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 the gloom of the olive garden, and brought him comfort and succor from God's right hand.
His earnest prayers. his deepening groans,
Were heard before angelic thrones;
Amazement wrapt the sky:
‘Go, strengthen Christ!' the Father said:
The astonished seraph bow'd his head
And left the realms on high.
Psalms 20:3. Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.
And so he did; there was never such acceptance given to any burnt sacrifice as was given to our Divine Lord when he covered up himself.
Psalms 20:4. Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfill all thy counsel.
Is it not written, «Prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised»? Here, then, is a suitable prayer for you to present on behalf of the Lord Jesus, that God would grant him according to his own heart, and fulfill all his counsel.
Psalms 20:5. We will rejoice in thy salvation,
Come, brothers and sisters, let us make this verse true; and even if we have anything to sigh over, let us lay it aside while we now devote ourselves to the happy work of rejoicing in the glorious salvation of our Lord and King.
Psalms 20:5-9. And in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfill all thy petitions. Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven, with the saving strength of his right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.
What a blessing it is that our King does hear us when we call upon him! He is full of sympathy with all his people, for, in the time of his sojourn on earth, he often knew what it was to plead with his Father; and as God heard him then, so does he himself hear us now. All glory be to his blessed name!The 21 st Psalm views the King as having ended his battle, and achieved his victory.
This exposition consisted of readings from Psalms 20:1. and 21.