Christianity

Psalms 20Prayer for the King in Battle

Summary

Psalm 20 is a liturgical prayer for the king before battle. The people ask that the LORD answer him in the day of trouble, remember his offerings and grant his heart's desire. A single voice then announces confidence that God saves his anointed, and the people contrast those who trust in chariots and horses with those who remember the name of the LORD. It is traditionally ascribed to David and recited in weekday Jewish morning prayers.

Key verse

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”

Psalms 20:7

Themes

Prayer for Leaders
Trust Over Weapons
Day of Trouble
God's Name

The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;

Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;

Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.

Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.

We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.

Text: King James Version (1611/1769), public domain.

Across traditions

Judaism
Tehillim 20 in the JPS 1917 Tanakh
Jews recite this psalm, beginning The LORD answer thee in the day of trouble, near the end of the weekday morning service, and it is often said in times of danger for the people of Israel.
Christianity
Psalm 21: Thanks After Victory
Psalm 21 reads as a companion piece, thanking God for granting the king the very desire of heart that Psalm 20 prayed for.

Questions about Psalms 20

What does Some trust in chariots mean?

Psalm 20:7 contrasts reliance on military power with trust in God. Chariots and horses were the advanced weapons of the ancient Near East.

Is Psalm 20 used in Jewish prayer?

Yes. It is recited on most weekdays near the end of the morning service, before the prayer Uva Letzion, and in many communities at times of national crisis.