Psalm 21: Group Study Handout

Overview

The king rejoices in Yahweh's strength and salvation, expressing great joy (vv. 1-2). God gives him his heart’s desire, crowning him with blessings of goodness. He grants life and long days to the king (vv. 3-4). The king's glory comes from God's salvation, with honor and majesty bestowed upon him (vv. 5-6). The king trusts in Yahweh, knowing he will not be moved by challenges, as God protects and delivers him from enemies (vv. 7-8). Those who oppose Yahweh are destined for judgment. He will consume them in His wrath, and their offspring will be destroyed (vv. 9-10). The enemies have plotted evil, but their schemes cannot succeed, leading to their defeat (vv. 11-12). The psalmist calls for exaltation of Yahweh, urging praise for His power (v. 13).

Key verse

“For you meet him with the blessings of goodness. You set a crown of fine gold on his head.”

Psalms 21:3 (WEB)

Outline

1. Psalm 21:1–2 The King Rejoices in God's Strength
2. Psalm 21:3–4 Divine Blessings Bestowed
3. Psalm 21:5–6 Glory and Joy in Salvation
4. Psalm 21:7–8 Trust in Divine Protection
5. Psalm 21:9–12 Judgment Against Enemies
6. Psalm 21:13 Call to Exalt God

Discussion questions

1. In v2, what has God not withheld from the king's 'lips'?
2. What image of God's blessing is presented in v3 with the 'crown'?
3. The claim in vv. 9-10 about the king's enemies: how absolute is their destruction?
4. The statement in v11 about the enemies’ plots raises the question: why do their plans 'not succeed'?
5. When have you felt God's presence giving you joy as described in v6?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 21: Psalm 33, Psalm 37, Psalm 46.

Before next time: read Psalm 22.