Psalm 20

This Hebrew psalm of blessing is originally addressed to their king going out in battle to protect their nation.

‘In your day of trouble, may the Lord be with you! (v:1a)

‘May he answer all your prayers! (v:5b)

“God save the king” – I know he does! (v:6a).

‘Some nations boast in their armies, but our boast is in the Lord our God. (v:7) ... Give victory to our king, O Lord (v:9)’

But we can also view it both personally and addressing the Messiah

‘May he grant you heart’s desire and fulfil all your plans.  May there be shouts of joy when we hear the news of your victory, flags flying with praise to God for all he has done for you. (v:5a)’

There are echoes of this in the last scene of Pilgrims Progress as Christian crosses the final river to the Heavenly City and the host of God breaks out in shouts of joy and trumpets in celebration of the completion of all Pilgrim’s struggle in life over the temptations and assaults of the Evil One.

In relation to the Messiah his day of trouble (v:1) was his rejection by men and way of the crucifixion, where he bore ‘our sorrows’:

“He was wounded and bruised for our sins. He was lashed – and we were healed!” (Isaiah 53v4 & 5).

Jesus heart’s desire was that ‘all men should be saved’.  Jesus taught, “If I be lifted up (on the cross), I will draw all people to myself”, by which he was saying that God would bring people to salvation through their faith in the victory that God achieved in Jesus, when he the Messiah was crucified as foretold by the prophets. [e.g.: Isaiah 53:v:4to 12[1]]   His heart’s desire was the glory of God through many being brought into God’s kingdom as a result of faith in the Way of Jesus cross & resurrection.

Those nations (who trust in their military prowess) will collapse and perish; but we (who trust in the Lord our God) will arise and stand firm and sure! (v:8)

If we look at this as seen in the Messiah, Psalm 2 comes powerfully to mind,

“I will reveal the everlasting purposes of God, for the Lord (God) has said to me, ‘you are my Son (vassal heir/ king). This is your coronation Day. Today I am giving you your glory.’ “Only ask, and I will give you the nations of the world. …”

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[1] “He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter …From prison & trial they led him away to his death.  But who among the people (watching) realised it was for their sins that he was dying for- that he was suffering their punishment? … then he (Messiah) shall have a multitude of (spiritual) children, many heirs.  ..and God’s programme shall prosper in his hands.”