Psalms 20 — Prayer for the LORD’s Anointed in the Day of Trouble | World English Bible | OliveGrove

Psalms 20

Prayer for the LORD’s Anointed in the Day of Trouble

The psalm moves from communal blessing over the king in the day of trouble, to petitions for help from sanctuary and Zion, to confidence that the LORD saves his anointed, to a sharp contrast between trust in military strength and trust in the LORD’s name, ending with a direct plea for the LORD and the king to answer.

World English Bible, Public Domain

Psalms 20:1–5

The people petition the LORD to protect and empower the king in the day of trouble, accepting his sacrifices and granting him victory.

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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 burned sacrifice.

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.

Psalms 20:6–9

While others rely on their own strength and weapons, we find our victory and stability in the Name of the LORD our God.

Divine Sovereignty Messianic Kingship Kingdom Temple

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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 in 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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