Psalm 20 “The Day of Trouble”

‘Truth for Truckers’*February 20, 2014* Psalm 20 “The Day of Trouble”

       This Psalm of David immediately sets out bestowing a series of nine benefits upon the singer/reader: ‘The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble, the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice: Selah. The first four focus on the need for God’s help during times of trouble, with the next two emphasizing successful worship. But, the following two blessings ‘Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfill all thy counsel.’ (v.4) show a close personal emphasis as the ‘heart’ and the ‘counsel’ given by the reader are the subject.

     The name of God is the source of defense, identification and faith as it is mentioned three times (v.1, 5, 7) with the Psalm pivoting upon this powerful phrase for all of the benefits that are given. The wonderful name of the LORD Jehovah here in (v.6) is the most used name for God in the Old Testament being recorded over 6500 times, however, as New Testament believers, we know Him as the Lord Jesus Christ for He is the source of all we need! (John 15:1) Physical salvation is the key in (v.6-9) as is the case in the majority of Old Testament passages using the words ‘salvation and save’ but they can also mean the actual saving of the soul. ‘We will rejoice in Thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners; the LORD fulfill all thy petitions.’ (v.5)

     The confident expectation of God’s deliverance is pointed to here as David shows his faith in God’s working ahead of time pledging to ‘rejoice’ and ‘set up our banners’ in celebration of the victory to come. However, one of the most important benefits are bestowed at the last when the ninth requested blessing upon the reader is given as David asks for the LORD’s fulfillment of the requests of the reader. His mighty declaration of confidence in the LORD follows in (v.6) ‘Now know I that the LORD saveth His anointed; He will hear him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.’ The progression here shows the sequence of God’s deliverance. The faith of the believer brings a listening ear and causes the action from heaven to follow as the LORD delivers His own in times of trouble.

     The contrast in (v.7,8) shows the failure of man’s method and the believer’s faith working success from the LORD: ‘Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.’ (v.7, 8) In conclusion David gives a final call to the LORD: ‘Save, LORD: let the King hear us when we call’ (v.9) emphasizing his faith in the LORD alone for the delivering power to save regardless of circumstance for when ‘the King’ of heaven listens to the cry of His own, He will respond with His blessing!

     This series of benefits requested by David for the singers/readers of this brief but power-packed Psalm /song provide the believer with a strong confidence in the LORD’s ability to bring them through the most diverse and difficult situation with all of the blessings hinging on the believer’s faith ‘For without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he that comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.’ (Hebrews 11:6)

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