Psalms

Introduction
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PSALM 20^*

Prayer for the King in Time of War

1For the leader. A psalm of David.

I

2The LORD answer you in time of distress;

the name of the God of Jacob defend you!

3May he send you help from the sanctuary,

from Zion be your support.^a

4May he remember^* your every offering,

graciously accept your burnt offering,

Selah

5Grant what is in your heart,

fulfill your every plan.

6May we shout for joy at your victory,^*

raise the banners in the name of our God.

The LORD grant your every petition!

II

7Now I know the LORD gives victory

to his anointed.^b

He will answer him from the holy heavens

with a strong arm that brings victory.

8Some rely on chariots, others on horses,

but we on the name of the LORD our God.^c

9They collapse and fall,

but we stand strong and firm.^d

10LORD, grant victory to the king;

answer when we call upon you.

* [Psalm 20] The people pray for the king before battle. The people ask for divine help (Ps 20:2–6) and express confidence that such help will be given (Ps 20:7–10). A solemn assurance of divine help may well have been given between the two sections in the liturgy, something like the promises of Ps 12:6; 21:9–13. The final verse (Ps 20:10) echoes the opening verse.

* [20:4] Remember: God’s remembering implies readiness to act, cf. Gn 8:1; Ex 2:24.

* [20:6] Victory: the Hebrew root is often translated “salvation,” “to save,” but in military contexts it can have the specific meaning of “victory.”

a. [20:3] Ps 128:5; 134:3.

b. [20:7] Ps 18:51; 144:10; 1 Sm 2:10.

c. [20:8] Ps 147:10–11; 2 Chr 14:10; Prv 21:31; 1 Sm 17:45; Is 31:1; 36:9.

d. [20:9] Is 40:30.