> [[psalm-20|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-22|Next →]] --- # Psalm 21 ## Thanksgiving and Assurances for the King 1 For the leader. A psalm of David. ^psalm-21-1 ### I 2 LORD, the king finds joy in your power; ^psalm-21-2 in your victory how greatly he rejoices! 3 You have granted him his heart’s desire; ^psalm-21-3 you did not refuse the request of his lips. *Selah* 4 For you welcomed him with goodly blessings; ^psalm-21-4 you placed on his head a crown of pure gold. 5 He asked life of you; ^psalm-21-5 you gave it to him, length of days forever. 6 Great is his glory in your victory; ^psalm-21-6 majesty and splendor you confer upon him. 7 You make him the pattern of blessings forever, ^psalm-21-7 you gladden him with the joy of your face. 8 For the king trusts in the LORD, ^psalm-21-8 stands firm through the mercy of the Most High. ### II 9 Your hand will find all your enemies; ^psalm-21-9 your right hand will find your foes! 10 At the time of your coming ^psalm-21-10 you will make them a fiery furnace. Then the LORD in his anger will consume them, devour them with fire. 11 Even their descendants you will wipe out from the earth, ^psalm-21-11 their offspring from the human race. 12 Though they intend evil against you, ^psalm-21-12 devising plots, they will not succeed, 13 For you will put them to flight; ^psalm-21-13 you will aim at their faces with your bow. ### III 14 Arise, LORD, in your power! ^psalm-21-14 We will sing and chant the praise of your might. \* (Psalm 21) The first part of this royal Psalm is a thanksgiving (([[psalm-21|Ps 21]]:2] – [8]), and the second is a promise that the king will triumph over his enemies (([[psalm-21|Ps 21]]:9] – [13]). The king’s confident prayer (([[psalm-21|Ps 21]]:3] – [5]) and trust in God (([[psalm-21|Ps 21]]:8]) enable him to receive the divine gifts of vitality, peace, and military success. ([[psalm-21|Ps 21]]:14] reprises ([[psalm-21|Ps 21]]:2]. When kings ceased in Israel after the sixth century B.C., the Psalm was sung of a future Davidic king. a. (21:2) [Ps 63:12]. b. (21:5) [1 Kgs 3:14]. c. (21:14) [Nm 10:35]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[psalm-20|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-22|Next →]]