Psalms 20: Trusting the Name of the LORD

The people ask God to grant victory to their anointed king.

Psalms 20: A Prayer for the King in Battle

Following the personal praise of Psalms 19, this chapter is a communal prayer offered on behalf of the king, asking the LORD to hear him in the day of trouble and remember his offerings and sacrifices before battle.


Jehovah answer thee in the day of trouble. The name of the God of Jacob set thee up on high,

send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion,

remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt-sacrifice (Selah),

grant thee thy heart's desire, and fulfill all thy counsel.

We will triumph in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners. Jehovah fulfill all thy petitions.

Now I know that Jehovah saves his anointed. He will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will make mention of the name of Jehovah our God.

They are bowed down and fallen, but we are risen, and stand upright.

Save, Jehovah! Let the King answer us when we call.

Its most quoted line contrasts trust in chariots and horses with trust in the name of the LORD, an idea reinforced in <a href="/bible/acv/isaiah/chapter-31/1">Isaiah 31:1</a>, closing with the cry 'Save, LORD' before the victory song of <a href="/bible/acv/psalms/chapter-21">Psalms 21</a>.