Psalm 20:6

Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He answers him from His holy heaven with the saving power of His right hand.

Study Bible

Now I know
This phrase signifies a moment of revelation and assurance. In the Hebrew text, the word "yada" is used, which means to know, perceive, or understand. This is not just intellectual knowledge but a deep, experiential understanding. In the context of Psalm 20, it reflects a confident realization of God's faithfulness and power. Historically, this assurance would resonate with the Israelites, who often faced overwhelming odds and needed to trust in God's deliverance.

that the LORD
The term "LORD" is translated from the Hebrew "Yahweh," the personal name of God revealed to Moses. It signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant relationship with His people. This name is a reminder of God's unchanging promises and His intimate involvement in the lives of His followers. For the Israelites, invoking Yahweh was a declaration of trust in the God who delivered them from Egypt and sustained them through the wilderness.

saves His anointed
The word "saves" comes from the Hebrew "yasha," meaning to deliver or give victory. "His anointed" refers to the king, often seen as God's chosen leader, anointed with oil as a sign of being set apart for divine purpose. In a broader sense, it points to the Messiah, the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ, who brings salvation to all. This phrase reassures believers of God's commitment to protect and deliver those He has chosen and set apart for His purposes.

He answers him
The verb "answers" is derived from the Hebrew "anah," which means to respond or reply. This indicates a two-way communication between God and His anointed. It emphasizes that God is not distant or silent but actively engaged in the lives of His people. Historically, this would have been a source of great comfort to the Israelites, knowing that their prayers and cries for help were heard by a responsive and caring God.

from His holy heaven
This phrase highlights the divine origin of the response. "Holy heaven" refers to the dwelling place of God, emphasizing His transcendence and purity. It assures believers that the help they receive is not of earthly origin but comes from the sovereign Creator of the universe. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this would contrast with the localized deities of surrounding nations, underscoring the supremacy of Israel's God.

with the saving power of His right hand
The "right hand" symbolizes strength and authority in biblical literature. The phrase "saving power" underscores God's ability to deliver and protect. In Hebrew culture, the right hand was associated with skill and power, often used in battle imagery. This assurance of divine intervention would have been particularly meaningful to a people frequently engaged in warfare, reminding them that ultimate victory comes from God's mighty hand.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. In this verse, He is depicted as the Savior and protector of His anointed.

2. His Anointed (Messiah)
Refers to the king of Israel, often seen as a type of Christ, the ultimate Anointed One. In the original Hebrew, "anointed" is "mashiach," which is the root for "Messiah."

3. Holy Heaven
The dwelling place of God, symbolizing His sovereignty and the source of divine intervention and power.

4. Right Hand of God
A symbol of strength and authority. In Hebrew culture, the right hand represents power and deliverance.

5. David (Implied)
Traditionally attributed to King David, this psalm is a royal prayer for victory and divine assistance.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness to His Anointed
God is faithful to those He has chosen and anointed. Just as He delivered David, He will deliver His people today.

Divine Intervention from Heaven
Our help comes from the Lord, who reigns in holy heaven. We can trust in His power and authority to intervene in our lives.

The Power of God's Right Hand
The right hand of God symbolizes His power to save and deliver. We can rely on His strength in times of trouble.

Christ as the Ultimate Anointed One
Jesus is the fulfillment of the anointed king, and through Him, we have access to God's saving power.

Prayer and Assurance
Like David, we can pray with confidence, knowing that God hears and answers from His holy heaven.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the role of "the LORD's anointed" in the Old Testament enhance our view of Jesus as the Messiah?

2. In what ways can we experience the "saving power of His right hand" in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of God answering from "His holy heaven" provide comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate our trust in God's faithfulness and power, as seen in Psalm 20:6?

5. How can we apply the assurance of God's deliverance in Psalm 20:6 to our prayer life, especially when interceding for others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 16
The anointing of David as king, illustrating the concept of God's chosen and anointed leader.

Psalm 2
Another royal psalm that speaks of God's anointed king and His ultimate victory over the nations.

Isaiah 41:10
Speaks of God's right hand upholding and delivering His people, reinforcing the theme of divine strength and support.

Romans 8:34
Christ as the Anointed One who intercedes for us, connecting the Old Testament concept of anointed kings to Jesus' role as our intercessor.