TRV
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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.
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"His glory is great in Your salvation" [Psalm 21:5]. Great indeed is His glory in the salvation, whereby You have raised Him up again. "Glory and great honour shall Thou lay upon Him." But You shall yet add unto Him glory and great honour, when You shall place Him in heaven at Your right hand.
Great is his glory. In what way is it great? Not in the assumption of deity but in the salvation of humanity.
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Summary
Psalms 21:5 powerfully proclaims that the earthly king's exalted status, encompassing his glory, honor, and majesty, is not an inherent attribute but a direct, divine bestowal. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty as the ultimate source of all true exaltation and authority, positioning the king's renown and success as a profound testament to divine favor, redemptive intervention, and enduring deliverance.
Context
Literary Context
Psalms 21 is a pivotal royal psalm, serving as a companion to Psalms 20. While Psalms 20 is a fervent prayer offered for the king before an impending conflict or significant endeavor, Psalms 21 functions as a vibrant psalm of thanksgiving and praise after God has decisively granted victory or fulfilled the king's earnest desires. Verse 5 seamlessly continues the overarching theme of God's lavish blessing upon the monarch, building upon earlier declarations of God granting the king's heart's desire and extending his life (Psalms 21:2-4). It marks a transition from the king's personal reliance on God and God's responsive faithfulness to the glorious outcome of that divine favor: the king's elevated status and widespread renown, all unequivocally attributed to God. The psalm, in its entirety, is a jubilant celebration of God's unwavering faithfulness to His anointed ruler, emphatically affirming His omnipotence to deliver and firmly establish His chosen leader.
Historical & Cultural Context
This psalm was most likely composed for a reigning monarch in ancient Israel, such as King David or King Solomon, perhaps commemorating a momentous military triumph, a coronation ceremony, or a solemn reaffirmation of the king's divinely ordained appointment. In the broader Ancient Near East, kings frequently asserted claims of divine lineage or inherent divinity, often presenting themselves as gods or demigods. However, Israelite kingship stood in stark contrast: the king was Yahweh's anointed (Messiah), a vice-regent whose authority, legitimacy, and splendor were entirely derived from God. This verse articulates this profound theological distinction with immense power, emphasizing that the king's "glory," "honor," and "majesty" were not personal achievements or inherent qualities but rather divine endowments—sacred gifts from the true King, Yahweh. This served a dual purpose: to humble the earthly king, reminding him of his ultimate subservience, and to instruct the people that their ultimate trust and allegiance should reside in God, who alone empowers their ruler.
Key Themes
Psalms 21:5 makes a substantial contribution to several overarching themes prevalent within the Psalter and the broader Old Testament narrative. It prominently highlights the theme of Divine Sovereignty over Kingship, asserting unequivocally that all earthly authority and glory flow exclusively from God. This aligns perfectly with the consistent biblical teaching that God "removes kings and sets up kings," as profoundly declared in Daniel 2:21. The verse also underscores God as the Ultimate Source of Blessing and Victory, framing the king's success not as a product of human strength or strategic prowess but as a direct outcome of God's saving acts. Furthermore, it elaborates on the theme of The King as God's Anointed, whose very position and inherent dignity serve as a powerful testament to God's covenant faithfulness and empowering presence. Ultimately, the profound and elevated language employed, particularly "glory" and "salvation," transcends the scope of any mere earthly monarch, foreshadowing the Ultimate King, whose glory is intrinsically tied to the salvation He brings—a theme that resonates throughout the prophetic books and finds its consummate fulfillment in the person and work of the Messiah.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term, derived from a root meaning "weight," conveys a sense of substance, honor, reputation, and splendor. While often used to describe the inherent, uncreated glory of God, here it refers to the renown and magnificent standing of the king. Crucially, this glory is presented as being "great in thy salvation," implying that the king's glory is not self-generated but is a direct manifestation and consequence of God's saving actions on his behalf. It is a glory that reflects and redounds to God's power and favor, rather than originating from the king himself.
A rich and multifaceted term encompassing deliverance, victory, rescue, and comprehensive well-being. In this context, it specifically refers to God's active, powerful intervention to deliver the king from his adversaries or to secure and establish his reign. The king's "glory" is not merely achieved through salvation but is intrinsically in it, meaning the very essence, greatness, and substance of his glory are inextricably linked to and defined by God's saving acts. It is a glory that finds its existence and magnitude within the sphere of divine deliverance.
This word signifies grandeur, splendor, vigor, and regal dignity. It is frequently employed in the Old Testament to describe the majestic presence of God Himself, or the royal dignity and authority bestowed upon a king. Its pairing with "majesty" in the latter half of the verse emphatically underscores the profound and divinely conferred regal status placed upon the king, highlighting his imposing form and appearance as a reflection of divine appointment.
Verse Breakdown
"His glory [is] great in thy salvation"
This opening clause establishes both the source and the intrinsic nature of the king's renown and splendor. The king's "glory" (his reputation, magnificence, and weight of presence) is not an independent attribute but is magnified and made "great" through God's "salvation" (His mighty acts of deliverance, victory, and preservation). This signifies that the king's success, public honor, and exalted standing are a direct outcome and a powerful testimony to God's active, saving power on his behalf. It is a glory that points beyond the king to God.
"honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him"
This second clause powerfully reinforces the divine origin of the king's elevated status and regal attributes. The verb "hast thou laid upon him" (from the Hebrew root shâvâh, H7737) implies a deliberate, active, and sovereign act of God. It suggests God Himself is the one who purposefully places, confers, or bestows these profound attributes of "honour" and "majesty" upon the king. This signifies divine approval, empowerment, and a sacred, unearned appointment, emphasizing that these qualities are not inherent to the king but are gifts from the divine King.
Literary Devices
Psalms 21:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message regarding divine sovereignty and royal bestowal. The most prominent is Parallelism, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the concepts of "honour" (hôwd) and "majesty" (hâdâr) are presented together to amplify and reinforce the idea of regal dignity and divine endowment. This pairing creates a sense of fullness and completeness regarding the blessings God has conferred upon the king. There is also a subtle element of Metonymy, where "thy salvation" (God's saving act) stands in for the glorious result or effect of that salvation, which is the king's great glory. The use of the adjective "great" (gâdôwl) in relation to "glory" can be interpreted as a form of Hyperbole, emphasizing the extraordinary, divinely magnified nature of the king's renown, transcending typical human achievement. Finally, the entire verse functions as a powerful declaration of Divine Bestowal, where the active verb "hast thou laid upon him" highlights God's direct, sovereign agency in exalting the king, thereby making the king's status a direct reflection of God's supreme power and gracious favor.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse profoundly articulates the foundational biblical principle that all true authority, glory, and honor ultimately originate from God alone. It serves as an essential reminder that human leaders, regardless of their perceived power or success, derive their standing, legitimacy, and effectiveness entirely from the divine will and empowering grace. This concept directly counters any notion of inherent human sovereignty, self-made glory, or autonomous achievement, firmly placing God at the apex of all power, exaltation, and blessing. For the people of Israel, this meant that their king's strength and success were not to be found in his own military might, political acumen, or personal charisma, but rather in his humble dependence on Yahweh and Yahweh's sovereign willingness to act on his behalf. This profound theological truth extends far beyond the realm of ancient kingship to encompass all forms of human achievement and blessing, affirming the timeless truth that "every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights" (James 1:17).
Reflection and Application
Psalms 21:5 offers a profound and challenging lens through which to examine our own understanding of success, honor, and personal significance in a world often driven by self-promotion and individual achievement. It calls us to adopt a posture of profound humility and gratitude, recognizing that any "glory" or accomplishment we experience—whether in our personal lives, professional careers, or spiritual ministries—is ultimately a gracious gift from God. Our true worth and authentic standing are not derived from our own efforts, inherent talents, or external accolades, but are "great in thy salvation"—meaning they are deeply rooted in God's redemptive work in our lives and His active, sustaining grace. This verse powerfully encourages us to shift our focus from seeking self-glory or personal recognition to magnifying the One who is the ultimate source and bestower of all true honor. It challenges us to live in a way that consistently directs praise, credit, and thanksgiving back to God, acknowledging Him as the ultimate fount of every good and perfect thing, thereby fostering a spirit of profound gratitude, humble dependence, and worship rather than pride or self-sufficiency.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is this verse solely about an earthly king, or does it possess a broader, more profound meaning?
While Psalms 21:5 initially refers to an earthly king of Israel, its elevated language and profound theological implications extend far beyond a mere historical account of a human monarch. The "glory," "salvation," "honor," and "majesty" described are so grand and absolute that they ultimately point to a greater, ultimate King. The Old Testament frequently uses the earthly king as a type or foreshadowing of the coming Messiah. Therefore, while it held immediate relevance for the Israelite monarchy, its fullest, most perfect, and eternal fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ, the King of kings, upon whom God has laid unparalleled glory and majesty. Indeed, Christ's very being and mission are intrinsically tied to God's ultimate salvation for humanity, making Him the supreme embodiment of this verse's truth.
How does "salvation" relate to "glory" in this particular verse?
The phrase "His glory [is] great in thy salvation" signifies that the king's renown, splendor, and exalted status are not due to his own inherent power, wisdom, or military might, but are a direct consequence and profound manifestation of God's saving power and deliverance on his behalf. It is a glory that testifies to God's saving work, making it a derived glory that redounds to God's praise. For instance, if the king secures a victory in battle, his glory isn't primarily in his military genius but in God's decisive act of delivering him and his people from their enemies. His glory thus becomes a visible, tangible sign of God's active presence and saving intervention, making it a glory that ultimately brings praise and honor to God. This concept is beautifully echoed in passages like Isaiah 45:17, where God's salvation is presented as bringing everlasting glory.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 21:5 finds its ultimate, most profound, and eternal fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true and everlasting King. While the earthly king's glory was derived and entirely dependent on God's salvation, Christ's glory is inherently divine, yet it is also supremely magnified "in thy salvation" because He is the very embodiment and orchestrator of God's saving work. The Father has indeed "laid upon Him" ultimate "honour and majesty," not merely as a conferred gift, but as a recognition of His unique divine Sonship, His perfect obedience, and His triumphant accomplishment of redemption for all humanity. The author of Hebrews declares Jesus to be "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being," and further affirms that He was "crowned with glory and honor" through His suffering and subsequent resurrection (Hebrews 2:9). It is through Christ's perfectly righteous life, His atoning death on the cross, and His triumphant resurrection from the grave that God's great salvation is fully realized, and in that magnificent salvation, the unparalleled glory of the Son is resplendently revealed. He is the one before whom "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11). Thus, the royal imagery of Psalms 21:5 points forward with prophetic precision to the majestic, eternal reign of Christ, whose glory is eternally intertwined with the salvation He secured for all humanity.