Psalm 20:9

O LORD, save the king. Answer us on the day we call.

Study Bible

O LORD
The invocation of "O LORD" in this verse is a direct appeal to Yahweh, the covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible. This name signifies God's eternal presence and faithfulness to His people. The use of "LORD" in all caps in English translations indicates the Hebrew name YHWH, which is deeply rooted in the identity of God as the "I AM" revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14. This invocation sets the tone for a prayer of dependence and trust in God's sovereign power and covenantal promises.

save the king
The phrase "save the king" reflects a plea for divine intervention and protection over the anointed leader of Israel. In the historical context, the king was seen as God's appointed ruler, whose well-being was crucial for the nation's security and prosperity. The Hebrew word for "save" is "yasha," which means to deliver or give victory. This plea acknowledges that ultimate deliverance and success come from God alone, not from human strength or strategy. It also foreshadows the messianic hope in the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who brings salvation to all who believe.

Answer us
"Answer us" is a communal request for God to respond to the prayers of His people. The Hebrew root "anah" implies a response or reply, indicating an expectation of God's active engagement with His people. This reflects a deep-seated belief in a personal God who hears and responds to the cries of His children. It underscores the relational aspect of prayer, where believers seek not only God's intervention but also His presence and guidance.

on the day we call
The phrase "on the day we call" emphasizes the immediacy and urgency of the prayer. It suggests a specific time of need, highlighting the human experience of crisis and the desire for timely divine intervention. The Hebrew word "yom" for "day" can denote a literal day or a period of time, indicating that God's people can call upon Him in any moment of distress. This assurance of God's readiness to hear and respond is a source of comfort and strength for believers, encouraging them to approach Him with confidence and faith.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people.

2. The King
Likely referring to King David, who is both the author and the subject of the prayer for divine intervention and protection.

3. The Day of Trouble
A time of distress or battle when the king and his people seek God's deliverance and guidance.

Teaching Points

Dependence on God for Leadership
The verse emphasizes the need for divine guidance and protection for leaders. As believers, we should pray for our leaders, asking God to grant them wisdom and protection.

The Power of Prayer
The call for God to "answer us" highlights the importance of prayer in seeking God's intervention. We are encouraged to bring our requests to God, trusting in His ability to save and respond.

God's Sovereignty in Salvation
The plea for God to "save the king" underscores His ultimate authority and power to deliver. We are reminded that true salvation comes from God alone, not from human strength or strategy.

Unity in Seeking God
The communal aspect of the prayer ("answer us") reflects the importance of unity in seeking God's help. As a community of believers, we should support one another in prayer, especially in times of trouble.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the king in Psalm 20:9 reflect the responsibilities of leaders today, and how can we apply this understanding in our prayers for them?

2. In what ways does the concept of "the day we call" challenge us to be more intentional in our prayer lives, especially during times of personal or communal crisis?

3. How does the theme of divine salvation in Psalm 20:9 connect with the New Testament understanding of salvation through Jesus Christ?

4. What practical steps can we take to foster unity in prayer within our church or community, as suggested by the communal nature of the prayer in this verse?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's deliverance in response to prayer. How can this experience encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty and power in future challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 8
The Israelites' request for a king and God's response, highlighting the role of the king as God's anointed leader.

2 Chronicles 20
Jehoshaphat's prayer for deliverance, illustrating reliance on God in times of national crisis.

Psalm 118
A psalm of thanksgiving for God's deliverance, reinforcing the theme of trust in God's salvation.

Romans 10
Paul's teaching on calling upon the name of the Lord for salvation, connecting the Old Testament understanding of divine deliverance to the New Testament.