe trials, as promised in Psalms 37:24, "Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand."
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device powerfully employed in Psalms 20:8 is Antithesis, or sharp contrast. The verse masterfully juxtaposes two diametrically opposing outcomes: the complete downfall and prostration of the enemies ("brought down and fallen") versus the triumphant elevation and enduring stability of God's people ("risen, and stand upright"). This stark contrast serves to highlight the absolute difference in destiny between those who place their trust in human power and those who rely solely on divine strength. Furthermore, the verse functions as a Prophetic Declaration, stating a future event with the certainty and assurance of an accomplished fact. This prophetic tone instills profound confidence and assures the listeners of God's certain and decisive 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 steadfastness, thereby making the spiritual truth tangible, impactful, and memorable.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 20:8 profoundly articulates the theological truth that ultimate victory, security, and stability are found exclusively in God. It echoes the consistent biblical theme that human strength, military might, or worldly resources are ultimately futile and transient when compared to the omnipotence and eternal faithfulness of the Lord. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is the sole true source of security and triumph, and that those who faithfully depend on Him will never be put to shame or ultimately defeated. It foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on spiritual warfare, where believers are called to stand firm not in their own inherent power, but in the strength of the Lord and the power of His might, knowing that He has already secured the definitive victory. The contrast between falling and standing upright also resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God consistently raising up the humble and bringing down the proud.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 20:8 offers timeless and profound encouragement for believers navigating a world that relentlessly prioritizes self-reliance, material strength, and human ingenuity. 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, victory, and steadfastness come only from God. It challenges us to deeply examine where our ultimate trust and confidence truly lie—is it in our own abilities, our accumulated resources, the prevailing systems of the world, or is it in the unfailing and powerful name of the Lord our God? When we face personal struggles, spiritual battles, or societal pressures that threaten to overwhelm and bring us low, this psalm calls us to declare with prophetic certainty that while the forces arrayed against us may falter, collapse, and fall, we, who place our trust in God, will be raised up and stand firm. Our confidence should always be anchored in the Lord, for He not only grants decisive victory but also ensures our steadfastness and enduring position in His sovereign grace.
Questions for Reflection
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 and spiritual truths extend far beyond literal battles. The "chariots and horses" mentioned in the preceding verse Psalms 20:7 serve as a metaphor for any form of human strength, worldly power, self-reliance, or material advantage that people might trust in apart from God. Therefore, the verse applies broadly to all forms of conflict and challenge that believers face: spiritual warfare Ephesians 6:12, personal struggles, financial difficulties, health crises, relational conflicts, or societal pressures. In every arena of life, the principle remains consistent: those who rely on their own strength or the world's transient resources will ultimately falter and fall, but those who trust in the Lord will be upheld, elevated, and stand firm.
How can I apply "we are risen, and stand upright" to my daily life when I feel defeated or overwhelmed?
Answer: This phrase is a powerful declaration of faith, a promise of divine upholding, and a call to spiritual perspective. When you feel defeated or overwhelmed, it calls you to shift your focus from your current circumstances to God's ultimate power and unwavering faithfulness. To apply this truth in your daily life:
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 20:8 finds its ultimate, most profound, and definitive fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "we" who are "risen, and stand upright" is perfectly and supremely embodied in Christ Himself, who, through His sacrificial death on the cross, appeared to be utterly "brought down and fallen" by the overwhelming powers of sin, death, and the grave. Yet, in the ultimate act of divine victory and triumph, God the Father raised Him from the dead on the third day Acts 2:24, thereby demonstrating His absolute and decisive triumph over all the "chariots and horses" of this fallen world—sin, death, and the spiritual powers of darkness Colossians 2:15. Christ's resurrection is the definitive "rising" that establishes Him in an eternal, upright, and unshakeable position of authority and glory at the right hand of God the Father Ephesians 1:20-21. Furthermore, believers, through saving faith in Him, are intimately united with His victory. We are spiritually "risen with Christ" Ephesians 2:6 and are therefore called to "stand firm in the Lord" Philippians 4:1, knowing with absolute certainty that His triumph is our triumph, and His eternal steadfastness is the divine guarantee of our own enduring position and secure standing in Him. Thus, Psalms 20:8 is not merely a historical declaration of Israel's military hope, but a prophetic whisper of the ultimate and eternal victory secured by the Lamb of God, who forever stands upright, and in whom His redeemed people also find their eternal, unshakeable standing.