Psalms 20:6

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.

Psalms 20:6 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 20 is a prayer for victory and deliverance in times of trouble, attributed to King David. The opening verses ask the Lord to answer and bless the psalmist. Verse 6 marks a clear shift from asking to knowing. The word “now” signals this moment of certainty, as the psalmist moves from petition to confident assurance.

Meaning

Here “the LORD” is Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The term “anointed” refers to one set apart by God for a special role. In the Old Testament, kings, priests, and prophets were anointed with oil as a sign of being chosen. The primary reference is to David, whom Samuel anointed as king, but the language also points beyond him to the Messiah, the ultimate Anointed One.

The psalmist affirms that God hears from His holy heaven, His sovereign dwelling place. This shows God’s transcendence and rule over all creation. It reassures believers that their prayers are not in vain, because the Almighty who reigns from heaven is attentive to the cries of the faithful.

The “saving strength of his right hand” uses biblical imagery of the right hand as authority, power, and victory. By emphasizing the right hand, the psalmist points to divine strength that is ready to rescue and deliver the anointed one. This same power is available to all who trust in God.

Biblical connections

The New Testament identifies Jesus as the Christ, which means “Anointed One.” He was anointed by the Holy Spirit at His baptism, and through Him God’s saving strength is fully revealed. The church, in prayer, rises in faith and is assured of the salvation of the Messiah, who was anointed by Jehovah as King over His holy hill of Zion with the oil of gladness, or the Holy Spirit.

Application

This verse invites confidence in God’s protective hand. It assures us that He hears our prayers from heaven and will bring to fruition the sincere desires placed within our hearts. When we face trouble, we can move from asking to knowing, because the same God who saved His anointed will also save those who trust in Him.

Reflection

Consider the certainty that the psalmist expresses. Do you pray with the same confidence that God hears and will act? The verse calls you to trust not in your own strength, but in the saving strength of God’s right hand, which is mighty to deliver.