8 They are bowed down and fallen; but we are risen and stand upright.
Evil shall destroy the wicked; and they that hate the righteous shall bear their guilt. Jehovah redeemeth the soul of his servants; and none of them that trust in him shall bear guilt.
Blessed is he who hath the ùGod of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in Jehovah his God, Who made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is therein; who keepeth truth for ever; Who executeth judgment for the oppressed, who giveth bread to the hungry. Jehovah looseth the prisoners; Jehovah openeth [the eyes of] the blind; Jehovah raiseth up them that are bowed down; Jehovah loveth the righteous; Jehovah preserveth the strangers; he lifteth up the fatherless and the widow; but the way of the wicked doth he subvert.
Blessed is the man that confideth in Jehovah, and whose confidence Jehovah is. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out its roots by the stream, and he shall not see when heat cometh, but his leaf shall be green; and in the year of drought he shall not be careful, neither shall he cease to yield fruit.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 20
Commentary on Psalms 20 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 20
Ps 20:1-9. David probably composed this Psalm to express the prayers of the pious for his success as at once the head of the Church and nation. Like other compositions of which David in such relations is the subject, its sentiments have a permanent value—the prosperity of Christ's kingdom being involved, as well as typified, in that of Israel and its king.
1. hear thee—graciously (Ps 4:1).
name of—or manifested perfections, as power, wisdom, &c.
defend thee—set thee on high from danger (Ps 9:9; 18:3).
2. strengthen thee—sustain in conflict; even physical benefits may be included, as courage for war, &c., as such may proceed from a sense of divine favor, secured in the use of spiritual privileges.
3. all thy offerings—or gifts, vegetable offerings.
accept—literally, "turn to ashes" (compare 1Ki 18:38).
Selah—(See on Ps 3:2).
4. thy counsel—or plan.
5. salvation—that wrought and experienced by him.
set up our banners—(Nu 2:3, 10). In usual sense, or, as some render, "may we be made great."
6. He speaks as if suddenly assured of a hearing.
his anointed—not only David personally, but as the specially appointed head of His Church.
his holy heaven—or, literally, "the heavens of His holiness," where He resides (Ps 2:6; 11:4).
saving … hand—His power which brings salvation.
7. remember—or cause to remember, mention thankfully (1Sa 17:45; Ps 33:16).
8. They—that is, who trust in horses, &c.
stand upright—literally, "we have straightened ourselves up from our distress and fears."
9. let the king hear—as God's representative, delivered to deliver. Perhaps a better sense is, "Lord, save the king; hear us when we call," or pray.