Psalms 20

Pss 20–24 This sequence of psalms expresses the experience of moving from confidence and commitment (Pss 20–21), through anguish and abandonment (Ps 22), and finally to comfort, insight, and hope (Pss 23–24).Ps 20 This royal prayer for God’s victory (20:1-5) leads to confidence in God’s rescue (20:6-8) and a communal request for God’s response (20:9).20:1-5 The community prays for the king’s protection and victory.20:1 The title God of Jacob affectionately expresses God’s ancient relationship with his people (see 46:7, 11; 75:9; 76:6; 81:1, 4; 84:8; 94:7; 114:7; 146:5). • keep you safe from all harm: See 59:1-2.

20:3 Gifts and burnt offerings express submission to the Lord (cp. 40:6).

20:4-5 make all your plans succeed . . . answer all your prayers: These requests could be those stated in 21:3-6 (cp. 27:4).

20:5 Troops carried a victory banner to battle, under which they gathered and roused one another to action (see Isa 11:10, 12).

20:6-8 An individual member of the community (20:1-5) responds with a word of assurance and confidence in God’s help.20:6 God chose his anointed king to be ruler (see 2:7).

20:7 chariots and horses: These were instruments of war (see 33:16-17; 76:6; 147:10; Isa 30:16; 31:1-3).