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Psalms 20

Psalms 20 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalms 20 is a short prayer for help before battle or crisis. It asks God to protect, strengthen, and answer his anointed one, then turns to confident trust in the LORD rather than human power. The chapter is direct, hopeful, and focused on God's saving help.

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What happens in Psalms 20?

This psalm begins with blessings spoken over the king in a time of trouble. The people ask the LORD to answer, protect, sustain, and grant success in his plans. They look for joy in victory and for God to hear every petition. The tone then shifts to confidence: the LORD saves his anointed from heaven. The closing contrast is sharp, placing trust in chariots and horses against trust in the name of the LORD. The psalm ends with a plea for salvation and a final request to be heard.

Psalms 20 comes near the start of Book I of the Psalms and follows a chapter that celebrates God's revealed glory and guidance. This psalm is a communal prayer, likely used in worship for a king facing conflict. It leads naturally into Psalm 21, which answers it with praise for God's victory.

Themes to notice

  • Prayer in troubleThe psalm asks God to answer, protect, and support his people when danger is near.
  • Trust in the LORDIt contrasts human military strength with confidence in the name of God.
  • God gives victoryThe chapter expects that success and rescue come from the LORD's saving power.

Questions for Psalms 20

  • What does this psalm teach about praying for someone facing a hard situation?
  • How does the contrast between chariots and the name of the LORD shape your view of trust?
  • Where do you see the psalm moving from request to confidence?

Read the full text of Psalms 20 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 20

The Day of Trouble

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble;

may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

2May He send you help from the sanctuary

and sustain you from Zion.

3May He remember all your gifts

and look favorably on your burnt offerings.

Selah

4May He give you the desires of your heart

and make all your plans succeed.

5May we shout for joy at your victory

and raise a banner in the name of our God.

May the LORD grant all your petitions.

6Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed;

He answers him from His holy heaven

with the saving power of His right hand.

7Some trust in chariots and others in horses,

but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

8They collapse and fall,

but we rise up and stand firm.

9O LORD, save the king.

Answer us on the day we call.

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