Psalm 20 explained: A People's Prayer for Their King

The people pray for the king (vv. 1-3)

The people ask God to answer and protect their king in his trouble, sending help from Zion, the hill in Jerusalem where God was believed to be present among them. Burnt offerings were animals burned whole on the altar, and the word for "accept" literally means "turn to ashes," as if God's fire took the gift; many readers think these were offered before going out to battle, though the psalm does not say so.

Wishes for success (vv. 4-5)

They ask that the king's plans succeed and picture themselves cheering and raising their flags in God's name. Any victory would be celebrated as God's doing, not just the king's.

A sudden note of confidence (v. 6)

The voice shifts from "we" to "I" as someone, perhaps a priest or the king himself, says he now knows God will rescue "his anointed," meaning the king, who was anointed with oil when crowned. Scholars are unsure who speaks, but the move from asking to certainty is clear.

Chariots versus God's name (vv. 7-8)

Chariots and horses were the most powerful weapons of the day, and some of Israel's neighbors fielded large forces of them. Translations differ on whether the people "trust in" or "call on" God's name, but either way the psalm sets military might against reliance on God, picturing the enemy falling while Israel gets back on its feet.

A closing plea (v. 9)

The prayer ends with a final cry for God to save and answer. Translations divide the line differently: most modern versions read "save the king; answer us when we call," while older ones read "let the King answer us," which some take to mean God and others the human king acting on God's behalf.

Key verse: Psalm 20:7

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether this psalm is mainly a prayer for Israel's ancient kings or is also meant to point ahead to Jesus, whom they call the Anointed One (the meaning of "Messiah").

Something to think about

When something important is out of your control, what do you find yourself leaning on, and how much weight can it really hold?