Psalm 20 has an interesting arrangement. It doesn’t follow the pattern of many psalms. It begins with a series of blessings. Its focus is on the King—the king of Psalm 2 to be sure.

From the promise of Gen 3:15 to 2 Samuel 7:16, the Lord fulfilled his promise for this child who would crush the head of the serpent as God’s Anointed! It seems impossible for those promises to be fulfilled. Each promise seemed to be in jeopardy from the wickedness of Judah to the line of David nearly being snuffed out.

As the psalm seems to acknowledge, troubles came and God answered the pleas and protected the King. All of God’s plans were fulfilled according to verse 4.

This brought about a salvation in which it must be celebrated. The streets are filled with shouts of joy. Like a victory in battle, they parade through the city with banners!

Indeed, it is a battle of sorts. One that cannot be won by mighty horses and iron chariots. They cannot be trusted but it is the Lord we trust.

Psalm 20:7–9

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
They collapse and fall,
but we rise and stand upright.
O Lord, save the king!
May he answer us when we call.

You will have need of calling on the Lord today. He’s worthy and capable to answer.