Psalms 20

Chapter Summary

Psalms 20 begins with a prayer for the king's victory, asking God to hear his cry and grant him victory over his enemies (Psalms 20:1-5). The psalmist then expresses confidence in God's power to save, declaring that those who trust in God will not be shaken (Psalms 20:6-8). The chapter concludes with a prayer for the king's protection and a declaration of trust in God's deliverance (Psalms 20:9). Throughout the chapter, the psalmist emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and seeking His help in times of trouble.

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 20 is part of the collection of psalms known as the Psalter, which was used in worship in ancient Israel. The chapter is likely a royal psalm, addressed to the king of Israel, and may have been written during a time of war or national crisis. The chapter's themes of trust in God and confidence in His power to save are relevant to believers in all ages and circumstances.

Heart Application

As believers, we can apply the principles of Psalms 20 to our own lives by trusting in God's power to save and seeking His help in times of trouble. We can also pray for our leaders and those in authority, asking God to give them wisdom and protection.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 20 is a prayer for the king's victory and a declaration of trust in God's power to save. The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God rather than in human strength or military might. In Psalms 20:7, the psalmist declares that those who trust in God will not be shaken.

Voices from the Church

“The trust of the Christian is not in the wisdom of men, nor in the strength of horses, but in the name of the Lord our God.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The psalmist teaches us that our trust should be in God alone, and that we should not rely on human strength or military might.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction and Prayer for the King's Victory (Psalms 20:1-5) — The psalmist prays for the king's victory and asks God to hear his cry and grant him victory over his enemies.
2. Contrast between Human Strength and God's Power (Psalms 20:6-8) — The psalmist contrasts those who trust in chariots and horses with those who trust in the name of the Lord their God.
3. Confidence in God's Power to Save (Psalms 20:6-8) — The psalmist expresses confidence in God's power to save, declaring that those who trust in God will not be shaken.
4. Conclusion and Prayer for the King's Protection (Psalms 20:9) — The chapter concludes with a prayer for the king's protection and a declaration of trust in God's deliverance.
5. Final Thoughts — The psalmist emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and seeking His help in times of trouble.

Core Doctrines

Sovereignty of God

Psalms 20 emphasizes God's power and control over all things, including the outcome of battles and the fate of nations.

Trust in God

The chapter teaches the importance of trusting in God rather than in human strength or military might.

Prayer

The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer and seeking God's help in times of trouble.

Providence

The psalmist declares that God is actively involved in the affairs of human history, guiding the course of events to achieve His purposes.

Themes from Psalms 20

1. Trust in God — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God rather than in human strength or military might.
2. God's Power and Control — Psalms 20 emphasizes God's power and control over all things, including the outcome of battles and the fate of nations.
3. Prayer and Seeking God's Help — The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer and seeking God's help in times of trouble.
4. Confidence in God's Deliverance — The psalmist expresses confidence in God's power to save, declaring that those who trust in God will not be shaken.
5. The Importance of Leadership — The chapter is addressed to the king, emphasizing the importance of leadership and the need for leaders to trust in God and seek His help.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that you can trust in God's power to save in your own life?
2. How can you apply the principles of Psalms 20 to your own life and circumstances?
3. What are some things that you tend to trust in instead of God, and how can you shift your trust to Him?
4. How can you pray for your leaders and those in authority, asking God to give them wisdom and protection?
5. What are some ways that you can seek God's help and protection in times of trouble?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 20

	Sermon	Description
	"We Are in Grave Danger, when..." by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon emphasizes the danger of placing our confidence in our own accomplishments rather than in Jesus. It warns against the folly of relying on personal achievements, highlig
	The Word in a Recession by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of placing our confidence solely in God, rather than in worldly possessions or external factors. He warns against being foole
	Invitation to Prayer by Chuck Smith	This sermon emphasizes the importance of calling upon the Lord in times of trouble, highlighting the assurance that God hears and answers prayers, even when His responses may not a
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 31:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the situation in which the people of Jerusalem find themselves. The Assyrian army, known for their cruelty, is conquering cities and mo
	Five Elements of a Victorious Life by Jim Logan	In this video, the speaker shares his experiences with the Sue Indians and their spiritual beliefs. He recounts a story of a woman who was possessed by a spirit but was eventually
	Guidelines to Freedom Part 3 - What's in a Name by Alistair Begg	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not divorcing praise and worship from the proclamation of truth. He believes that it is the truth that gives substance to o
	The Call of the Shipmaster by Carter Conlon	This sermon is a powerful call to prayer and revival, emphasizing the need for believers to awaken to the urgency of the times and seek God's presence. Drawing from the story of Jo
	Pastor Clarifies Position on Gun Debate by Shane Idleman	This sermon addresses the topic of guns and self-defense from a biblical perspective, emphasizing the importance of not worshiping weapons but trusting in God for protection. It ch
	From Faith to Faith - Part 3 by Lance Lambert	This sermon emphasizes living by faith as the foundational principle for believers, highlighting stories of trusting God for provision, protection, and guidance. It encourages ongo
	In Nothing Be Anxious; but in Everything by Prayer by Hans R. Waldvogel	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of learning from our experiences rather than complaining. He encourages the audience to do all things without murmuring and d

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 20

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 20 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's power to save, rather than in human strength or military might. Henry notes that the psalmist's prayer for the king's victory is not just a request for earthly success, but a declaration of trust in God's sovereign power. He also highlights the contrast between those who trust in chariots and horses and those who trust in the name of the Lord their God, noting that the latter will rise and stand firm, while the former will fall. Henry concludes by emphasizing the importance of prayer and seeking God's help in times of trouble, as seen in Psalms 20:9. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?