Bible Glide

Psalms 21

Psalms 21 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalms 21 gives thanks for the king's victory and the blessings God has given him. It celebrates God's strength, favor, and protection, while ending with praise for the Lord's power over every threat.

Read in ReaderShare Passage

What happens in Psalms 21?

This psalm is a song of rejoicing after victory. The king is pictured as receiving his deepest request, along with life, honor, joy, and lasting blessing from the Lord. His confidence rests not in his own strength but in God's steadfast love, which keeps him secure. The passage also turns to God's justice against enemies who oppose Him and devise harm. The chapter closes with a call for the Lord to be lifted up, and for His people to sing and praise His power.

Psalms 21 follows a prayer for the king's success in the previous psalm and continues the royal theme. It fits into the Davidic songs that celebrate God's rule, the king's trust in the Lord, and the hope that God's favor will bring both victory and security.

Themes to notice

  • God's favorThe king's success is described as a gift from God, not a result of human strength.
  • Trust and securityThe king is steady because he trusts the Lord and depends on His loving devotion.
  • God's justiceThe psalm affirms that evil plans and hostile powers will not stand against the Lord.

Questions for Psalms 21

  • What blessings in this psalm are shown as coming directly from God?
  • How does the king's trust in the Lord shape the tone of the chapter?
  • What does this passage teach about God's response to opposition and evil plans?

Read the full text of Psalms 21 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 21

After the Battle

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1O LORD, the king rejoices in Your strength.

How greatly he exults in Your salvation!

2You have granted his heart’s desire

and have not withheld the request of his lips.

Selah

3For You welcomed him with rich blessings;

You placed on his head a crown of pure gold.

4He asked You for life, and You granted it—

length of days, forever and ever.

5Great is his glory in Your salvation;

You bestow on him splendor and majesty.

6For You grant him blessings forever;

You cheer him with joy in Your presence.

7For the king trusts in the LORD;

through the loving devotion of the Most High,

he will not be shaken.

8Your hand will apprehend all Your enemies;

Your right hand will seize those who hate You.

9You will place them in a fiery furnace

at the time of Your appearing.

In His wrath the LORD will engulf them,

and the fire will consume them.

10You will wipe their descendants from the earth,

and their offspring from the sons of men.

11Though they intend You harm,

the schemes they devise will not prevail.

12For You will put them to flight

when Your bow is trained upon them.

13Be exalted, O LORD, in Your strength;

we will sing and praise Your power.

Keep studying

Save notes and ask about Psalms 21

Create a free account to keep highlights and notes across devices, or open Bible Glide Chat with this passage already attached.

Create Free AccountAsk About This Passage