Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 20

This series of psalms shows a journey from confidence and commitment (Psalms 20–21), through anguish and abandonment (Psalm 22), and finally to comfort, insight, and hope (Psalms 23–24).

The community prays for the king’s protection and victory.

This royal prayer asks God to give victory to the king (Psalm 20:1–5). It then expresses confidence that God will bring rescue (20:6–8). The psalm ends with the people asking God to answer their prayer (20:9).

• The title God of Jacob shows God's long-standing relationship with his people (see Psalms 46:7, 11; 75:9; 76:6; 81:1, 4; 84:8; 94:7; 114:7; 146:5).

• protect you: See Psalm 59:1–2.

Gifts and burnt offerings show submission to the Lord (compare Psalm 40:6).

make all your plans succeed … grant all your petitions: These requests might be those mentioned in Psalm 21:3–6 (compare 27:4).

Troops carried a victory banner to battle. They gathered under it and encouraged each other to act (see Isaiah 11:10, 12).

A community member (Psalm 20:1–5) responds with words of assurance and confidence in God's help.

God chose his anointed king to be ruler (see Psalm 2:7).

chariots and … horses: These were tools used in war (see Psalms 33:16–17; 76:6; 147:10; Isaiah 30:16; 31:1–3).