Psalms 21:13
Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.
Psalms 21:13 (KJV)
Context
Psalm 21 is a royal thanksgiving psalm attributed to King David. It celebrates the blessings, victories, and strength that God gave to the king. This final verse closes the psalm with a prayer and a promise.
Meaning
The plea “Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength” asks God to show His power in a way that lifts Him high. To exalt means to honor and praise. David knows that God’s strength is far greater than any human power. The glory belongs to God alone because He is the one who accomplishes great things.
The second part, “so will we sing and praise thy power,” shows the people’s response. When God reveals His strength, His people answer with joyful worship. Singing and praising are natural results of seeing God’s mighty acts. This is not forced praise; it flows from a heart that has experienced God’s deliverance.
Biblical connections
Psalm 21:1 says the king rejoices in God’s strength and salvation. That opening verse connects to this closing verse, showing that all strength and deliverance come from the Lord. The verse also looks ahead to the day when God’s kingdom comes with power, as Jesus promised in Mark 9:1, and when God’s final victory is seen in Revelation 11:15-18. These passages remind us that God’s power will be fully revealed at the end of time.
Application
We can apply this verse in three ways. First, we should humble ourselves and give God the honor He deserves. Second, we must rely on God’s strength instead of our own abilities. Third, we should respond to God’s faithfulness with songs of praise and thanksgiving.
Make worship a daily habit, not just a Sunday activity.
When facing a hard task, pray for God’s power rather than trusting only your skill.
Join with other believers to praise God together, as a witness to His power.
Reflection
This verse calls us to make God’s glory the center of our lives. Our praise is not about our own feelings but about who God is and what He has done. As we see His strength at work, our hearts naturally turn to worship. May our lives always echo this prayer: that God would be exalted, and that we would sing and praise His power.
