A Psalm of Thanksgiving And Praise
July 29, 2019
Commentary
This psalm is essentially a psalm of thanksgiving and praise after the battle is over and the noise of strife and the drums of war are stilled (vv. 1-6). It is offered to God, by the people on behalf of their king. The dust of conflict has settled, and the foe has vanquished. It is a national anthem, a coronation hymn and perhaps was sung at the coronation of David. In a prophetic sense it looks forward to the day when the Lord Jesus will return, put down His foes and cause every knee to bow. David praised God for giving him the desire of his heart (v. 2) and for giving him good things (v. 3). The reason for deliverance in answer to prayer is that the king trusted in the unfailing love of the Lord and knew that he was secure and could not be shaken. God invites us to ask Him for things, but the things He gives us will never make us happy; only His presence can do that (v. 6).
The outcome of the statement “the king trusts in the Lord” is found in this next passage (vv. 7-12). Because the king trusted in the Lord the congregation knew he would defeat his enemies (v. 7). When we trust in God, we have permanence and stability. We cannot be shaken from God’s favor. Even though his enemies schemed to overthrow the king they would turn in fear from before him (v. 12). Thus, the congregation vowed to sing and praise the might and power of the Lord, who alone is to be exalted (v. 13). This concluding doxology describes the strength, the praise, and the power due the Lord God of heaven.
Application
Would my family give testimony to the fact that they feel secure because of my faith and trust in the Lord? There is no greater security for a family than to see their parents reading their Bible, praying, and seeking to please the Lord in all that they do. That is not the only reason but a good reason for me to continue making it a priority in my life to have my Quiet Time the first thing I do every morning.
Psalms 21:1– 13 (NET)
1 O Lord, the king rejoices in the strength you give; he takes great delight in the deliverance you provide.
2 You grant him his heart’s desire; you do not refuse his request. (Selah)
3 For you bring him rich blessings; you place a golden crown on his head.
4 He asked you to sustain his life, and you have granted him long life and an enduring dynasty.
5 Your deliverance brings him great honor; you give him majestic splendor.
6 For you grant him lasting blessings; you give him great joy by allowing him into your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the Lord, and because of the Most High’s faithfulness he is not shaken.
8 You prevail over all your enemies; your power is too great for those who hate you.
9 You burn them up like a fiery furnace when you appear. The Lord angrily devours them; the fire consumes them.
10 You destroy their offspring from the earth, their descendants from among the human race.
11 Yes, they intend to do you harm; they dream up a scheme, but they do not succeed.
12 For you make them retreat when you aim your arrows at them.
13 Rise up, O Lord, in strength! We will sing and praise your power.