Psalms 20:2

Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;

Send {H7971} thee help {H5828} from the sanctuary {H6944}, and strengthen {H5582} thee out of Zion {H6726};

May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Tziyon.

May He send you help from the sanctuary and sustain you from Zion.

Send thee help from the sanctuary, And strengthen thee out of Zion;

Commentary

Psalms 20:2 is a powerful plea for divine intervention and support, forming part of a communal prayer for the king (likely David) before a significant battle. This verse expresses the deep conviction that true help and strength come directly from God's presence.

Context

Psalm 20 is a psalm of supplication and confidence, uttered by the people on behalf of their king as he prepares for war. The preceding verse, Psalms 20:1, sets the tone by calling for the Lord to hear the king in the day of trouble and for the name of the God of Jacob to defend him. The entire psalm hinges on the belief that victory does not depend on military might, but on God's favor and aid.

Key Themes

  • Divine Help and Intervention: The core message is a request for God's active involvement. "Send thee help from the sanctuary" highlights the belief that God's assistance originates from His holy dwelling place, emphasizing its sacred and powerful nature.
  • Strength from God's Presence: "Strengthen thee out of Zion" reinforces this idea. Zion, often synonymous with Jerusalem and the Temple Mount, was considered God's earthly dwelling place. It signifies that true fortitude and endurance come not from human resources but from the very source of divine power. This concept is echoed in other psalms, such as Psalms 46:1, where God is described as our refuge and strength.
  • Dependence on God: This verse underscores the ancient Israelites' profound reliance on God for protection and success, especially in times of crisis. It's a prayer acknowledging human limitation and divine omnipotence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sanctuary" is miqqedesh (מִקְדֶּשׁ), referring to the sacred place, typically the Temple in Jerusalem, where God's presence was manifested. "Zion" (צִיּוֹן) is more than just a geographical location; it often represents the spiritual center of Israel, God's chosen city, and the place from which His blessings and power emanate. The word for "help" is 'ezer (עֶזֶר), meaning assistance or succor, while "strengthen" is samak (סָמַךְ), implying support or upholding.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 20:2 remains a timeless prayer for divine assistance. It reminds us that in our own "days of trouble" – whether personal struggles, societal challenges, or spiritual battles – our ultimate source of help and strength is God. We are encouraged to turn to Him, recognizing that His power is not limited by our circumstances. Just as God sent help from the sanctuary to the king, He offers His presence and power to us when we seek Him in prayer and faith. This verse inspires us to trust in God's divine provision and to find our stability and resilience in Him, rather than in worldly resources. It encourages us to pray for our leaders and for those in authority, asking God to strengthen them from His holy presence.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 8:44 (5 votes)

    If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, whithersoever thou shalt send them, and shall pray unto the LORD toward the city which thou hast chosen, and [toward] the house that I have built for thy name:

  • 1 Kings 8:45 (5 votes)

    Then hear thou in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.

  • 1 Kings 6:16 (4 votes)

    And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls with boards of cedar: he even built [them] for it within, [even] for the oracle, [even] for the most holy [place].

  • 2 Chronicles 20:8 (3 votes)

    And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying,

  • 2 Chronicles 20:9 (3 votes)

    If, [when] evil cometh upon us, [as] the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name [is] in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help.

  • Isaiah 12:6 (3 votes)

    Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

  • Isaiah 14:32 (3 votes)

    What shall [one] then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.