> [[psalm-19|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-21|Next →]] --- # Psalm 20 ## Prayer for the King in Time of War 1 For the leader. A psalm of David. ^psalm-20-1 ### I 2 The LORD answer you in time of distress; ^psalm-20-2 the name of the God of Jacob defend you! 3 May he send you help from the sanctuary, ^psalm-20-3 from Zion be your support. 4 May he remember your every offering, ^psalm-20-4 graciously accept your burnt offering, *Selah* 5 Grant what is in your heart, ^psalm-20-5 fulfill your every plan. 6 May we shout for joy at your victory, ^psalm-20-6 raise the banners in the name of our God. The LORD grant your every petition! ### II 7 Now I know the LORD gives victory ^psalm-20-7 to his anointed. He will answer him from the holy heavens with a strong arm that brings victory. 8 Some rely on chariots, others on horses, ^psalm-20-8 but we on the name of the LORD our God. 9 They collapse and fall, ^psalm-20-9 but we stand strong and firm. 10 LORD, grant victory to the king; ^psalm-20-10 answer when we call upon you. \* (Psalm 20) The people pray for the king before battle. The people ask for divine help (([[psalm-20|Ps 20]]:2] – [6]) and express confidence that such help will be given (([[psalm-20|Ps 20]]:7] – [10]). A solemn assurance of divine help may well have been given between the two sections in the liturgy, something like the promises of ([[psalm-12|Ps 12]]:6]; [21:9] – [13]. The final verse (([[psalm-20|Ps 20]]:10]) echoes the opening verse. \* (20:4) Remember: God’s remembering implies readiness to act, cf. [Gn 8:1]; ([[exodus-02|Ex 2]]:24]. \* (20:6) Victory: the Hebrew root is often translated “salvation,” “to save,” but in military contexts it can have the specific meaning of “victory.” a. (20:3) [Ps 128:5]; [134:3]. b. (20:7) ([[psalm-18|Ps 18]]:51]; [144:10]; [1 Sm 2:10]. c. (20:8) [Ps 147:10] – [11]; [2 Chr 14:10]; [Prv 21:31]; [1 Sm 17:45]; [Is 31:1]; [36:9]. d. (20:9) [Is 40:30]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[psalm-19|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-21|Next →]]