Psalm 20

Before a battle with an enemy, David found encouragement in the intercession of his people to trust God for victory.

 1. The intercession of the people 20:1-5

20:1-4 The people lifted their voices to God concerning their king (v. 6) and prayed God would give him success in this royal psalm (cf. 21:2). Meal and burnt offerings of worship often accompanied prayers for God's help in Israel's worship.

20:5 The people anticipated victory in the upcoming battle. When the soldiers went out to war they marched according to their tribes and each tribe had its own distinctive banner (cf. Num. 2:2).

 2. The assurance of the king 20:6-8

20:6 David was confident he would be successful in the coming conflict because he was the Lord's anointed. Of course, if David had been guilty of sin God might not have given him the victory. However the king believed that he was clean and with the intercession of his people he felt even more certain that he would emerge the victor.

20:7 He repudiated confidence in the most sophisticated physical implements of warfare available but affirmed his reliance on the Lord Himself for victory (cf. Exod. 14; Judg. 4). The name of the Lord refers to His character, reputation, and nature. David gained confidence as he meditated on his God.

20:8 The king was sure of success. Often in the psalms the writers expressed strong confidence by describing an event yet future as already having taken place with the desired result as here.

 3. The repeated intercession of the people 20:9

In view of the similarity between this petition and the one that opens this psalm, it is probable that the people prayed it too. They looked to Yahweh as their ultimate authority and the One from whom victory must come.

The elect can appeal to God for victory against their spiritual enemies confidently when they are walking with Him because He is willing and able to subdue the powers of darkness. God has assured us of our ultimate victory (cf. 2 Cor. 2:14).