Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 20

The Lord hear thee. Verses 1–5 constitute the prayer of intercession for the king as he is about to go forth to battle. They were probably chanted while the smoke of the sacrifice ascended heavenward. Trouble. Heb. sarah, “distress,” “narrowness.” Name. God’s actual name is represented by the Hebrew characters YHWH, transliterated with the vowel points Yahweh (see Ex. 6:3). The word is believed to be from the root hayah, which means “to be,” or, “to become.” On the basis of ancient Phoenician usage the form Yahweh has been understood to represent a verb form that may be translated “the Causer to be,” or, “the Sustainer.” The name Yahweh therefore designates God as the first cause of existence. The name stands for all that the Deity represents. See further on Ps. 7:17. God of Jacob. Probably an indirect reference to the experience of Gen. 35:3.

Strengthen. Literally, “support,” “uphold.” Zion. See Ps. 2:6.

Offerings. Heb. minchoth, in the Levitical law referring to grain offerings (see on Lev. 2:1). In a more general sense minchah means “present” and is used of Abel’s offering (Gen. 4:3, 4), and of Jacob’s gift of appeasement (Gen. 32:13). Burnt sacrifice. Heb. ‘olah, an offering in which the victim was completely burned (see Vol. I, p. 698; see on Lev. 1:3). Selah. See p. 629.

All thy counsel. The people pray that all the king’s plans and the measures he takes in war may be successful.

Name. See on Ps. 7:17. Set up our banners. In an acknowledgment of victory at the hands of God. This closes the general petition of the people.

Now know I. Verses 6–8 constitute the response of the king or perhaps of a Levite speaking alone. The change in pronoun from “thee” and “we” of vs. 1–5 to “I” is best explained in this way. What was hoped for in the petition of the congregation is now an established fact. Anointed. See on Ps. 2:2. Hear. Literally, “answer.” His holy heaven. Literally, “heaven of his holiness.”

Chariots. War chariots, for transporting soldiers into battle and providing facilities for combat. Pharaoh trusted in chariots (Ex. 14:7). David’s northern enemies, the Syrians, were especially formidable because of their use of chariots and horsemen (see 1 Chron. 18:4; 19:18); his own troops seem to have consisted entirely of infantry. Later, Solomon developed a large standing army of chariots and cavalry (see 1 Kings 10:26–29). It was never God’s plan that His people should have to rely upon brute force for victory (see Deut. 17:16). This verse is a wonderful confession of faith in the right as against confidence in might.

They are brought down. The verbs in this verse may be regarded as being prophetic perfects, that is, in anticipation the king sees his enemies vanquished and

describes the event as having already taken place. This verse is an instance of antithetic parallelism.

Save, Lord. The LXX translates this verse, “O Lord, save thy king: and hear us in the day we call upon thee.” The translation of the KJV seems to correspond with the beginning of the psalm, and expresses complete confidence in the heavenly King. This verse was probably sung by the congregation in reply to the solo voice of vs. 6–8.