Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 21

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).

God’s people thank him for giving victory to the king.

God has given the king what he desired. God protected him and blessed him (see Psalm 20:5; see also 2:8).

The king returned victorious from battle and received honor from the people. His greatest honor came from God, who gave him blessings, life, and his presence.

rich blessings: See Proverbs 10:6.

God offers a rich quality of life (Psalms 61:6–7; 91:14–16; 128:4–6). This life is characterized by:

• God's presence (Psalms 16:11; 23:6; 27:4; 36:9),

• joy (Psalm 16:11)

• goodness (Psalm 23:6; 34:14–15), and

• protection (Psalm 41:2; 61:7).

God's eternal blessings also bring a full life now (see Psalm 133).

The king was victorious not because of his strength or goodness, but because God honored his faith.

As long as even a single enemy opposed the king’s authority, God’s kingdom was not fully present. This prayer requests victory over all evil in the world.

The fiery furnace and fire represent the seriousness of God's judgment on the wicked. In the Old Testament, fire often represents God’s anger against sin and destructive judgment (Psalms 11:6; 18:8; 50:3; 68:2; 78:21; 79:5; 80:16; 89:46; 97:3; 104:4; 140:10; see Isaiah 66:24).

descendants … offspring: Evil will end when God destroys all opposition to himself (Psalm 109:13; compare 18:50; 22:30–31; 25:13; 102:28).

Be exalted (compare Psalm 57:5, 11; 108:5) expresses communal praise and joy in God’s greatness and power.