Heavenly Devotion: Psalm 21 – Rejoicing in the Lord’s Strength and Salvation

Psalm 21 – Rejoicing in the LORD’s strength and salvation

(Written by Yoong Yuen Soo)

The LORD answers King David’s petitions in the previous psalm. David rejoices in the LORD’s strength and greatly exults in His salvation. The LORD grants him all his heart’s desire. All who trust in the LORD will not be shaken because of His steadfast love.

From an eschatological viewpoint, the LORD will seek out all His enemies. They will be as a fire pot in His presence. The LORD will swallow them in His wrath, and fire will consume them. Their descendants will be destroyed. Their evil schemes will not prevail. Moreover, the LORD will attack them and put them to flight.

This psalm ends with a doxology: O LORD, exalt (Yourself) in Your strength! Let us sing and let us praise His power! 

Let’s read Psalm 21

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 The king rejoices in your strength, Lord.
    How great is his joy in the victories you give!

2 You have granted him his heart’s desire
    and have not withheld the request of his lips.
3 You came to greet him with rich blessings
    and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.
4 He asked you for life, and you gave it to him—
    length of days, for ever and ever.
5 Through the victories you gave, his glory is great;
    you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.
6 Surely you have granted him unending blessings
    and made him glad with the joy of your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the Lord;
    through the unfailing love of the Most High
    he will not be shaken.

8 Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies;
    your right hand will seize your foes.
9 When you appear for battle,
    you will burn them up as in a blazing furnace.
The Lord will swallow them up in his wrath,
    and his fire will consume them.
10 You will destroy their descendants from the earth,
    their posterity from mankind.
11 Though they plot evil against you
    and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed.
12 You will make them turn their backs
    when you aim at them with drawn bow.

13 Be exalted in your strength, Lord;
    we will sing and praise your might.

Let’s pray

O LORD, the Most High God, You have been our strength and salvation! Lord Jesus, our Righteous One, You were forsaken on the Cross. Yet Your soul is satisfied because You made righteous all who trust in Your salvation. You will vanquish all Your enemies, visible and invisible to us. Teach us to pray for our human enemies so that they might repent and be saved. For Your wrath is great. Grant us Your steadfast love as we content for the faith.

Let us sing and praise the Most High God! Amen!