Psalms 20:4

_GRANT THEE ACCORDING TO THINE OWN HEART, AND FULFIL ALL THY COUNSEL._ Grant thee. The gracious answer to this is joyfully acknowledged, Psalms 21:2. The desire of Israel's king was for divine help in the battle with the foes of God's people. So the antitypical King, Messiah's own all-absorbing desire in His is conflict for us with Satan was, that man's "salvation" (Psalms 20:5) might be accomplished. As to the fulfillment of this His desire, see Isaiah 53:11; Luke 22:15....

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_....

GRANT THEE ACCORDING TO THINE OWN HEART - According to thy wishes; according to the desires of thy heart. AND FULFIL ALL THY COUNSEL - All that thou hast designed or undertaken in the matter; that is, may he enable thee to execute thy purpose....

EXPOSITION THIS psalm seems to have been composed for a special occasion, when David was about to proceed on an expedition against a foreign enemy. It is liturgical, and written to be recited in the court of the tabernacle by the high priest and people. The date of its composition is after the transfer of the ark from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David (2 Samuel 6:12-10), as appears from Psalms 20:2. The conjecture which attaches it to the Syrian War described in 2 Samuel 10:17-10, is probable. There is no reason to doubt the authorship of David, asserted in the title, and admitted by most critics. The psalm divides into two portions—the first of five, and the s

GRANT THEE ACCORDING TO THINE OWN HEART,.... Which is to see his seed, the travail of his soul, and to have the pleasure of the Lord prosper in his hand; to have all his people called, preserved, and glorified; AND FULFIL ALL THY COUNSEL; whatever was agreed upon in the council and covenant of peace between him and his Father, relating to his own glory, and the salvation of his people....

The 20 th Psalm is a prayer for the King; not only for David or Solomon, but for «great David's greater Son,» the true King of the Church. As if the Church saw Jesus going forth to his work, she offers up a prayer for him. Psalms 20:1. _The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;_ And so it came to pass; in that dread night in Gethsemane, Jesus «was heard in that he feared.» The God of wrestling Jacob heard the cries of his dear Son, and defended him, or supported him, as it is in the marginal reading. Psalms 20:2. _Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;_ And you know how there came, from yonder heavenly Jerusalem, an angel strengthening him. The celestial messenger stood. at his side amidst

Psalms 20 Christ and His Salvation as Contemplated by His People _ 1. What God has done for Christ (Psalms 20:1)_ 2. The salvation His people enjoy (Psalms 20:5) Psalms 20:1. “My Redeemer” was the last word of the previous Psalm. Christ the Redeemer of His people is revealed in this Psalm. His death and sacrificial work, revealed in Psalms 22:1, are here anticipated. He who humbled Himself has been heard by Jehovah, He has set Him upon high (marginal reading), He has sent Him help, He has accepted His great offering, the whole burnt of

XX. A prayer for deliverance from national disaster, changing (probably after the sacrifice has been offered) into confidence at Psalms 20:6; Now know I, etc. The mention of a king or anointed one would seem to place the Ps. in pre-exilic times, unless we are prepared to carry it down to the reign of Aristobulus I (p. 608), the first of the Maccabees who took the royal title (105 B.C.). Certainly the religious tone is in favour of a Maccabean date. PSALMS 20:9. Follow _mg._...

The people's prayer for their king's success....

PSALMS 20 DESCRIPTIVE TITLE To Prayer for a King in Distress, a Favourable Answer is Confidently Awaited. ANALYSIS Stanza I., Psalms 20:1-4, Petitions for Divine Succour. Refrain, Psalms 20:5, Promise of Praise for Victory. Stanza II., Psalms 20:6-8, Assuring Answer Acknowledged. Refrain, Psalms 20:9, Praise Offered in Anticipation. (Lm.) PsalmBy David. 1 May he[188] answer thee in the day of distress, [188] M.T.: Jehovah. may the[189] God of Jacob set thee on high; [189] M.T.: name of the....