Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryPsalms 21

The King Rejoices in God’s StrengthThis psalm is David’s praise to God for giving him victory and blessings. David’s joy is in God’s strength, not in his own power or army. He wants his people to join him in giving God all the glory for their success. David’s victories are also a picture of Jesus’ greater victory over evil. As we read this psalm, we are reminded to thank God for answering prayers and giving blessings, often more than we expect.v. 1: David says, “The king rejoices in your strength, Lord

v. 2: David thanks God for answering his prayers. He says, “You have given him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips” . God gave David exactly what he asked for, just as the people prayed for in Psalm 20:4 . When God answers our prayers, we should thank Him with all our hearts.

v. 3: David is surprised by God’s kindness. He says, “You came to greet him with rich blessings” . God gave David good things even before he asked, and much more than he hoped for. All our blessings come from God’s goodness, not from anything we have done. God’s blessings sometimes come when we least expect them.

v. 4: David remembers how God saved his life. “He asked you for life, and you gave it to him—length of days, for ever and ever” . God not only kept David safe, but also promised him a lasting kingdom. God often gives us more than we ask for. This promise points to Jesus, whose kingdom will never end (Isaiah 9:7 ).

v. 5: David says, “His glory is great through your salvation; you bestow on him splendor and majesty” . God made David famous and honored because He saved him. All true honor and greatness come from God. Jesus also received glory and honor from God the Father (2 Peter 1:17; John 17:5 ).

v. 6: David says God made him a blessing forever. “You make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence” . David is happy because God is with him. This blessing is even greater in Jesus, who brings blessing and joy to the whole world.As we sing or read this psalm, we should feel joy in God’s blessings and be happy for the victories and honor God gives. Let us praise God for His goodness and look to Jesus, who is the source of every blessing.

The Subject's HopeIn this section, David teaches the people to look forward with faith and hope, just as they have looked back with joy and praise for what God has already done. The king’s trust in God is the reason for his confidence, and it encourages the people to trust God too. The hope and confidence of Christ, our King, is the foundation for our own hope and joy.v. 7: David says, “For the king trusts in the Lord

v. 8: David is sure that God will find and judge all his enemies. “Your hand will find out all your enemies; your right hand will find out those who hate you” . Even if they try to hide, God will discover them. No one can escape God’s justice.

v. 9: He says, “You will make them as a fiery oven in the time of your anger; the Lord

v. 10: David adds, “You will destroy their descendants from the earth, and their offspring from among the children of man” . God’s judgment will not only affect the enemies themselves but also their future. All who oppose God’s kingdom will be removed in the end.

v. 11: He explains, “Though they plan evil against you, though they devise mischief, they will not succeed” . The enemies may make plans against God and His king, but they will fail. Their evil ideas cannot stop God’s purpose (Psalm 2:1 ).

v. 12: David says, “You will put them to flight; you will aim at their faces with your bows” . God will defeat His enemies and make them run away. His arrows will strike them directly, showing that His judgment is sure.

v. 13: The psalm ends with a prayer: “Be exalted, O Lord