Psalms 20

Chapter Overview

What happens in Psalms 20

A psalm of David — a prayer for the king before he goes into battle. The people ask God to help their king and to grant his plans success.

Scripture

A Prayer for the King

Study note

The people pray for the king to be heard, protected, and helped by God. They ask that God would remember his offerings and fulfill his plans.

1 When trouble comes your way, may the Lord be the one who answers you. May the powerful name of the God of Jacob keep you safe. The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;

2 May he send you backup from his sanctuary and give you strength from Zion. Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;

3 May he remember every offering you have brought. May he gladly accept every sacrifice you have made. Selah. Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.

4 May he hand you the very thing your heart longs for and bring every one of your plans to success. Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.

5 When you win, we will all cheer out loud and wave our banners high in the name of our God. May the Lord say yes to every request you bring him. We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

Confidence in God's Power

Study note

The people express confidence that God saves his anointed king. While some trust in chariots and horses, they trust in the name of the Lord.

6 Now I am certain: the Lord hands victory to his chosen king. He answers from his holy heaven with the unstoppable saving power of his right hand. 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.

7 Some people put their confidence in war chariots. Others rely on horses. But we rely on the name of the Lord our God. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

8 Those people buckle and fall, but we rise to our feet and stay standing. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

9 Lord, give the king victory! Answer us on the day we call out to you! Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.

Key Themes

Themes in Psalms 20

Praying for the king before battleTrusting God rather than chariots and horsesCommunity intercessionConfidence in God's salvation

Apply This Today

Living Psalms 20

Some trust in military power, financial security, or human ability — but the people of God trust in the name of the Lord. Before your next big challenge, pause and pray like this psalm does: ask God to grant you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed, then release the outcome to Him.

Go Deeper

Study Psalms in Covenant Path

Read every chapter with study aids, bookmarks, and daily reading plans — free in the app.

Download for iOS Download for Android

← Psalms 20 →