Psalms 20 — with JFB Commentary
The King James text with the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary (1871, public domain) directly beneath the verses it explains. Verses without a JFB note stand alone.
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1The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
PSALM 20
Psa 20:1-9. David probably composed this Psalm to express the prayers of the pious for his success as at once the head of the Church and nation. 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.
1. hear thee--graciously (Psa 4:1).
name of--or manifested perfections, as power, wisdom, &c.
defend thee--set thee on high from danger (Psa 9:9; 18:3).
2Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
2. strengthen thee--sustain in conflict; even physical benefits may be included, as courage for war, &c., as such may proceed from a sense of divine favor, secured in the use of spiritual privileges.
3Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.
3. all thy offerings--or gifts, vegetable offerings.
accept--literally, "turn to ashes" (compare 1Ki 18:38).
Selah--(See on Psa 3:2).
4Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.
4. thy counsel--or plan.
5We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.
5. salvation--that wrought and experienced by him.
set up our banners--(Nu 2:3, 10). In usual sense, or, as some render, "may we be made great."
6Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.
6. He speaks as if suddenly assured of a hearing.
his anointed--not only David personally, but as the specially appointed head of His Church.
his holy heaven--or, literally, "the heavens of His holiness," where He resides (Psa 2:6; 11:4).
saving ... hand--His power which brings salvation.
7Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
7. remember--or cause to remember, mention thankfully (1Sa 17:45; Psa 33:16).
8They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.
8. They--that is, who trust in horses, &c.
stand upright--literally, "we have straightened ourselves up from our distress and fears."
9Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.
9. let the king hear--as God's representative, delivered to deliver. Perhaps a better sense is, "Lord, save the king; hear us when we call," or pray.