1 > May Yahweh answer you in the day of trouble. May the name of the God of Jacob set you up on high,
2 Send you help from the sanctuary, Grant you support from Zion,
3 Remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah.
4 May He grant you your heart's desire, And fulfill all your counsel.
5 We will triumph in your salvation. In the name of our God we will set up our banners: May Yahweh grant all your requests.
6 Now I know that Yahweh saves his anointed. He will answer him from his holy heaven, With the saving strength of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, But we trust the name of Yahweh our God.
8 They are bowed down and fallen, But we rise up, and stand upright.
9 Save, Yahweh; Let the King answer us when we call!
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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.