Psalms 20

Psalms 20THEME: Plea of Israel for the success of the MessiahThis psalm is not classed as one of the messianic psalms, but I have labeled it such because it is a prophecy of the Messiah and His work of redemption. I think it is closely linked with the two psalms that follow it. In Israel these psalms were sung together in a liturgical way. Some scholars think they were chanted by the leaders of worship, the Levites, and by the assembled worshipers who responded antiphonally. Bishop Horne said, concerning this prayer psalm: “The Church prayeth for the prosperity of the King Messiah, going forth to battle, as her champion and deliverer; for His acceptance by the Father, and for the accomplishment of His will” (quoted in A. C. Gaebelein, The Book of Psalms, pp. 93-94). Bishop Horne would have hit the nail right on the head if he had said “the remnant of Israel” instead of “church.” This psalm really deals with Israel. This is another psalm that tells out the grace of God.

Psalms 20:1

“The day of trouble” is when we want Him to hear us, isn’t it? This is a psalm of David. How did old Jacob get in here? By the grace of God. God never was ashamed to be called the God of Jacob. I would have been ashamed of Jacob because of some of the things he did. Maybe you have been ashamed of him, too, but God was not. God saved Jacob by His grace.

Psalms 20:2

What sanctuary is this verse talking about? The church? No! The sanctuary in Jerusalem. Where is Zion? Maybe you are thinking of Zion, Illinois, or Zion, Utah; but David is not talking about those placesnor any church. Zion is in Israel, of course. Nothing could be clearer.

Psalms 20:3

Dr. Gaebelein translates it like this: “He shall remember all Thine offerings, and accept Thy burnt offerings. Selah.” Notice that he is not referring to our offerings, but to Christ’s offering. He offered up in the days of His flesh, not only prayers and tears (Heb. 5), but finally His own body. “Selah"here is something for you to meditate on, to think about, in these days when there is so much trouble.

Psalms 20:4

The Father is going to hear the prayers of the Lord Jesus. Remember that He said, “…Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always …” (Joh_11:41-42). Christ is probably the only One whom the Father always hears and always answers.

Psalms 20:7

The “king” is for Israel. For us today He is Savior, and we pray in the name of Jesus. “Save, LORD” is Hosanna in the Hebrew. This is a great Hosanna psalm. May God make it real to our hearts.