Heavenly Devotion: Psalm 20 – God Saved His King

Psalm 20 – God Saved His King

(Written by Kenneth Chan)

Psalm 20 tells of the Israelites’ response when they face a life or death situation. They believed that only the LORD, the God of Jacob can preserve the life of their king, David, and to help him secure victory over the enemy – a victorious David would mean a secured Israel.

The name, ‘God of Jacob’ reminds Israel of the LORD’s blessing of the Patriarch Jacob whose name He changed to Israel, and from him, a nation would come forth (Gen 35:9-11). They believed that the LORD would hear their prayer on the basis that they are a people that belonged to Him. This relationship with the LORD would be the cause for Him to protect and support His people and king in their fight against their enemies who were committed to the obliteration of Israel from Canaan, the land that He promised them.

The LORD will hear their prayers because they are His chosen people. Similarly, God hears and answers the prayers of believers today on the basis of their ongoing faith relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Verses 4-8 assure an unhindered relationship with God provides confidence that God will hear and answer Israel’s prayers for victory and security. He will save David, God’s anointed king, as well as a future descendant of David, Israel’s Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ from His battle over sin and death at the cross.

Verse 9 is a call for Israel to pray for the salvation of their king. Similarly believers today are to pray for God to save His kings and leaders in their battle against personal sin and temptations. “O LORD, save the king! Answer us when we call!”

Let’s Read Psalm 20

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
    may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
    and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
    and accept your burnt offerings.
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
    and make all your plans succeed.
5 May we shout for joy over your victory
    and lift up our banners in the name of our God.

May the Lord grant all your requests.

6 Now this I know:
    The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
    with the victorious power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
    but we rise up and stand firm.
9 Lord, give victory to the king!
    Answer us when we call!

Let’s Pray

Our Mighty God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, we praise Your mighty name that brings salvation to all men. May all people who bear Your name glorify You as they serve You, in roles of leadership and influence in our community and nation; who are engaged in the ministry of reconciling sinners to a Holy and righteous God; who have to constantly deal with sin and temptations in their personal lives.

May You help them to uphold justice for all. May Your presence comfort, strengthen and encourage them. May You grant them victory over sin and self.

We humbly submit these to you, praying for them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen