Psalm 20: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 20 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh is asked to answer in times of trouble and to elevate the speaker through the 'name of the God of Jacob' (vv. 1-3). The psalmist seeks divine help from the sanctuary and Zion and expresses hope that Yahweh will remember sacrifices made.

Key verse

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust the name of Yahweh our God.”
Psalms 20:7 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 20:1–3 Prayers for Divine Assistance
Psalm 20:4–5 Desires and Triumphs
Psalm 20:6–8 Trust Over Earthly Power
Psalm 20:9 Final Plea for Salvation

Discussion questions

In v1, what specific request is made for the day of trouble?
What does 'the name of the God of Jacob' signify in v1?
In v4, why is the speaker confident that God will fulfill 'all your counsel'?
What does the phrase 'some trust in chariots' in v7 imply about reliance on God?
When have you had to rely on God instead of on your own strength as in v7?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 20: Zechariah 4, Isaiah 31, Proverbs 21.

Before next time: read Psalm 21.