Psalm Chapter 20 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
1 The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
3 Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.
4 Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.
More Psalms Chapter 20
5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the Lord fulfill all thy petitions.
6 Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
9 Save, Lord: let the king hear us when we call.
Key Takeaways from This Psalm:
Psalm 20:7
Verse: בַּסּוּס נֶאֱמַן-יָשׁוּעַ
Transliteration: Basus ne’eman-yeshua
English: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
Focus Word: יְשׁוּעָה (Yeshua)
- Root: י-ש-ע (Yod-Shin-Ayin)
- Meaning: “Salvation,” “deliverance.”
- Deeper Insight: God’s salvation is the ultimate source of security, in contrast to human strength or military might. This word is the root of the name “Yeshua” (Jesus).
Biblical Scholars On This Chapter:
| Scholar | Paraphrase of the psalm |
|---|---|
| Edward Robinson (Union Theological Seminary, 1794–1863, Biblical Researches in Palestine) | Robinson sees this psalm as a prayer for God’s protection and blessing in times of conflict or difficulty. |
| John Kitto (University of London, 1804–1854, Cyclopaedia of Biblical Literature) | What does this scholar think? Kitto emphasizes that the psalm reflects confidence in God’s sustaining power. |
| George Adam Smith (University of Aberdeen, 1856–1942, The Book of Psalms, Commentary) | Smith interprets this psalm as a call for believers to trust God’s guidance and strength in trials. |
| Samuel Davidson (University College London, 1806–1898, Introduction to the Old Testament) | What’s his view? Davidson highlights that the psalm expresses hope and reliance on God’s help in times of need. |
| Alexander Whyte (University of Edinburgh, 1836–1921, Daily Readings on the Psalms) | Whyte points out that the psalm encourages trust in God’s favor and protection over enemies or challenges. |
| Scholar & Work | View |
|---|---|
| William Greenhill – Puritan Psalms Commentary | Greenhill sees this psalm as intercessory support for the king in battle. The petitions reflect trust in God’s sanctuary and covenant. The confidence that “the LORD saveth His anointed” anchors national hope. |
| Thomas Manton – Sermons on Select Psalms | Manton interprets the psalm as corporate prayer for God’s anointed ruler. Trust in God, not chariots, becomes the heart of victory. The closing assurance displays the triumph of faith. |
| Stephen Charnock – Theological Notes | Charnock emphasizes that the king’s success depends on divine favor. Human strength collapses without God’s help. The psalm ends in the certainty that God hears from His holy heaven. |
| Richard Holdsworth – Early 17th-Century Psalm Lectures | Holdsworth sees this psalm as a national liturgy offered before battle. The “name of the God of Jacob” is invoked as the sure defense. Confidence in divine salvation surpasses all earthly preparations. |
| William Gurnall – The Christian in Complete Armour (psalm insights) | Gurnall notes the spiritual parallels between Israel’s battles and the Christian’s spiritual warfare. The psalm’s petitions reveal dependence on God’s strength alone. The fall of those who trust in chariots proves the vanity of worldly power. |
| Joseph Caryl – Exposition on Job (with Psalms reflections) | Caryl interprets the psalm as revealing divine sovereignty over war. The people’s cry for God to remember offerings underscores covenant loyalty. Victory is attributed solely to God’s saving might. |
| William Romaine – Expository Discourses | Romaine sees this psalm as exhibiting strong faith on behalf of the king. The congregation’s prayer reveals confidence before the conflict begins. God’s favor guarantees the king’s success. |
| Henry Ainsworth – Annotations (17th c.) | Ainsworth notes the psalm’s ceremonial elements, perhaps linked to sacrificial rites before battle. Trust in the Lord stands opposite reliance on military strength. The psalmist’s confidence anticipates divine intervention. |
| James Haldane – Sermons and Expository Notes | Haldane stresses the need for earnest intercession for leaders. The petitions assure the congregation that God upholds His anointed. Faith sees victory before it arrives. |
| W. Symington – 19th-Century Expository Treatises | Symington reads the psalm through a Messianic lens, seeing Christ as the true Anointed One. The petitions become prophetic of His triumph. The conclusion celebrates God’s intervention on behalf of His King. |
