PSALM XX _A prayer for the king in his enterprises, that his prayers may_ _be heard, his offerings accepted, and his wishes fulfilled_, 1-4. _Confidence of victory expressed_, 5, 6. _Vain hopes exposed; and supplication made for the king_. 7-9. NOTES ON PSALM XX It is most likely that this P... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 20:2. _SEND THEE HELP FROM THE SANCTUARY_] This was the _place_ where God recorded his name; the place where he was to be sought, and the place where he manifested himself. He dwelt between the _cherubim_ over the _mercy-seat_. He is now in Christ, reconciling the world to himself. This... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 20:3. _REMEMBER ALL THY OFFERINGS_] The _minchah_, which is here mentioned, was a _gratitude-offering_. It is rarely used to signify a bloody sacrifice. _BURNT SACRIFICE_] The _olah_ here mentioned was a _bloody sacrifice_. The blood of the victim was spilt at the altar, and the flesh... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 20:4. _GRANT THEE ACCORDING TO THINE OWN HEART_] May God give thee whatsoever thou art setting thy heart upon, and accomplish all _thy desires_! This was probably the prayer of the _high priest_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 20:5. _WE WILL REJOICE IN THY SALVATION_] We expect help from thee alone; it is in thy cause we engage; and to _thee_, as our war is a just one, we consecrate our banners, inscribed with thy name. It is said that the _Maccabees_ had their name from the inscription on their banners; whic... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 20:6. _NOW KNOW I THAT THE LORD SAVETH HIS ANOINTED_] These are probably the words of the _priest_ after the victim had been consumed; and those _signs_ had accompanied the offering, which were proofs of God's _acceptance_ of the sacrifice; and, consequently, that the campaign would hav... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 20:7. _SOME_ TRUST _IN CHARIOTS_] The words of the original are short and emphatic: _These in chariots; and these in horses; but we_ _will record in the name of Jehovah our God_. Or, as the _Septuagint_, μεγαλυνθησομεθα, "we shall be magnified." Or, as the _Vulgate,_ _invocabimus_, "we... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 20:8. _THEY ARE BROUGHT DOWN AND FALLEN_] They were so confident of victory that they looked upon it as _already gained_. They who trusted in their _horses_ and _chariots_ are _bowed down_, and prostrated on the earth: they are all overthrown. _BUT WE ARE RISEN_] We who have trusted in... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 20:9. _SAVE, LORD_] This verse was spoken by all the _congregation_, and was the _chorus_ and _conclusion_ of the piece. The verse may be read, _Lord, save the king! He will hear as in_ _the day of our calling_. The _Vulgate, Septuagint, AEthiopic,_ _Arabic, Anglo-Saxon_, read the vers... [ Continue Reading ]