A psalm of David, for the director of music.
Psalms 20 and 21 are both written in the second person—this is somewhat rare in the Psalms. This pair of psalms are many times referred to royal psalms; psalms that pray for or are pertinent to a Davidic king. Most of the royal psalms have a longer reaching implications in that they are looking forward to the first coming of Jesus, the son of David. And on a side note, the Scriptures say that as Christ ascended so he will return (Acts 1:11). The question is, does these Psalms looking forward to Christ’s first coming also have a hint of the Second Coming in them?
This psalm is a prayer for safety, perhaps when the king goes out to battle as we read in verses. 1-4.
vv 5-6 express a confident trust in the Lord.
vv 7 – 8 is the reason of this confidence – because of their trust is in God, not in their own military powers.
Again in verse 8 we see the results of wickedness and righteousness, “They [David’s enemies] are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.” That is such an encouragement to me. When it seems that the world is so prosperous and so against you, just remember that in the final outcome we will rise up and stand firm.
v 9 concludes the prayer by asking God to hear their call.