Psalm 20

vs 1

You know, this might be one of my favourite psalms. I think it has that poetry to it that I can feel from the meaning, if you know what I mean. Perhaps it's just the large use of jussives, but It's a very cool psalm. Good length, too. It reminds me of that Irish Blessing, "May the road rise up to meet you..."

And that's what the first part is, really - a blessing on someone. It's all very simple, for this first verse. Jacob is mentioned I guess primarily it seems as an indicator of which God we're talking about (and you know what? That's a really good idea. Whenever I say just "God", what do people think I mean? I should say things like "The God of our Lord Jesus Christ" but that sounds so wordy and formal. But it at least specifies who I'm talking about), but it also calls to mind the faithfulness of God to Jacob, that you may be protected as he was, and that your requests may be answered as his were. You might think David is a better candidate for an analogy, but then he's writing the psalm.

vs 2

Now that is an interesting one. Does David mean physical help? If so, in what form? In the form of support to the poor? Bread and other food for wandering kings (David snacked down on holy bread)? Or is it spiritual support, like lifting your spirit? Is the sanctuary the temple, therefore, and Zion, Jerusalem, or is it a heavenly reference?

vs 3

The TNIV removed "Selah". I didn't notice a change in meaning of the psalm.

It's interesting when you think about what this verse is saying - you actually still have to make the offerings and sacrifices. The assumption is that they are acceptable, the prayer is that they are then accepted. "May all your prayers be heard" is an interesting blessing - because it means that you actually have to be praying in the first place.

vs 4

This is just out and out prosperity stuff. Of course, if your desire is for the Lord, and your plans are for his glory, why wouldn't this be true?

vs 5

Again, your victories have to actually be for the purpose of God's glory, otherwise you're not going to lift your banners to him.

The assumption, with banners, is that these are military victories. We have spiritual enemies - do we fight them effectively enough that we feel we have victories over them?

And again there's a repeat for granting requests - probably a poetic repetition.

vs 6

This is the second half of the psalm. So the first half is all jussive requests that God might pour out blessings on you. This is promises that we can be sure of.

So first of all, God does indeed give victory - at least to his anointed, which is David, who is writing. So he might be saying "Just as I can be a witness that God has given me victory, so may he give it to you."

This specifically says heavenly sanctuary, which makes me think vs2 is talking about God in heaven, and strength coming from him. David acknowledges that his victories came from the power of God. May ours do so too.

vs 7

Especially important for Israel, who was not meant to have chariots and horses (at least not too many) because of the fact that they may put too much faith in them. Their faith, like ours, should be in God and his power for our victory. That doesn't mean don't be prepared, it just means know where the power is.

vs 8

Chariots don't have knees, but I'm sort of assuming that he means those who trust in horses and chariots. People like the Egyptians, Philistines etc.

vs 9

This verse, at first, is a little bit of a strain for us. But if we think of Jesus as king, then perhaps it's a good help for us to remember that our desires and requests and plans that we have just asked might all be answered should really be for the victory of Christ over sin and death.

In faith, when we call out in that prayer, we should expect God to answer.