The Book of Psalms

Psalm 20

Psalm XX · Vol. II, p. 998

1 The church blesseth the king in his exploits. 7 Her confidence in God's succour.

Margin referencesNotes ↓

To the chief musician, A psalm of David.

Vol. II, p. 998

1 The LORD^a hear thee in the day of trouble;¹ the ^bname of the God of Jacob defend thee.²

A.M. cir. 2968. B.C. cir. 1036.

a Ps.50.15; 91.15. Is.49.8; 65.24; 58.9.

1 This is a hymn designed to be used before battle. It was customary on such occasions to offer up special sacrifices at the national sanctuary, and to make special supplications. David composed this beautiful and appropriate psalm as part of the special liturgy. It breathes forth a spirit of earnest piety, of confiding faith, and of hope in ultimate victory, even in the face of a powerful foe.—P.

b Ps.118.10-12. Pr.18.10. ver.5-7. Is.50.10; 25.4.

2 Heb. set thee on an high place.

2 Send thee help³ from ^cthe sanctuary, and strengthen thee⁴ out of Zion.

3 Heb. thy help.

c 1 Ki.8.44,45.

4 Heb. support thee.

3 Remember all thy offerings, and ^daccept thy burnt-sacrifice. Selah.⁵

d Heb. turn to ashes or make fat, Le.9.24. 1 Ki.18.38. 2 Ch.7.1. Is.60.7. 1 Pe.2.5.

5 See note on Ps. 3. 2.—C.

4 Grant^e thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.

e 1 Jn.5.14,15. Ps.21.2. Jn.16.23. ver.5.

5 We will ^grejoice in thy salvation, and ^hin the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

g Ps.13.5; 21.1. Is.12.1,2; 61.10.

h 1 Sa.17.45. Mi.4.5. Ex.17.15. Je.50.2,34. Ps.60.4,12; 118.5-16.

6 Now know I that ⁱthe LORD saveth his anointed: he will hear him from his holy heaven⁶ with the saving strength of his right hand.⁷

i Ps.18.50; 28.8. Is.49.8. He.5.7; 13.20.

6 Heb. from the heaven of his holiness.

7 Heb. by the strength of the salvation of his right hand.

7 Some^j trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will ^kremember the name⁸ of the LORD our God.

j Is.31.1. Ps.31.16. Pr.21.31. Je.17.5.

k 2 Ch.14.11; 20.12,20; 32.8. Is.50.10.

8 Note on Ps. 8. 1.—C.

8 They ^lare brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

l Ju.5.31. Ps.146.9; 34.21,22.

9 Save,ⁿ LORD: let the king hear us when we call.

n Ps.118.25; 72.4.

Notes

Ver. 1. God of Jacob. This title implies: 1. The God of him that values his birthright. 2. Of the exile trusting in God. 3. Of the industrious servant. 4. Kind husband and parent. 5. The wrestler in prayer. All which meet conspicuously in Jacob. C.

Ver. 9. Evidently a prayer to Christ the King and Head of his church, and whom men are bound to honour even as they honour the Father, Jn. 5. 23. C.

Reflections.—Neither piety nor power can exempt men from sore troubles. All then have need for prayer; and even the greatest need this assistance from the meanest. But what an almighty helper, a kind accepter, and a liberal bestower is God in Christ, as the God of his people! Such as make him the object of their trust shall soon have reason to make him the ground of their praise. An assured trust in him is the best way to preferment and establishment. They who renounce all their confidences, and persevere in prayer to him, shall abide in his love, and be assured of his protection.