Bible Commentary

Psalms 20:1

Psalms 20:1

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble. The people intercede for their king in a "clay of trouble" or "distress," when danger impends, and he is about to affront it. They are made to ask, first of all, that God will hear the king's prayers, which are no doubt being silently offered while they pray aloud.

The Name of the God of Jacob defend thee. (On the force of the expression, "the Name of God," see the comment upon .) "Jacob's God"—a favourite expression with David—is the God who made him the promise, "I will be with thee, and I will keep thee in all places whither thou goest" ().

"Defend thee" is scarcely a correct rendering. Translate, exalt thee.'

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Recommended reading

More for Psalms 20:1

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Psalms 20 — OverviewPsalms 20 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleIt is the will of God that prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings, should be made, in special manner, for kings and all in authority. This psalm is a prayer, and the next a thanksgiving, for the king. David was…Psalms 20 — OverviewPsalms 20 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgePsalms 20:1, The church blesses the king in his exploits; Psalms 20:7, and expresses her confidence in God’s succour.Psalms 20 — OverviewPsalms 20 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleTo the chief Musician, a Psalm of David. This psalm is thought, by some, to be written by David, on account of himself, and as a form to be used by the people for him, when he was about to go to war; particularly with…Psalms 20:1-5Psalms 20:1-5 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThis prayer for David is entitled a psalm of David; nor was it any absurdity at all for him who was divinely inspired to draw up a directory, or form of prayer, to be used in the congregation for himself and…Psalms 20:1Psalms 20:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe day of trouble. Such a day comes sooner or later to all. Nations have their "day of trouble," when they are visited with pestilence, famine, or war, or torn by internal strifes. Individuals also have their "day of…Psalms 20:1-9Psalms 20:1-9 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION THIS psalm seems to have been composed for a special occasion, when David was about to proceed on an expedition against a foreign enemy. It is liturgical, and written to be recited in the court of the…