Psalm 21 Your Strength, O Lord
"There can be no victory where there is no combat." ~ Richard Sibbes
When our Lord leads us into battle, He will also lead us to victory.
David leads his people in a victory celebration of God's hand on their lives during the struggles of battle.
When a great accomplishment is made, we always ask, "What do you attribute this to?" We know it was chariots and horses -- Psalm 20:7. David and his men went into battle trusting in the "Lord our God" -- Psalm 20:7.
Psalm 21:1 David reveals the secret of winning the battle. It is "Your strength, O Lord." How do you discover the strength of the Lord? What do Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Elijah, James, Joseph, etc., have in common? (Ordinary men with an extraordinary God.) What about Samson, Jonah and Jacob? In the end, the road to the strength of God was in the path of obedience and trust.
vs, 2 You have given him (the King) his heart's desire. Psalm 20:4-5. Victory in the battle. David leads his people in celebration of God's strength - his confidence; God's salvation - his joy.
The sovereignty of God -
David says vs. 1 - It is Your strength.
vs. 2 - Your victory.
vs. 16 - Joy is because of You
vs. 2 - You heard my prayer.
- You granted my prayer (heart's desire).
- You give generously (hold back nothing).
vs. 3 - You blessed us with success in battle.
- You blessed us with prosperity.
vs. 3b- You placed a crown of finest gold on his head.
2 Samuel 3:36 What pleases the King pleases us! David was anointed with the Spirit of God as the King. He was given the victor's crown.
vs. 4-6 The King asked You to preserve his life.
- You granted his request
- You gave him eternal life (length of days forever and ever). 2 Samuel 7:13
vs. 5 Your victory brings him (the King) great honor and You (Lord) have clothed him (the King) with splendor and majesty (righteousness). You have given him the joy of being with You - in Your presence.
Jude 24 Who has the power to give eternal life, glory, majesty, power now and forever... and is able to keep you from stumbling?
vs. 7 The voice changes back to 3rd person.
David trusts in the Lord. He relies on Him.
His unfailing love keeps him from stumbling (he shall not be shaken).
vs. 8-9 His enemies (those who hate him) will be:
- captured (strong right hand) powerful hand, effective and efficient
- consumed when He appears, by His anger at their choice to reject Him; at the way they treat His children
Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the Godly (forsaken) abandoned or their (seed) children begging for bread. Psalm 37:25 (His children).
The people of Israel are struck down. Their roots are dried up, and they will bear no more fruit. And if they give birth, I will slaughter their beloved children. Hosea 9:26 (Children of those who reject Him)
vs. 10-12 Their descendants will cease in the end times. Numbers will decrease due to those killed in war.
God is purposeful in His plan,
Because they plot against the Most High God.
They imagine schemes which won't succeed.
They run away frightened.
* They don't have my strength, my joy, my hope --
Aim an arrow and they run!
vs. 13 David's Doxology -- We praise You, Lord, for all Your glorious power, Your strength, with music and singing, we celebrate --- You!
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