Psalms 20-21
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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS
Battle Songs
BACKGROUND NOTES
DOCTRINAL POINT(S)
Prayer and assurance bring victory.
Rejoicing and confidence follow victory.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Go with confidence in the name of the Lord.
Get ready for the showdown!
QUESTIONS
What type of psalms are Psalms 20 and 21?
Why should it be encouraging for believers to think of the Lord as the God of Jacob rather than the more common title of the God of Abraham?
What is the meaning of “help from the sanctuary” in verse 2?
What battle might David be referring to in these psalms?
Which verses in Psalm 21 are typical-messianic?
ANSWERS
They are both battle songs set to music and singing. Psalm 20 is a psalm of prayer before the battle and Psalm 21 is after the battle. Both psalms have typical-messianic implications.
Because although Jacob was not perfect, God was pleased to bless him.
David is asking for help from the Lord Himself, whose presence is in the sanctuary.
These psalms may refer to his war with the Ammonites and Syrians as recorded in 2 Samuel 10 and 12.
Verses 4-6 look forward to the risen and exalted Messiah. Verses 10-13 look forward to the end times when all the Lord’s enemies will be defeated and subdued and the Lord will be exalted and praised.
DISCUSS/CONSIDER
Discuss some of the things we as humans put our trust in for our security and well being. Are these things worthy of our trust? Read Psalm 20:7. How would your life be different if your confidence was in the name of the Lord?
Review various showdowns between God and the enemy in Scripture. When will be the ultimate showdown?
CHALLENGE
Go with confidence in the name of the Lord. When you pray to the Lord and have the assurance that He hears and will answer, then you can go with confidence – regardless of the outcome.
KEY VERSES
"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God." Psalms 20:7
"The king shall have joy in Your strength, O LORD; And in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!" Psalms 21:1