Background to Psalms 20

David Warrior

According to the IVP commentary, "Psalm 20 suits the occasion of a service of prayer and sacrifice on the eve of a battle( 1 Sam 7:7-9, 13:8-9). Both Psalms 20 and 21 make it clear that whatever powers the king has – he has them because God has given them to him. King David has no power that was not given to him. The real power rests and will always rest with God.

This intercessory prayer in the beginning of the Psalm is for the king. The King David is the object of his people’s intercession because their well-being is bound up with his. On the flip side in  2 Samuel 21, David interceded on behalf of the Israelite after a famine befell Israel on the account of Sauls' murder of the Gibeonites. Psalms 20 is an example of an Intercessory psalm, where the king/leader prays on behalf of his people.

As we reflect on Psalms 20, think of people we may "stand in the gap for". (Ezekiel 22:30) on specific occasions. In our Pinterest account, https://www.pinterest.com/pin/390265123939373044/
a picture reminds us of this psalm to "Trust in the Name of the Lord" not other things. As we anticipate dangerous or difficult situations as a community, both leaders and the people need to pray.

Possible application.
Pray as we enter the Christmas season for those who find this season hard--the elderly, the lonely, those who are far from home or have no home.