Psalms 20

A blessing and prayer of the church for King David, being to go forth unto battle; with a firm confidence of victory and triumph, through the heavenly King the Messiah.

1. A Psalm of David, for the chief Song-master. [See Psalm 4.on v.1.]

2. The LORD hear thee in the day of distress: the name of the God of Jacob [See 2. Sam.6.on v.2. and Compare below v.8.] set thee [Heb. Properly, lift thee up, or exalted thee] in an high retreat. [where thou mayst be safe and secure against the force and violence of the Enemy. See 2 Sam.22.on v.3. i.e. he protect and defend thee.]

3. He send thine help [i.e. whereby thou mayest be helpen] out of the Sanctuary, [where the Ark of the covenant (the type of our Saviour Christ) was, upon mount Zion] and support thee out of Zion.

4. He remember all thy meat-offerings, [Oth. He accept of, be wel-pleased with remembering his promises, and thy prayers. See Lev.2.on 2. Hos.14.on v.8.] and make (or turn) thy burnt-offerings to ashes, [shewing by some token, that it is acceptable unto him. See Lev.9.v.24 1 Chron.21.26. and 2 Sam.24.v.23. Oth. Be make thy burnt-offering fat, i.e. he be pleased with it, as being offered of the best with fincere affection] Sela. [See Psa.3.on v.3.]

5. He give thee according to thine heart, [i.e. according to thine own wish and hearts desire, that thy purpose may succeed and prosper] and fulfil all thy counsel. [i.e. effect it as followeth.]

6. We shall shout [Here the church doth shew her confidence of being heard and obtaining the victory] over thy salvation, [viz. Which thou O King shalt receive of God; or which thou O God shalt bestow upon our King. Or thy victories (and so in the sequel) which God shall grant thee. See 2 Sam.8.on v.6.] and set up [or let fly, rear] the banners, [in token of courage, and confidence of victory and triumph] in the name of our God: [i.e. to the honour and glory of God, and the terror of our Enemies. Compare Psa.60.6. Cant.2.4. and 5.10. and 6.4. item Num.2.2,3, &c. With the annot. In the Hebrew there is a word, as if one should say, we shall banner, or banner it (vexillari) The LORD fulfil all thy desires [or shall fulfill.]

7. As now I know, that the LORD saveth his anointed; [Or hath delivered, given victory unto, i.e. I amass confident, by reason of his promises, that God shall give him victory, as if he had obtained the same already] he shall hear him out of the heaven of his holiness; [i.e. out of his holy heaven, which is so called, because God, who is holiness it self is, said to dwell therein. So palace of holiness, above Psa.5.8.] the salvation of his right hand shall be with mightinesses. [Oth. through the powers of the salvation of his right hand, i.e. of his right hand powerfully stretching forth, to purchase victory for his anointed.]

8. These (make mention) of chariots, and those of horses, [i.e. our enemies talk much, the one of their iron chariots, the other of the multitude of their horses, wherein they confined and trust] but we shall make mention of the name of the LORD our God.

9. They have bowed themselves and are fallen: [Like unto Sisera, Jud.5.22.] but we are risen, and remained standing.

10. O LORD, save: [Or grant salvation, victory as v.7.] the King hear us [or shall hear us; the heavenly King namely, our LORD Jesus Christ typified by David] in the day of our calling.