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Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 21:1–6.
David here speaks for himself in the first place, professing that his joy was in God's strength and in his salvation, and not in the strength or success of his armies. He also directs his subjects herein to rejoice with him, and to give God all the glory of the victories he had obtained; and all with an eye to Christ, of whose triumphs over the powers of darkness David's victories were but shadows. 1. They here congratulate the king on his joys and concur with him in them (Psa 21:1): "The king rejoices, he uses to rejoice in thy strength, and so do we; what pleases the king pleases us," Sa2 3:36. Happy the people the character of whose king it is that he makes God's strength his confidence and God's salvation his joy, that is pleased with all the advancements of God's kingdom and trusts God to bear him out in all he does for the service of it. Our Lord Jesus, in his great undertaking, relied upon help from heaven, and pleased himself with the prospect of that great salvation which he was thereby to work out. 2. They gave God all the praise of those things which were the matter of their king's rejoicing. (1.) That God had heard his prayers (Psa 21:2): Thou hast given him his heart's desire (and there is no prayer accepted but what is the heart's desire), the very thing they begged of God for him, Psa 20:4. Note, God's gracious returns of prayer do, in a special manner, require our humble returns of praise. When God gives to Christ the heathen for his inheritance, gives him to see his seed, and accepts his intercession for all believers, he give him his heart's desire. (2.) That God had surprised him with favours, and much outdone his expectations (Psa 21:3): Thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness. All our blessings are blessings of goodness, and are owing, not at all to any merit of ours, but purely and only to God's goodness. But the psalmist here reckons it in a special manner obliging that these blessings were given in a preventing way; this fixed his eye, enlarged his soul, and endeared his God, as one expresses it. When God's blessings come sooner and prove richer than we imagine, when they are given before we prayed for them, before we were ready for them, nay, when we feared the contrary, then it may be truly said that he prevented us with them. Nothing indeed prevented Christ, but to mankind never was any favour more preventing than our redemption by Christ and all the blessed fruits of his mediation. (3.) That God had advanced him to the highest honour and the most extensive power: "Thou hast set a crown of pure gold upon his head and kept it there, when his enemies attempted to throw it off." Note, Crowns are at God's disposal; no head wears them but God sets them there, whether in judgment to his land or for mercy the event will show. On the head of Christ God never set a crown of gold, but of thorns first, and then of glory. (4.) That God had assured him of the perpetuity of his kingdom, and therein had done more for him than he was able either to ask or think (Psa 21:4): "When he went forth upon a perilous expedition he asked his life of thee, which he then put into his hand, and thou not only gavest him that, but withal gavest him length of days for ever and ever, didst not only prolong his life far beyond his expectation, but didst assure him of a blessed immortality in a future state and of the continuance of his kingdom in the Messiah that should come of his loins." See how God's grants often exceed our petitions and hopes, and infer thence how rich he is in mercy to those that call upon him. See also and rejoice in the length of the days of Christ's kingdom. He was dead, indeed, that we might live through him; but he is alive, and lives for evermore, and of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end; and because he thus lives we shall thus live also. (5.) That God had advanced him to the highest honour and dignity (Psa 21:5): "His glory is great, far transcending that of all the neighbouring princes, in the salvation thou hast wrought for him and by him." The glory which every good man is ambitious of is to see the salvation of the Lord. Honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him, as a burden which he must bear, as a charge which he must account for. Jesus Christ received from God the Father honour and glory (Pe2 1:17), the glory which he had with him before the worlds were, Joh 17:5. And on him is laid the charge of universal government and to him all power in heaven and earth is committed. (6.) That God had given him the satisfaction of being the channel of all bliss to mankind (Psa 21:6): "Thou hast set him to be blessings for ever" (so the margin reads it), "thou hast made him to be a universal blessing to the world, in whom the families of the earth are, and shall be blessed; and so thou hast made him exceedingly glad with the countenance thou hast given to his undertaking and to him in the prosecution of it." See how the spirit of prophecy gradually rises here to that which is peculiar to Christ, for none besides is blessed for ever, much less a blessing for ever to that eminency that the expression denotes: and of him it is said that God made him full of joy with his countenance.
In singing this we should rejoice in his joy and triumph in his exaltation.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Having prophesied the promises made earlier to David, he then explains the reason why these things are going to happen. For what is that reason unless hope in God in which the one who has received mercy does not falter and in that very hope granted by God most high he does not waver from a firm and steady foundation?
"You have given Him the desire of His soul" [Psalm 21:2]. He desired to eat the Passover, [Luke 22:15] and to lay down His life when He would, and again when He would to take it; and You have given it to Him. [John 10:18] "And hast not deprived Him of the good pleasure of His lips." "My peace," says He, "I leave with you:" [John 14:27] and it was done.
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Summary
Psalms 21:2 is a profound declaration of divine favor and answered prayer, celebrating God's boundless generosity towards His anointed king. It proclaims that the Lord has fully granted the king's deepest longings and his explicitly spoken petitions without reservation, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's benevolent response. This verse encapsulates a moment of profound thanksgiving, affirming God's active involvement in the life of His servant and underscoring the intimate relationship between the sovereign King of Israel and the faithful God who hears and fulfills the righteous desires of His heart.
Context
Literary Context
Psalms 21 is a royal psalm of thanksgiving, forming a direct and triumphant counterpart to Psalm 20. While Psalm 20 was a fervent prayer for the king's success and God's intervention in an impending battle or crisis, Psalm 21 celebrates the glorious fulfillment of those very petitions. The psalm shifts from supplication to exultation, marking a pivotal moment of divine vindication and victory. It is strategically placed within the Psalter to illustrate the principle that God hears and answers the prayers of His people, especially those offered on behalf of His anointed leader. The "Selah" at the end of the verse invites a pause, allowing the reader to reflect on the profound truth of God's complete and unreserved answer to prayer, setting the stage for the subsequent verses that elaborate on the king's blessings and God's enduring strength.
Historical & Cultural Context
The psalm is widely attributed to King David, reflecting a specific historical context of ancient Israelite monarchy. In this period, the king was not merely a political leader but God's chosen representative, an "anointed one" (Messiah). His victories and prosperity were seen as direct evidence of God's favor and presence among His people. The "heart's desire" and "request of his lips" likely refer to prayers offered before or during a significant military campaign, perhaps for victory, protection, or the establishment of his kingdom. The culture deeply understood the concept of a covenant relationship between God and His king, where faithfulness on the king's part would be met with divine blessing and success. This verse, therefore, celebrates not just a personal triumph but a national affirmation of God's faithfulness to His covenant with David and his dynasty, as profoundly promised in 2 Samuel 7.
Key Themes
Psalms 21:2 is rich with several interconnected themes. Firstly, it powerfully conveys the theme of answered prayer, demonstrating God's attentiveness and responsiveness to the petitions of His faithful servants. The completeness implied by "not withholden" emphasizes God's generous nature and His delight in responding to genuine faith. Secondly, it highlights divine blessing and favor, portraying God as a benevolent Giver who delights in bestowing good things upon His anointed. The king's success is not due to his own might but to God's active intervention and unmerited grace, aligning with the broader theme of God's sovereignty over earthly rulers and events, as seen in Psalm 75:6-7. Thirdly, the verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, particularly those made to the Davidic line. The fulfillment of the king's desires serves as a tangible testament to God's reliability and integrity. Finally, while rooted in David's experience, the psalm carries significant Messianic undertones, pointing beyond the earthly king to the ultimate, perfect King, Jesus Christ, whose desires perfectly align with the Father's will and are always fulfilled, foreshadowing the ultimate triumph described in Revelation 11:15.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word denotes a strong longing, a craving, or a deep delight. In the context of "heart's desire," it speaks to the profound, often unuttered, aspirations and yearnings that reside within the innermost being. The granting of this "desire" signifies a complete and intimate fulfillment of the king's deepest needs and hopes, extending beyond mere superficial requests to the very core of his being.
This primitive root means "to debar," "deny," "keep back," "refrain," or "restrain." The negative construction "hast not withholden" emphatically declares God's unreserved generosity. It signifies that God did not hold back, refuse, or deny any part of the king's petition, demonstrating His complete and abundant willingness to grant what was asked.
This term, frequently found in the Psalms, is a musical or liturgical notation indicating a pause or suspension. Its precise meaning is debated, but it generally invites a moment of reflection, meditation, or a musical interlude. In this context, following the powerful declaration of God's complete fulfillment of the king's desires, "Selah" functions as an invitation to pause and deeply contemplate the profound truth of God's generosity and faithfulness, allowing its spiritual impact to resonate.
Verse Breakdown
"Thou hast given him his heart's desire"
This clause directly attributes the fulfillment of the king's deepest, internal longings to God's active and benevolent hand. The verb "given" (H5414, nâthan) implies a deliberate, gracious, and complete bestowal. It signifies that God is the sole source of this profound blessing, not the king's own merit or effort. The "heart's desire" points to the internal, sometimes unexpressed, longings that God, in His omniscience and grace, has recognized and satisfied.
"and hast not withholden the request of his lips"
This second clause functions in powerful synonymous parallelism with the first, reinforcing the completeness of God's answer. The phrase "not withholden" (H4513, lo mana'ta) emphasizes God's unreserved generosity and lack of hesitation. It means God did not hold back, deny, or refuse any part of what the king explicitly asked for. This double affirmation underscores that both the king's unspoken longings and his articulated prayers have been fully and freely granted by the Lord.
"Selah."
As discussed in the Key Word Analysis, this notation serves as a liturgical or musical marker, prompting a pause for reflection. In the context of this verse, it calls for a moment to ponder the immense truth that God not only hears but fully answers the prayers of His anointed, inviting deep gratitude and trust in His character.
Literary Devices
Psalms 21:2 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is Parallelism, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("and hast not withholden the request of his lips") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first clause ("Thou hast given him his heart's desire"). This repetition emphasizes the completeness and totality of God's response, leaving no doubt that every aspect of the king's petition, both internal and external, has been fully met. The use of a negative ("not withholden") in the second clause further underscores the positive affirmation of God's overflowing generosity. There is also an element of Hyperbole in the absolute nature of "not withholden," suggesting an abundant generosity that goes beyond mere sufficiency. The psalm also uses Apostrophe, directly addressing God ("Thou hast given him"), which creates an intimate and worshipful tone, acknowledging God as the sole source of blessing. Finally, the inclusion of Selah acts as a liturgical device, a deliberate pause for meditation and reflection, inviting the audience to internalize the profound truth of God's faithfulness and the magnitude of His answered prayer.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God's benevolent character and His active engagement with His people, particularly His anointed. It speaks to the confidence believers can have in prayer, knowing that God is not only attentive to their spoken words but also to the deepest longings of their hearts. The complete fulfillment of the king's desires points to God's abundant generosity and His delight in blessing those who walk in His favor. Theologically, it reinforces the concept of divine sovereignty, where God orchestrates events and answers prayers according to His perfect will, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises. This personal experience of answered prayer for the king serves as a tangible testament to God's power and goodness, inviting all who witness it to trust in His providence and to worship Him for His unfailing love.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 21:2 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us of the active and generous nature of our God. It invites us to cultivate a life of confident prayer, knowing that the Lord is intimately acquainted with our deepest heart's desires and listens attentively to our spoken requests. This verse challenges us to align our desires with God's will, trusting that when our longings reflect His purposes and character, He delights in granting them without reservation. It fosters a spirit of profound gratitude, prompting us to acknowledge God as the ultimate source of every good and perfect gift. Just as the king celebrated God's faithfulness, we too are called to recount and give thanks for the ways God has answered our prayers, both seen and unseen, strengthening our trust in His unfailing goodness and His commitment to our flourishing. This verse calls us to a deeper relationship with a God who is not distant or withholding, but intimately involved and abundantly generous, eager to bless His children according to His perfect wisdom and love.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does God always grant every desire of our heart, as suggested by this verse?
While Psalms 21:2 celebrates the complete fulfillment of the king's desires, it's crucial to understand this within the broader biblical context. This verse speaks to the desires of an anointed king, whose petitions were presumably aligned with God's will for his kingdom and people. The Bible teaches that God delights in granting the desires of those who delight in Him, as beautifully stated in Psalm 37:4. However, it also clarifies that our prayers must be according to His will, as articulated in 1 John 5:14. God, in His perfect wisdom and love, always acts for our ultimate good and His glory. Sometimes, His answer is "yes," sometimes "no" (because it's not His best for us), and sometimes "wait" (for His perfect timing), but always "I have something better." This verse assures us of God's benevolent character and His willingness to bless, especially when our hearts are attuned to His purposes.
What is the significance of "Selah" in this verse?
"Selah" (H5542, çelâh) is a term found frequently in the Psalms and Habakkuk, believed to be a musical or liturgical direction. While its exact meaning is debated among scholars, it is commonly understood as an instruction for a pause, perhaps for a musical interlude, silent reflection, or emphasis. In Psalms 21:2, "Selah" acts as a powerful invitation to pause and meditate on the profound truth just stated: that God has completely and unreservedly granted the king's deepest desires and spoken requests. It encourages the reader or worshiper to absorb the weight of God's faithfulness and generosity, allowing the truth to sink deeply into the heart and mind before moving on. It's a call to contemplation and worship in response to divine blessing, prompting a moment of awe and gratitude.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 21:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true and eternal King, the Son of David. While the verse celebrates the earthly king's answered prayers, it foreshadows the perfect and complete fulfillment of the Father's will through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The "heart's desire" of Jesus was always to do the will of His Father, as He declared in John 4:34, and His "request of His lips" included fervent prayers for His disciples (John 17:9) and for the Father's glory (John 12:28). Unlike any earthly monarch, Jesus' desires were perfectly aligned with God's, and thus, the Father "has not withholden" any of them. His ultimate "desire" was the salvation of humanity, achieved through His obedient sacrifice on the cross and His triumphant resurrection, by which He secured eternal victory over sin and death (Hebrews 12:2). The blessings and triumph described for the king in Psalm 21 are fully realized in Christ, who now reigns at the right hand of God, having received all authority and having His every desire—the establishment of His kingdom and the redemption of His people—perfectly fulfilled (Matthew 28:18).