Psalm 20:1-9

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 20:1-9

The psalm divides into two portions—the first of five, and the second of four verses. In the first part, the people chant the whole. In the second, the high priest takes the word, and initiates the strain ( 2 Samuel 10:6 ), while the people join in afterwards ( 2 Samuel 10:7-9 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 20:1-9

Prayer for Israel's king when going forth to battle: a national sermon. In this psalm, as indeed in the rest, there are most suggestive verses, which might be elaborated into useful discourses. £ But in this division of the Commentary we refrain from dealing with isolated texts. We desire rather to show how the whole psalm may be used by the expositor of Scripture as the basis of a national sermon in a time of impending war. No doubt, as Mr. Spurgeon remarks, it has been used by court... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 20:1-9

Help from the sanctuary for the battle of life. A liturgical psalm, which was sung on behalf of the king, who was about to go forth to battle. It was chanted in alternate voices by the congregation and the priest or Levite who led the choir. As the king stands within the sanctuary, offering his sacrifice, the crowd of worshippers in the spacious courts lift up their voices in the prayer of the first five verses; then the answering chant of the priest or leader from Psalms 20:6 to 8;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 20:2

Send thee help from the sanctuary . "The sanctuary" here is undoubtedly the holy place which David had established on Mount Zion, and in which he had placed the ark of the covenant. God's help was always regarded as coming especially from the place where he had "set his Name." In the original it is, "Send thy help"—the help thou needest and prayest for. And strengthen thee out of Zion ; rather, support thee. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 20:3

Remember all thy offerings . (On David's offerings, see 2 Samuel 6:13 , 2 Samuel 6:17 ; 2 Samuel 24:25 ; 1 Chronicles 15:26 ; 1 Chronicles 16:1 ; 1 Chronicles 21:28 ; 1 Chronicles 29:21 .) It is not to be supposed, however, that David ever sacrificed victims with his own hand, or without the intervention of a priest. And accept thy burnt sacrifice ; Selah . It is a reasonable conjecture that the "Selah" here marks a "pause," during which special sacrifices were offered,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 20:4

Grant thee according to thine own heart ; i.e. whatever thy heart desireth "in connection with this expedition, all that thou hopest from it, all that thou wouldst have it accomplish." And fulfil all thy counsel; i.e. make all thy plans to prosper. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 20:5

We will rejoice in thy salvation . David's" salvation" is here his triumph over his enemies, which the people confidently anticipate, and promise themselves the satisfaction of speedily celebrating with joy and rejoicing. And in the Name of our God we will set up our banners . Plant them, i.e; on the enemy's forts and strongholds. The Lord fulfil all thy petitions. A comprehensive prayer, re-echoing the first clause of Psalms 20:1 and the whole of Psalms 20:4 , but reaching out... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 20:5

The safeguards of prayer. "The Lord fulfil all thy petitions." An amazingly bold wish! Especially if you read it in the light of Psalms 20:4 , "Grant thee thy heart's desire!" It might be the worst wish we could express—even for a good man—that God would grant him all he desires. It is written of the rebellious, ungrateful Israelites, "He gave them their own desire." But it was their ruin ( Psalms 78:29 ). We may be conscious of desires springing up in our own heart, even dwelling deep... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 20:6

Now know I. The employment of the first person singular marks a change in the speaker, and is best explained by supposing that either the high priest or the king himself takes the word. The offering of the solemn prayer ( Psalms 20:1-5 ) and of the sacrifices (see the comment on Psalms 20:3 ) has been followed by a full conviction that the prayer is granted, and the triumph of David assured. What was previously hoped for is "now known." That the Lord saveth (or, hath saved ) his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 20:7

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses. The enemies of David towards the north—Syrians of Zobah, and Maachah, and Damascus, and Beth-Rehob—were especially formidable on account of their cavalry and their chariots. David on one occasion "took from Hadarezer, King of Zobah, a thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen" ( 1 Chronicles 18:4 ). On another he "slew of the Syrians seven thousand men which fought in chariots" ( 1 Chronicles 19:18 ). His own troops appear to have... read more

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