Psalm 20

Psa 20:1

SUPERSCRIPTION: "A PSALM OF DAVID". David's coronation psalm, when he came to be acknowledged (in Hebron or in Jerusalem?) as God's appointed ruler over all 12 tribes. But perhaps the last 3 vv, with v 6 spoken by the king himself, is actually a Hezekiah addition.

MAY THE LORD ANSWER YOU WHEN YOU ARE IN DISTRESS: Such a day, when he needs both wisdom and defense, comes to most kings at some time or other. 2Sa 8-10 and Psa 60 give a picture of such crises in the early part of David's reign.

IN DISTRESS: Or "in the day of trouble" (AV). An initial ref to Jacob's troubles, in which he was defended by God (Gen 32:24,28; 33:9-12; 35:3; Jer 30:7). The prayer of King Jesus on behalf of his people will be answered forthwith in the day when they put confidence in his power to bring heavenly help, and not before.

MAY THE NAME OF THE GOD OF JACOB PROTECT YOU: "Set thee on a high place" (Psa 69:29; 91:14), ie the elevated mount Zion (cp Psa 2:1-6).

Psa 20:2

Poss ref to divine guidance by Urim and Thummim (Psa 60:5,6).

Psa 20:3

SACRIFICES: The voluntary, or peace offerings ("minchah"): Lev 2:1.

ACCEPT: Lit "turn to ashes" (AV mg). God accepted the offering by sending forth His consuming fire from the Most Holy to consume it completely (Lev 9:24; 1Ch 21:26; 2Ch 3:1; 7:1,3; Jdg 6:21; 13:19,20; 1Ki 18:24,38; Gen 3:24 -- cp with Gen 4:4; 15:17). For the NT equivalent of absolute dedication, see Rom 12:1,2; Heb 13:15,16; 1Pe 2:5.

See Lesson, Selah.

Psa 20:4

MAY HE GIVE YOU THE DESIRE OF YOUR HEART AND MAKE ALL YOUR PLANS SUCCEED: Granted in Psa 21:2. As Eli blessed Hannah following her prayer: 1Sa 1:17.

Psa 20:5

LIFT UP OUR BANNERS IN THE NAME OF OUR GOD: Psa 60:4 again. But note the AV italics. Sb "thy (ie God's) banners"? Heb dagal means "standards" -- banners for an army (Song 5:10, mg; 6:4,10). Banners are lifted up as a token of victory over all adversaries: Exo 17:15. The king sets over his beloved a banner of love (Song 2:4, degel -- a related word). The Son of Man lifted up, in loving sacrifice, is the banner of the Lord (Num 21:1-9; Isa 11:10; Joh 3:14,15; 12:32).

MAY THE LORD GRANT ALL YOUR REQUESTS: Cp Psa 21:2,4 -- esp his prayers as a King-Priest on behalf of his own.

Psa 20:6

SAVES HIS ANOINTED: Virtually the name, in Heb, "Jesus Christ".

HE ANSWERS HIM FROM HIS HOLY HEAVEN: Cp v 2: "out of Zion". Passages like 2Ch 30:27; 1Ki 8:27,30 and 8:32,33 (Psa 11:4; 18:6; 26:8; Zech 2:13?) seem to suggest that the Holy of Holies was thought of as "heaven" because it was the dwelling place of the visible presence of God. The Shekinah Glory in the earthly temple sym the perfect and absolute reality in heaven itself.

RIGHT HAND: Strength (Exo 15:6; Psa 20:6; 63:8; 118:15,16); righteousness (Psa 48:10); authority (Isa 62:8); honor (Gen 48:13-18; 1Ki 2:19); salvation (Psa 17:7; 60:5); and fellowship (Psa 16:11).

Psa 20:7

Vv 7,8: Assyrian invasion in Hezekiah's reign? Chariots (2Sa 8:4; 10:18; Isa 37:24) and horses (Job 39:18; Jer 4:13; Joel 2:4) sym human might, but God is more powerful (Psa 33:16,17; 68:17; 76:6; 1Sa 17:45-47; Pro 21:31; Isa 31:1; Mat 26:53). Therefore the kings of Israel had no need to multiply horses (Deu 17:16). And they needed no chariots, for one inspired prophet of the Lord was worth more than many chariots (2Ki 2:12; 13:14).

Psa 20:9

SUBSCRIPTION: "FOR THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC."