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Psalms 20

9 verses

TL;DR

A royal prayer for victory and salvation, affirming God's defense of the king and the faithfulness of the people.

Summary

Psalm 20 is a short prayer for the king’s protection and success in battle. It begins by invoking the LORD to hear in times of trouble and to defend the king’s name. The psalm calls on divine help from the sanctuary and Zion, asking that God remember the people's offerings and accept their burnt sacrifices. It expresses confidence that God will grant the king’s heart’s desires and fulfill his plans. The psalm then declares that those who rely on chariots and horses will fall, while the faithful will rise and stand upright, rejoicing in God's name. The final petition asks the LORD to listen when the king cries out for help.

Outline
  1. Invocation of God's protection for the king (verses 1‑3)
  2. Assurance of divine fulfillment and the futility of relying on weapons (verses 4‑8)
  3. Concluding plea for the king’s hearing and salvation (verse 9)
Themes
Divine protection and deliveranceFaith versus reliance on earthly strengthRoyal prayer and communal worship
Keywords
LORDsanctuaryZionofferingsburnt sacrificeanointedchariotshorsesbannerssalvation
People
LORDGodthe kingthe anointed
Places
sanctuaryZion
Things
offeringsburnt sacrificechariotshorsesbanners
Key Verses
  • Psalms 20:6: Highlights the anointed king’s deliverance and emphasizes the LORD’s sovereign power.
  • Psalms 20:9: Concludes the prayer with a direct request for the king’s hearing, underscoring the personal nature of the appeal.
Questions
  • What does the psalm suggest about the relationship between divine support and human effort in times of conflict?
  • Why does the psalmist emphasize the king’s anointing, and how does that shape the prayer’s tone?
  • How does the imagery of chariots and horses contrast with reliance on God's name?
  • In what way does the psalm’s structure reflect its function as a royal liturgy?
  • What does the final plea in verse 9 reveal about the psalmist’s trust in God’s responsiveness?
Sentiment

positive
The prayer expresses confidence and hope in God’s protection, though it acknowledges potential defeat of those who rely on worldly means.