Psalms 20:6

ยถ 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.

Now know {H3045} I that the LORD {H3068} saveth {H3467} his anointed {H4899}; he will hear {H6030} him from his holy {H6944} heaven {H8064} with the saving {H3468} strength {H1369} of his right hand {H3225}.

Now I know that ADONAI gives victory to his anointed one -he will answer him from his holy heaven with mighty victories by his right hand.

Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He answers him from His holy heaven with the saving power of His right hand.

Now know I that Jehovah saveth his anointed; He will answer him from his holy heaven With the saving strength of his right hand.

Commentary

Psalms 20:6 is a powerful declaration of faith and confidence, shifting from the preceding verses' petitions to an assured certainty of God's intervention. It stands as a testament to the belief that the Lord will indeed answer the prayers offered for His chosen king.

Context

Psalm 20 is a communal prayer for the king, likely David, as he prepares for battle. The people or the Levitical choir offer petitions for divine protection and victory. Verse 6 marks a pivotal moment in the psalm, indicating a sudden surge of assurance. After the prayers have been offered (verses 1-5), the speaker declares with conviction that God has heard and will act. This confidence anticipates the victory, which is then celebrated in Psalm 21.

Key Themes

  • Divine Assurance and Confidence: The phrase "Now know I" signifies a profound shift from hopeful request to unwavering certainty. It reflects a deep trust in God's character and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. This declaration serves to bolster the faith of both the king and the people.
  • God's Deliverance of His Anointed: The core message revolves around God's commitment to save and uphold "his anointed." In the Old Testament, the "anointed" refers primarily to the king of Israel, who was consecrated by oil as God's chosen representative. This highlights God's special care for those He has set apart for His purposes. The ultimate fulfillment of this promise points to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, God's ultimate Anointed One.
  • God's Omnipotence and Responsiveness: The verse emphasizes that God hears from "his holy heaven," signifying His transcendence and omnipresence, yet also His active engagement with humanity. He acts "with the saving strength of his right hand," a powerful metaphor for God's irresistible power, authority, and ability to deliver decisively. Exodus 15:6 similarly extols the power of God's right hand in salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The term "anointed" translates the Hebrew word mashiach (ืžึธืฉึดืื™ื—ึท), from which we get "Messiah." It literally means "anointed one" and was applied to kings, priests, and sometimes prophets, signifying their divine appointment and consecration. In the context of the Davidic monarchy, the king was seen as God's chosen representative on earth. The use of "right hand" (Hebrew: yamin) is a common biblical idiom representing strength, power, authority, and divine favor. It signifies God's active and decisive intervention in human affairs.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 20:6 offers profound encouragement. It reminds us that:

  • God Hears Our Prayers: Just as God heard the petitions for His anointed king, He hears the prayers of His people, especially those offered in faith through Christ, who is our ultimate Anointed One. 1 John 5:14 speaks of our confidence in approaching God.
  • We Can Have Confidence in God's Deliverance: Even in the face of daunting challenges, we can declare with certainty, "Now know I that the LORD saveth..." Our salvation, both spiritual and often temporal, rests on God's mighty power and faithfulness.
  • God's Power is Unmatched: The "saving strength of his right hand" assures us that no obstacle is too great for God. We are called to place our trust not in human strength or resources, but in the omnipotent God.
This verse fosters a spirit of confident expectation, knowing that the Lord is actively involved in the lives of His people and committed to their ultimate good and deliverance.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 28:8 (11 votes)

    The LORD [is] their strength, and he [is] the saving strength of his anointed.

  • Acts 5:31 (4 votes)

    Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

  • Psalms 89:20 (4 votes)

    I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:

  • Psalms 89:23 (4 votes)

    And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.

  • Matthew 6:9 (3 votes)

    ยถ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

  • Psalms 18:50 (3 votes)

    Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.

  • Psalms 2:2 (3 votes)

    The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying],