You have granted his heart's desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah You have grantedThe phrase "You have granted" signifies a divine bestowal, emphasizing God's sovereignty and benevolence. The Hebrew root for "granted" is "nathan," which means to give, bestow, or permit. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe God's generous and gracious nature. In the context of Psalm 21, it reflects God's active role in fulfilling the desires of the king, symbolizing His approval and support. Historically, this granting is seen as a divine endorsement of the king's rule, aligning with the covenantal promises made to David and his descendants. his heart’s desire
The "heart’s desire" refers to the innermost longings and aspirations of an individual. In Hebrew, the word for "heart" is "lev," which encompasses not just emotions but also the mind and will. This phrase indicates a deep, personal yearning that aligns with God's will. In the context of a king, it suggests desires that are not only personal but also beneficial for the people he leads. Theologically, it underscores the idea that when one's desires are in harmony with God's purposes, they are more likely to be fulfilled. and have not withheld
The phrase "and have not withheld" highlights God's willingness to provide and His open-handed generosity. The Hebrew root "mana" means to hold back or restrain. In this context, it emphasizes that God does not restrict His blessings when they align with His divine plan. This assurance of God's provision is a recurring theme in the Psalms, reinforcing the trustworthiness and faithfulness of God to His covenant people. the request of his lips
"The request of his lips" refers to spoken prayers or petitions. The Hebrew word "she'elah" denotes a request or petition, often used in the context of prayer. This phrase suggests that the king's spoken prayers are heard and answered by God. It highlights the power of prayer and the importance of verbalizing one's needs and desires to God. In the broader biblical narrative, it serves as a reminder of the intimate relationship between God and His anointed, where communication is open and effective. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of the psalm, King David, is expressing gratitude for God's blessings and favor. He is the central figure in this psalm, representing a faithful servant of God who receives divine favor. 2. GodThe ultimate source of blessings and the one who grants the desires of the heart. God is portrayed as a benevolent and responsive deity who listens to the prayers of His people. 3. The KingWhile the psalm is attributed to David, it also speaks to the role of the king in Israel as God's anointed leader, whose success and desires are aligned with God's will. 4. SelahA term used in the Psalms, possibly indicating a pause for reflection or musical interlude, emphasizing the importance of the preceding statement. Teaching Points Alignment with God's WillThe desires of our hearts should align with God's will. When our hearts are in tune with God, our requests are more likely to be granted. The Power of PrayerPrayer is a powerful tool for communicating with God. We should not hesitate to bring our desires and requests before Him, trusting in His wisdom and timing. Gratitude for God's BlessingsLike David, we should express gratitude for the blessings and answered prayers in our lives, recognizing God's hand in our successes. Reflective Pause (Selah)Taking time to pause and reflect on God's goodness and faithfulness can deepen our understanding and appreciation of His work in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of God granting the desires of the heart challenge or affirm your current prayer life? 2. In what ways can you ensure that your desires align with God's will, as seen in the life of David? 3. Reflect on a time when you felt God granted the desires of your heart. How did this experience impact your faith journey? 4. How can the practice of "Selah" or pausing for reflection be incorporated into your daily spiritual routine? 5. What other biblical figures can you think of who experienced God granting their desires, and what can you learn from their accounts? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 13:14This verse describes David as a man after God's own heart, which aligns with the idea that God grants the desires of those whose hearts are aligned with His will. John 15:7Jesus speaks about abiding in Him and having His words abide in us, which results in receiving what we ask for, similar to the theme of God granting the desires of the heart. Proverbs 16:3This verse encourages committing our works to the Lord, and our plans will be established, reflecting the idea of God fulfilling the desires of those who trust in Him. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Desire, Gavest, Hast, Heart, Heart's, Kept, Lips, Request, Selah, Withheld, WithholdenDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 21:2 5015 heart, and Holy Spirit
5164 lips
6185 imagination, desires
8666 praise, manner and methods Psalm 21:1-3 4333 gold Library Epistle Lviii. To all the Bishops Throughout Helladia .
To all the Bishops throughout Helladia [1626] . Gregory to all bishops constituted in the province of Helladia. I return thanks with you, dearest brethren, to Almighty God, who has caused the hidden sore which the ancient enemy had introduced to come to the knowledge of all, and has cut it away by a wholesome incision from the body of His Church. Herein we have cause both to rejoice and to mourn; to rejoice, that is, for the correction of a crime, but to mourn for the fall of a brother. But, since …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the GreatMy Brethren.
OUR Lord Jesus Christ calls those for whom He died and who have believed on Him "My Brethren." What a word it is! The Brethren of the Man in Glory! Brethren of Him who is at the right hand of God, the upholder and heir of all things! Pause for a moment, dear reader. Let your heart lay hold anew of this wonderful message of God's Grace; Brethren of the Lord Jesus Christ! What depths of love and grace these words contain! What heights of glory they promise to us, who were bought by His own precious …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 Here is high preferment for the saints. They shall be advanced to a kingdom. There are some who, aspiring after earthly greatness, talk of a temporal reign here, but then God's church on earth would not be militant but triumphant. But sure it is the saints shall reign in a glorious manner: Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.' A kingdom is held the acme and top of all worldly felicity, and this honour have all the saints'; so says our Saviour, Theirs is the …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Fourteenth Day for the Church of the Future
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Church of the Future "That the children might not be as their fathers, a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God."--PS. lxxviii. 8. "I will pour My Spirit upon thy seed, and My blessing upon thy offspring."--ISA. xliv. 3. Pray for the rising generation, who are to come after us. Think of the young men and young women and children of this age, and pray for all the agencies at work among them; that in association and societies …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments which are not to be Inquired Into
"My Son, beware thou dispute not of high matters and of the hidden judgments of God; why this man is thus left, and that man is taken into so great favour; why also this man is so greatly afflicted, and that so highly exalted. These things pass all man's power of judging, neither may any reasoning or disputation have power to search out the divine judgments. When therefore the enemy suggesteth these things to thee, or when any curious people ask such questions, answer with that word of the Prophet, …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of Olives: Discoures to the Disciples Concerning the Last Things.
THE last and most solemn denunciation of Jerusalem had been uttered, the last and most terrible prediction of judgment upon the Temple spoken, and Jesus was suiting the action to the word. It was as if He had cast the dust of His Shoes against the House' that was to be left desolate.' And so He quitted for ever the Temple and them that held office in it. They had left the Sanctuary and the City, had crossed black Kidron, and were slowly climbing the Mount of Olives. A sudden turn in the road, and …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy
Sermon I (November 2, 1148.)[1005] 1. A certain abundant blessing, dearly beloved, has been sent by the counsel of heaven to you this day; and if it were not faithfully divided, you would suffer loss, and I, to whom of a surety this office seems to have been committed, would incur danger. I fear therefore your loss, I fear my own damnation,[1006] if perchance it be said, The young children ask bread, and no man offereth it unto them.[1007] For I know how necessary for you is the consolation which …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh What Messiah did the Jews Expect?
1. The most important point here is to keep in mind the organic unity of the Old Testament. Its predictions are not isolated, but features of one grand prophetic picture; its ritual and institutions parts of one great system; its history, not loosely connected events, but an organic development tending towards a definite end. Viewed in its innermost substance, the history of the Old Testament is not different from its typical institutions, nor yet these two from its predictions. The idea, underlying …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Letter Li to the virgin Sophia
To the Virgin Sophia He praises her for having despised the glory of the world: and, setting forth the praises, privileges, and rewards of Religious Virgins, exhorts her to persevere. Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, to the Virgin Sophia, that she may keep the title of virginity and attain its reward. I. Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised (Prov. xxxi. 31). I rejoice with you, my daughter, in the glory of your virtue, whereby, as I hear, you …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 21:2 NIVPsalm 21:2 NLTPsalm 21:2 ESVPsalm 21:2 NASBPsalm 21:2 KJV
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