ScriptureDepth's study of Psalm 20
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust the name of Yahweh our God.”
Psalms 20:7
The psalmist declares this to the people, contrasting their trust in Yahweh against reliance on military power, which shapes their hope in divine salvation.
What Psalm 20 is about
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. The text articulates a longing for desires to be fulfilled and for triumph in salvation, proclaiming that, in the name of God, they will raise their banners (vv. 4-5). Confidence in Yahweh is emphasized as the psalmist acknowledges that He saves His anointed and answers from heaven with strength (vv. 6-8). The speaker contrasts trust in earthly power, like chariots and horses, with trust in Yahweh. Ultimately, they affirm that while opponents fall, they will rise and stand upright. The plea concludes with a cry for Yahweh's salvation and for the King to respond when called (v. 9).
Yahweh is called upon for salvation, leaving the expectation of His response and support.
Psalm 20 at a glance
- Psalm 20:1–3Prayers for Divine Assistance
- Psalm 20:4–5Desires and Triumphs
- Psalm 20:6–8Trust Over Earthly Power
- Psalm 20:9Final Plea for Salvation
Key verse: Psalms 20:7
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Psalm 20 (WEB)
Prayers for Divine Assistance Psalm 20:1–3
1Verse 1. May Yahweh answer you in the day of trouble.May the name of the God of Jacob set you up on high,2Verse 2. send you help from the sanctuary,grant you support from Zion,3Verse 3. remember all your offerings,and accept your burned sacrifice.Selah.
Desires and Triumphs Psalm 20:4–5
4Verse 4. May He grant you your heart’s desire,and fulfill all your counsel.5Verse 5. We will triumph in your salvation.In the name of our God, we will set up our banners.May Yahweh grant all your requests.
Trust Over Earthly Power Psalm 20:6–8
6Verse 6. Now I know that Yahweh saves his anointed.He will answer him from his holy heaven,with the saving strength of his right hand.7Verse 7. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses,but we trust the name of Yahweh our God.8Verse 8. They are bowed down and fallen,but we rise up, and stand upright.
Final Plea for Salvation Psalm 20:9
9Verse 9. Save, Yahweh!Let the King answer us when we call!
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Psalm 20
Divine Support
In verses 1-3, the psalmist offers a prayer for divine assistance, stating, 'May Yahweh answer you in the day of trouble' and 'send you help from the sanctuary.' This prayer highlights the need for God’s help in challenging situations. The reference to 'the God of Jacob' ties the supplicant to a history of divine faithfulness and support, indicating a strong expectation for aid.
Trust in God
Verses 6-8 contrast human reliance on military strength with trust in God. The text states, 'Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust the name of Yahweh our God.' This affirmation strengthens the believers’ commitment to divine power over earthly might. The concluding thought that 'we rise up, and stand upright' indicates a confident stance based on faith in God.
Victory Over Adversity
In verses 4-5, the psalmist speaks of triumph in salvation, declaring, 'We will triumph in your salvation.' This victory is tied to the fulfillment of desires and requests made to God. The assurance of 'May Yahweh grant all your requests' cultivates a hopeful outlook amid challenges, suggesting that divine intervention leads to overcoming obstacles.
Faith and Worship
The psalm begins and ends with acts of worship, starting with a request for divine help in verses 1-3 and concluding with a plea for salvation in verse 9. The phrase 'Selah' at the end of verse 3 invites the reader to pause and consider God's past faithfulness. Additionally, communal expressions such as 'we will set up our banners' in verse 5 highlight the collective nature of faith and worship.
Chapter outline
How Psalm 20 unfolds
Psalm 20:1–3 Prayers for Divine Assistance
The people express hope that 'Yahweh' will answer them during times of trouble, invoking 'the name of the God of Jacob' for high support and help from 'the sanctuary' and 'Zion' (vv. 1-3).
Psalm 20:4–5 Desires and Triumphs
The psalmists express a desire for Yahweh to grant their 'heart’s desire' and to fulfill their plans, declaring confidence in triumph through salvation and support in 'the name of our God' (vv. 4-5).
Psalm 20:6–8 Trust Over Earthly Power
The speaker acknowledges that 'Yahweh' saves his anointed and contrasts reliance on earthly power, such as 'chariots' and 'horses,' with trust in 'the name of Yahweh our God' (vv. 6-8).
Psalm 20:9 Final Plea for Salvation
The people cry out, 'Save, Yahweh!' and ask for the King to 'answer us when we call,' expressing their urgent need for divine rescue and leadership in times of trouble (v. 9).
Key verses
Psalms 20:7The psalmist declares this to the people, contrasting their trust in Yahweh against reliance on military power, which shapes their hope in divine salvation.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Psalm 20
- observeIn v1, what specific request is made for the day of trouble?
- observeWhat does 'the name of the God of Jacob' signify in v1?
- interpretIn v4, why is the speaker confident that God will fulfill 'all your counsel'?
- interpretWhat does the phrase 'some trust in chariots' in v7 imply about reliance on God?
- applyWhen have you had to rely on God instead of on your own strength as in v7?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Psalm 20
- Zechariah 4Psalm 20:6 and Zechariah 4:6Both speak of strength: Psalm 20:6 states God's saving strength, while Zechariah 4:6 indicates it's by God's Spirit.
- Isaiah 31Psalm 20:7 and Isaiah 31:1Both warn against misplaced trust: Psalm 20:7 contrasts trust in chariots with trust in Yahweh, while Isaiah 31:1 laments reliance on Egypt.
- Proverbs 21Psalm 20:7 and Proverbs 21:31Both affirm God's role in victory: Psalm 20:7 contrasts trust in chariots, while Proverbs 21:31 declares victory is with Yahweh.
- Jeremiah 17Psalm 20:7 and Jeremiah 17:5Both address trust issues: Psalm 20:7 contrasts trust in chariots with trust in Yahweh, while Jeremiah 17:5 curses reliance on man.
- Psalm 33Psalm 20:7 and Psalm 33:16Both reject might: Psalm 20:7 contrasts trust in chariots with trust in Yahweh, while Psalm 33:16 declares no king is saved by an army.
- Psalm 21Psalm 20:4 and Psalm 21:2Both express desires granted: Psalm 20:4 asks for desires to be fulfilled, while Psalm 21:2 confirms the king's desires are granted.
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