Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.
Thanks for clicking by. It is worth sharing how this week’s study was birthed. After feeling called to write about a psalm, I was randomly flipping through the Hebrew Bible’s most-read book. When the word “distress” caught my eye, I started reading Psalm 20. Why “distress”? Simple answer: Untold millions of people are distressed by the world on the verge of war and the horrific potential for the U.S. to be engaged in a three-front war in Europe, Taiwan, and the Middle East.
Then, upon reading Psalm 20, I understood why it was supposed to be today’s study topic. And I liked its length of only nine verses so I could repost the entire psalm and still have space for commentary.
With its authorship attributed to David, Psalm 20 is directed toward the ruling king of Israel (unnamed, but obviously David) as his nation heads into battle. The psalm’s lesson is to trust God rather than human power. The intro title reads, “For the director of music. A psalm of David.”
Verses 1-4: Prayers of the people for their king.
The wording in verses 1-4 points to an assembly of the people (and perhaps the army, although not stated) gathered in group prayer to support their king. They asked for God's intervention and protection when they said:
“May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed” (Psalm 20:1-4).
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Let’s clarify the meaning of “grant you support from Zion.” That is from where God rules the world on His heavenly throne at the temple of Jerusalem.
Verse 5: Confidence in the Lord that he will deliver.
I love this verse because it is an assumptive prayer trusting that He will soon provide what they (or you) are asking. Assumptive prayers require the most trust in the Lord. Recently, I have been making a concerted effort to incorporate assumptive prayers into my life. The people exclaimed:
“May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests” (Psalm 20:5).
Verses 6-8: A religious leader (or the king) affirms the people’s trust in God.
The leader acknowledged that the people's faith is more powerful than military might because they believe victory comes from the Lord. We are reminded that our trust must be in God, not weapons, possessions, personal power, or worldly status. The following verses illustrate David’s humility and dependence on the Lord God. Is it likely that the “I” is King David:
“Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm” (Psalm 20: 6-8).
Verse 9: A Petition for God's Help.
After praying to the Lord about trusting in Him, David wrote the people’s final cry, asking for a successful outcome:
“Lord, give victory to the king! Answer us when we call!” (Psalm 20:9).
Note how this last verse connects back to the first verse. Shown together:
“May the Lord answer you when you are in distress.”
“Lord, give victory to the king! Answer us when we call!”
Psalm 20 reminds us of God’s sovereignty over humankind and how we must lift Him up before we face any battle in our lives. We must thank Him before and after He “gives victory to his anointed” — those with faith in Him. Always know that how God answers prayer is derived from “his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand.” Long-time readers might remember Vol. 125: “The Right Hand of God,” when in his email, Rabbi Jonathan Cahn wrote: “The right hand is the hand of power.” If you have five minutes, you might want to read that study since it ties in with Psalm 20.
This psalm also underscores how group prayer is powerful. It can strengthen us in times of crisis and remind us that our purpose is to believe in, trust, and glorify God.
Considering the ongoing war in the Middle East, it was no coincidence when I felt that the Lord was directing me to write about a psalm, I landed on No. 20. Related is how that psalm reminds us that we must pray for God’s hand to be upon Israel and bring lasting peace to the region. Amen!
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer with numerous national credits. Her book, "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible," reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2,” with the same title, reprints Vols. 57-113. Order it here.
Myra is also Executive Director of SignFromGod.org and the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. Both are educational donor-supported ministries dedicated to building a permanent Shroud of Turin exhibit in Washington, D.C. Visit the life-sized Shroud replica in D.C. Contact: MyraAdams01@gmail.com.
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