Psalms 20:9

Save, Lord: let the king hear us when we call.

Psalms 20:9 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 20 is a psalm of David, often classified as a prayer for victory in battle. It is a communal plea to God for help and protection, specifically directed toward the king or leader of the nation. The surrounding verses contrast trust in chariots and horses with remembering the name of the LORD our God (Psalm 20:7), and they note that enemies are brought down and fallen, but the righteous rise and stand upright (Psalm 20:8).

Meaning

The verse begins with a plea to the LORD, acknowledging that salvation and deliverance come from God alone. It reflects deep trust in God’s power and ability to save. By calling upon the name of the LORD, the psalmist places confidence in divine intervention. The Hebrew accent ‘athnach’ divides the verse, so “Save, Lord” is a separate plea, not “Save the king” as some versions render. The word “us” may be supplied, as in the Syriac version: “The Lord will deliver us.” The Targum renders it “O Lord, redeem us, or save us,” with temporal and spiritual deliverance in view.

The verse expresses a desire for the king to hear the people when they call. In ancient Israel the king played a significant role in leading the nation, making important decisions, and protecting the people. Here the psalmist asks God to grant an attentive ear to the king’s prayers, highlighting the importance of divine guidance and wisdom for leadership. Some interpreters see a reference to the Messiah, the King of kings, who hears us when we call and presents our petitions to the Father.

Biblical connections

The plural pronoun “us” shows that the prayer is not only individual but also collective. It implies a unified community lifting its voices in supplication, seeking God’s assistance. This underscores the importance of communal worship, where the people join together in seeking God’s help and acknowledging His authority. The verse is a summary of the whole psalm, and it is taken into the English Liturgy as “O Lord, save the king, and mercifully hear us when we call upon thee.“

Application

The verse concludes with the act of calling upon God. It implies a recognition of the efficacy of prayer and the belief that God listens and responds to the pleas of His people. It serves as a reminder that, regardless of the situation, prayer is a powerful means to connect with God and seek His help. Believers can turn to God in times of need, placing their trust in Him and seeking His guidance and assistance in all aspects of life.

Reflection

Psalm 20:9 captures the essence of trusting in God’s deliverance, seeking His intervention for leadership, uniting in communal worship, and acknowledging the power of prayer. It reminds believers that they can turn to God in times of need, placing their trust in Him and seeking His guidance and assistance in all aspects of life.