He asked You for life, and You granted it--length of days, forever and ever. He asked You for lifeThe phrase "He asked You for life" reflects a deep, personal petition to God, emphasizing the relationship between the supplicant and the divine. In the Hebrew text, the word for "asked" is "שָׁאַל" (sha'al), which conveys a sense of earnest seeking or requesting. This highlights the humility and dependence of the king, traditionally understood as David, upon God for sustenance and vitality. The act of asking underscores the belief that life itself is a gift from God, not something to be taken for granted. In a broader theological context, this request for life can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual vitality and divine favor, which are central themes throughout the Psalms. and You granted it
The phrase "and You granted it" signifies God's gracious response to the king's request. The Hebrew root "נָתַן" (natan) means "to give" or "to bestow," indicating that God is the source of all blessings and life. This granting is not merely a passive act but an active demonstration of God's benevolence and faithfulness. It reflects the covenant relationship between God and His anointed, where God responds to the needs and desires of His people. This assurance of divine provision is a recurring theme in the Psalms, offering comfort and hope to believers who trust in God's promises. length of days
The term "length of days" is a poetic expression denoting longevity and enduring life. In Hebrew, "אֹרֶךְ יָמִים" (orek yamim) conveys not just a quantitative extension of life but also a qualitative aspect, suggesting a life filled with purpose and divine blessing. This phrase is often associated with wisdom literature, where a long life is seen as a reward for righteousness and obedience to God's commandments. In the context of the psalm, it underscores the idea that true life, in its fullest sense, is found in relationship with God and is marked by His favor and protection. forever and ever
The concluding phrase "forever and ever" emphasizes the eternal nature of the life granted by God. The Hebrew "עוֹלָם וָעֶד" (olam va'ed) suggests perpetuity and unending duration. This eternal perspective is a hallmark of biblical theology, where the temporal blessings of this life are seen as a foretaste of the eternal life promised to those who are faithful. In the context of the psalm, it points to the messianic hope and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in the eternal reign of Christ. For believers, this assurance of eternal life is a source of profound hope and encouragement, affirming that God's gifts transcend the limitations of earthly existence. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of the psalm, King David, is traditionally understood to be the speaker. He is expressing gratitude for God's blessings and protection. 2. GodThe recipient of David's praise and the one who grants life and blessings. God is portrayed as the sovereign provider and sustainer. 3. The KingWhile David is the immediate subject, the psalm also prophetically points to the Messiah, the ultimate King, who is granted eternal life. Teaching Points The Gift of LifeRecognize that life is a gift from God. Just as David acknowledges God's granting of life, we should be thankful for each day and the eternal life offered through Christ. Eternal PerspectiveUnderstand that the "length of days forever and ever" points to an eternal perspective. As believers, our hope is not just in this life but in the eternal life promised through Jesus. Prayer and PetitionDavid's request for life was granted by God. This teaches us the importance of bringing our desires and needs before God in prayer, trusting in His provision. Messianic FulfillmentSee the fulfillment of this psalm in Jesus Christ, the eternal King. This encourages us to place our faith in Him, who conquered death and offers us eternal life. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the context of David's life and reign enhance our appreciation of Psalm 21:4? 2. In what ways does the promise of "length of days forever and ever" influence your daily life and decisions? 3. How can we apply the principle of gratitude for life, as demonstrated by David, in our own prayer life? 4. What connections can you draw between the eternal life mentioned in Psalm 21:4 and the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament? 5. How does recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of the eternal King in Psalm 21:4 impact your faith and understanding of God's promises? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 7God's covenant with David, promising him a lasting dynasty, connects to the theme of "length of days forever and ever," as it points to the eternal reign of David's lineage through Christ. John 11:25-26Jesus speaks of being the resurrection and the life, which ties into the granting of eternal life mentioned in Psalm 21:4. Revelation 1:18Jesus holds the keys to death and Hades, affirming His eternal life and authority, resonating with the eternal life granted in Psalm 21:4. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Age-during, Forever, Gavest, Hast, Length, RequestDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 21:4 4832 length Psalm 21:4-6 6645 eternal life, nature of 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 21:4 NIVPsalm 21:4 NLTPsalm 21:4 ESVPsalm 21:4 NASBPsalm 21:4 KJV
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