.

Audio Below

Psalm 20

God's Protection and Victory for the King

_______________________________________

Intro

Psalm 20 primarily focuses on the theme of God's Protection and Victory for the King.

In the many challenges of life, where does one turn for strength and assurance? This good word serves as a profound reminder of the source of true protection and victory.

Rooted in the ancient Israelite context, this Psalm was a heartfelt prayer for the king's success and protection as he prepared for battle.

While many relied on the might of chariots and horses, the central message here is unmistakable: ultimate trust must be placed in the name of the Lord.

As we delve into Psalm 20, let us reflect on its timeless call to seek divine guidance, support, and victory, transcending earthly resources and constraints.

Within this theme, we can identify several key sub-themes:

1. Prayer for Protection and Support (Verses 1-5)
2. Assurance of God's Answer and Victory (Verses 6-8)
3. Call for Salvation and Response (Verse 9)

Let's delve deeper into each theme:

1. Prayer for Protection and Support (Verses 1-5)

1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
5 May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.

Let’s begin by considering the first five verses of the people’s prayer for their king:

• There are at least “Six Mays”:
• Verse 1.
• May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
  
• may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
  
• Verse 2.
• May he send you help from the sanctuary
• and (may he) grant you support from Zion.
• Verse 3.
• May he remember all your sacrifices
• and (may he) accept your burnt offerings.
• Verse 4.
• May he give you the desire of your heart
  and (may he) make all your plans succeed.
  

And then in verse five there is a shift.

• Verse 5.
• May we shout for joy over your victory

Under the New Covenant the King is no less than King Jesus. And it is King Jesus who prays for his subjects.

• High Priest Intercessor:
• Jesus acts as our High Priest, interceding for us before God. Just as the psalmist prays for protection and support, Jesus prays for His people (Hebrews 7:25).
• Therefore he (King Jesus) is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
  

• Sacrifice Accepted
• And also under the New Covenant King Jesus offers the offering, the perfect and ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
• Through Him, we find favor with God, echoing the sentiment of accepted offerings in the psalm (Hebrews 10:12).
• But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,
  

Just as we read in verse 5 we can all say with one voice...

• May we shout for joy over your victory!

2. Assurance of God's Answer and Victory (Verses 6-8)

"Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm."

Christ-focused Harmony with Biblical Proofs:

• Verse 6.
• Jesus is God's anointed, and through Him, victory over sin and death is achieved. The resurrection is a testament to this victory (1 Corinthians 15:57).
• But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
• Verses 7-8
• Just as the psalmist contrasts trust in chariots and horses with trust in the Lord, believers are called to set their hope on God rather than earthly security (Matthew 6:33).
  
• But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
  
• Hebrews 13:5
  
• Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
  

3. Call for Salvation and Response (Verse 9)

"Lord, give victory to the king! Answer us when we call!"

Let’s begin with an observation from verse 9.

 Verse 9 reads...

   "Lord, give victory to the king! Answer us when we call!"

•  The first thing to note is who is addressed.
• "Lord, give victory to the king!”
•  The second thing we need to know is the “who”. Just “who” is making this sweet prayer to the Lord on behalf of the king?
• “...Answer us when we call!"
• It’s his loyal subjects.
• I want you to know that I have searched the gospels to find if any of Jesus’ disciples had ever prayed for him.
• Someone may suggest Matthew 26:36-40 where it is said that Jesus desired his disciples to keep watch with him.
• My response to that suggestion is this; keeping watch (or praying) with Jesus is not the same as praying for him.

Christ-focused Harmony with Biblical Proofs:

• Christ, Our King: Jesus is referred to as the King of Kings (Revelation 17:14).
• They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings
  
• Through Him, salvation and victory are provided to all who call on His name (Acts 2:21).
• And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

As I close I want you and I to consider two things we need to remember.

1. Thank God we do not have to pray for King Jesus’ welfare.
2. Thank God that it is King Jesus who stands in the heavens interceding for his people.

• Hebrews 7:25
• Therefore he (King Jesus) is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Summary

When viewed in the light of the New Covenant, Psalm 20 can be seen as a reflection of the assurance believers have in Jesus Christ, the anointed one, who provides ultimate victory over all adversities.

In the vast expanse of history's tapestry, one figure emerges preeminent—Jesus Christ.

He is the embodiment of God's love and mercy, He bridged the vast chasm between divinity and humanity, offering redemption through His sacrifice.

His teachings, a beacon of hope, guide countless souls towards love, service, and humility.

In Christ, we find the merging of prophecy and fulfillment, of old covenants and new promises.

He stands as both the Lamb and the Shepherd, leading the way to eternal life.

In understanding Christ, we grasp the very essence of God's plan for humanity and the heart of the Gospel message.