The church blesses the king in his exploits, 1-6; and expresses her confidence in God's aid, 7-9.
1 [To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.]
May the LORD hear you in the day of trouble./
May the name of the God of Jacob defend you,
2 Send you help from the sanctuary,/
strengthen you out of Zion,
3 Remember all your offerings,/
and accept your burnt-sacrifice./
[Selah.]
4 May he grant you according to your own heart/
and fulfill all your counsel.
5 We will rejoice in your salvation,/
and in the name of our God we will set up our banners./
May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.
6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed./
He will hear him from his holy heaven/
with the saving strength of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,/
but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
8 They are brought down and fallen,/
but we are raised and stand upright.
9 Save, LORD./
Let the king hear us when we call.
Matthew Henry Commentary - Psalms, Chapter 20[➚]
John Calvin's Chapter Summary:
This psalm contains a common prayer of the Church in behalf of the King of Israel, that God would succor him in danger; and in behalf of his kingdom, that God would maintain it in safety, and cause it to prosper: for in the person of David the safety and well-being of the whole community centred. To this there is added a promise, that God will preside over that kingdom of which he was the founder, and so effectually watch over it as to secure its continual preservation.