MEDITATIONS IN THE PSALMS [An outline of the Psalm, A good devotional study when using the scriptures indicated] Psalm 20 A National Anthem
Mr. Spurgeon says this Psalm would serve as a National Anthem, “fitted to be sung at the outbreak of war when the King was girding on his sword for battle.” “The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble, the name of the God of Jacob defend thee,” as “God save the king.” We might be able to imagine that the holy angels sang it at the incarnation, ‘Glory to God in the highest’: and especially when our blessed King of glory clad on His armor to enter the winepress alone. A battle song, the best preparation for conflict is prayer, and total dependence on God. The Psalm is divided, verses 1-4, Prayer for the king’s success; vs. 5—7, Unwavering confidence in God and His Anointed; v 8, the defeat of the enemy; and v 9, Concluding appeal to Jehovah. Prayer for the king’s success: “The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble.” We have a King, do we pray for His success? We do if we are citizens of Zion, “O LORD hear my Intercessor for Your great names sake.” He was heard in the great day of His trouble and He will be heard for His Church until the days her (our) troubles are expired. “Who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save Him from death, and was heard in that He feared...” It is of great comfort to know that we can pray in the day of trouble and be heard. And it is even greater to know that no trouble can prevent the LORD from hearing us. “The Name of the God of Jacob defend thee” – margin, “Set thee in a high place.” And doesn’t the Name of the LORD so defend us? (Eph.1:3; 2:6) What is the worst thing any one can do to you? Romans 8:35-39; Gal. 2:20; Phil 1:21-23. “Send help from the sanctuary”; He will! (Matt. 18:10; Dan. 10:1-13). “Strengthen thee out of Zion”: v3, spiritually the cross. V4, those sanctified in Christ will have all their desires fulfilled and all His counsel for them will be accomplished, look at Jer. 29:11 Unwavering confidence in God, vs.5-7: We will rejoice in Thy salvation.” If it were our salvation we would have little to rejoice in, but it is His! These ancient ones were going out to battle yet, expressed great confidence in their God, how much more should we who have read the end of the book! “And in the name of our God we will set up our banners.” What a banner indeed! It reads, “Immanuel!” Our Lord went to Calvary as the Lamb and won the greatest battle, how much more does He presently rule the enemy as Lion of the Tribe of Judah. “The LORD fulfill all Thy petitions.” He will, maybe not mine, but His who prays for me (vs. 6-7). The defeat of the enemy, v8: “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me” (Micah 7:8). “The concluding appeal, v9: “Save LORD! May the King answer us when we call.” ~~Terry Worthan, 1938-2022
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