Psalms Reading – 1.19.2022
Psalm 20
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
5 May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.
6 Now this I know:
The LORD gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
with the victorious power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
9 LORD, give victory to the king!
Answer us when we call!
David has written a prayer that was to be sung on behalf of the people for their king. He reveals his heart that he wanted the people praying for him. We need to remember that kings of Israel were called to be spiritual leaders, as well as, governmental leaders. The prayer for help is to come from Zion, or Jerusalem, because it was the earthly capitol of God’s kingdom.
This is not a blank check prayer for God to give the king anything he desires. The request follows the king’s worship revealing his desire to be in God’s will. The king’s desire would be the same as God’s.
Jesus said something similar when he told his followers to “ask . . . anything in my name” (John 14:14). The key, that it is in Jesus’ name, implies that such a prayer will be in tune with God’s will.
“Now this I know” stands at the center of the psalm which highlights the promises to follow. God’s right hand was a source of power that would guarantee victory for the king and his people. Horses and chariots were the backbone of the armies of the day. Chariots were the ancient equivalent of tanks. Israel was not to put its trust in their weaponry but in their God.
The people know when the righteous king gains victory, so do they. So, they conclude their song with a powerful request for God to answer their prayer.
Memory Verse:
Psalm 19:14, May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Question(s) to Consider:
What are we tempted to trust in? Today, for what do we need to trust in the reliable name of the Lord Jesus Christ?