Psalm 20

May the Lord Bless You

“David probably composed this Psalm to express the prayers of the pious for his success [as the anointed King of Israel] … Like other compositions of which David in such relations is the subject, its sentiments have a permanent value - the prosperity of Christ’s kingdom being involved, as well as typified, in that of Israel and its king.” (JFB)

Verse 1

May the LordProtect &

Defend You

“May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you.”

Verse 2

May the LordHelp &

Strengthen You

“May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion.”

Verse 3

May the LordAccept Your

Worship

“May He remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice.”

Verses 4-5

May the LordAnswer Your

Prayers

“May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose. 5 We will rejoice in your salvation, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.”

Verse 9

May the LordSave You

“Save, Lord! May the King answer us when we call.”

• Our faith is unflagging (6)• His response is assured (6)• Those who trust in the power of

man will be disappointed (7-8)• Those who trust in the power of

God will be victorious (7-8)

He, May, Can & Will

Psalm 20

Conclusion

The Psalm - its requests for blessings - takes the form of a prayer, because only God is able to grant them.

So, Psalm 20 is a wonderful expression of confidence in the Almighty God of Heaven… The same God we serve!