Psalm Chapter 20 is a royal psalm traditionally ascribed to King David, who reigned over Israel from around 1010 to 970 BC. It begins with a prayer that the LORD would answer in times of trouble and protect the king in battle. The psalm calls upon God’s name to defend His people, highlighting the belief that ultimate victory comes from God’s favor, rather than human might. This context matches the broader theme of the Book of Psalms, which frequently emphasizes dependence on God’s sovereignty and faithfulness.

In the middle of the psalm, the focus shifts from intercession to confident expectation. It mentions, “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God” (Psalm 20:7), underscoring that true deliverance is found in God’s power rather than physical weaponry or strong armies. This message resonates throughout Scripture, reflecting a consistent theme: human security built merely on earthly resources proves fragile without the LORD’s blessing and guidance.

The trust in God’s deliverance shown in Psalm Chapter 20 foreshadows the ultimate salvation found in Jesus, who offers victory over mankind’s greatest enemies—sin and death. The principle of relying on the LORD, rather than any human means of self-salvation, appears frequently in the New Testament (Romans 10:13). Thus, this psalm stands in continuity with the broader biblical message, showing that the faithful can always call on the LORD to safeguard them and deliver them in times of crisis.