Verses 1-9

This and the following Ps. form a closely connected pair. The one is a prayer for a king going out to battle, and the other is a thanksgiving for his triumphant return. Both have the same title. There is nothing against the early date of the Pss., and David may be their subject, but it is hardly natural to regard him as their author. In Psalms 20, Psalms 20:1-5 are the prayer of the people, Psalms 20:6 is the confident utterance of an individual (perhaps a priest or the king himself), and in Psalms 20:7-9 the people again take up the strain.

1. The name] is equivalent to the God to whom it belongs. It expresses all that is known about Him. Defend thee] RV 'set thee up on high,' over all enemies.

2. The sanctuary] God's dwelling-place on Mt. Zion is here meant, as the next clause shows. But see Psalms 20:6.

3. Remember.. accept] The words refer to the sacrifices both of the past and of the present. Sacrifices were usual before going out to war: see 1 Samuel 7:9-10; 1 Samuel 13:9, 1 Samuel 13:12.

4. According to thine own heart] RV 'thy heart's desire,' i.e. victory. Counsel] plan of campaign: see 2 Samuel 17.

5. Thy salvation] the deliverance to be wrought by the king's success. Set up our banners] lift them up and wave them in triumph.

6. Now] A single person here takes up the song after the sacrifice has been offered. Faith is assured that the offering has been accepted and the king's prayers heard. His anointed] the king: see Psalms 2:2; From his holy heaven] God's real dwelling, of which Zion is but the type.

7. Some] refers to heathen enemies, like the Egyptians (Exodus 14 Isaiah 31:1). Remember] RV 'make mention of,' as a watchword.

8. Brought down] RV 'bowed down.'

9. Read with LXX 'O Lord, save the king: and answer us when we call.'