Psalm 20

WHEN DAVID AND ISRAEL HAD TO GO TO WAR.

Introduction:

This short Psalm of David’s shows his cry for help unto the Lord once again as he and his people have to go into battle against their enemies.

Verse 1 speaks of the day of trouble and verse 5 of banners being set up by the army. Verse 7 speaks of how commanders and their soldiers trust in the power of war chariots and horses but verse 8 shows that they are fallen by the end of the day for David has sought the saving arm of the Lord.

Proposition:

When we consider the Psalm in this light it brings into question should Christians today go forth to defend themselves, their families and their country.

Both sides of the argument have valid points and at the end of the day it must rest with each person. We do well to remember that we live in a fallen world that has been violet from the beginning and on His return our Lord Jesus uses force to subdue His enemies and then has to rule with a rod of iron for 1,000 years which ends with a final battle against Him. Such is the wickedness of the heart and man’s propensity to sinful acts.

Body of Teaching:

1. Israel looks to David for help. (verses 1 to 5)

a) Looking to God – verses 1-3.

Verse 1 – Prayerfully in touch with God.
Verse 2 – Powerfully in touch with God.
Verse 3 – Properly in touch with God.

b) Listening to God – verses 4-5.

Verse 4 – To plan the battle correctly.
Verse 5 – To pursue the battle with conviction.

2. David looks to the Lord for help. (verses 6 to 9)

a) Truth expressed – verse 6.

b) Trust exercised – verse 7.

c) Triumph expected – verses 8 to 9.

Verse 8 – Total Deliverance by God.
Verse 9 – Total Dependence on God.

The historical fulfilment of this psalm can be found in in David’s defeat of the Syrians

and Ammonites as recorded in 2 Samuel 10:14-19. The life application of this psalm can be applied to our Lord Jesus as a prayer in saving His Anointed – verse 6. cf Psalm 16:10.

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