Psalm 20 - A Psalm of David

(According to my NKJ Study Bible, this Psalm was thought to be a congregational prayer used with sacrifices offered just before going to war)


1 "May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble;

(many of us are facing a 'day of trouble')

May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;

(The God of Jacob refers to the fact that God delivered Jacob in times of distress - read Gen. 35:3)

2 May He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion

(may we get help from others, especially the Church body in our time of need)

3 May He remember all your offerings, and accept your burnt sacrifice.

(Our offering now is our time, talent, tithe, and of course, our worship, which is done in spirit and in truth.)

4 May He grant you according to your heart's desire, and fulfill all your purpose.

(I LOVE this! He wants us to abide in Him and He in us so that we can ask whatever we wish, and it will be given to us. He knows that if we abide in Him, we want ask frivolously, but according to His will because our hearts will desire what pleases Him.)

5 We will rejoice in your salvation, and in then name of our God we will set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

(They are rejoicing over their victory before the battle is even fought! They are asking God to answer all their prayers)

6 Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven, with the saving strength of His right hand.

(This is showing confidence and trust in God's ability and willingness to save His children)

7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember (some translations say "boast") in the name of the Lord our God.

(Because of confidence in vs. 6, they are able to trust in the Name of the Lord to save them. While their enemies have more advanced weaponry, and chariots & horses to advance against them, the people of God boast in their ultimate weapon, the Name of the Lord Most High!)

8 They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen and stand upright.

(People of God don't hang their head in defeat, or get lost in despair. They raise their heads up and claim victory of their enemy!)

9 Save, Lord! May the King answer us when we call."

Thank you Lord that in our day to day battles, some big and some small, You are defending us. We thank You that while the world grasps for different "weapons" to fight their battles, we gain victory in no other weapon than trust in Your mighty Name. Thank You in advance for granting us according to our heart's desire (vs. 4) and that we WILL fulfill all our purpose, in Jesus name I pray.