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.

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.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.(9) Save Lord . . .--The Authorised Version follows the accentuation of the Masoretic text, but spoils the rhythm, and interrupts the sense. The LXX. and Vulg., followed by all modern commentators, dividing the verse differently render, "Jehovah, save the king," whence our National Anthem. Jehovah thus becomes the subject of the verb hear in the last clause. "May He hear us in the day of our calling." The change from second to third person is characteristic of the Hebrew manner of conquering emotion, and allowing the close of a poem to die away in calm and subdued language. (Comp. Psalm 110:7.)

Verse 9. - Save, Lord! This punctuation is adopted by Delitzsch, Kay, Professor Alexander, Hengstenberg, and our Revisers; but is opposed by Rosenmuller, Bishop Horsley, Ewald, Hupfeld, Cheyne, and the 'Speaker's Commentary.' It has the Hebrew Masoretie text in its favour, the Septuagint and Vulgate against it. Authorities are thus nearly equally balanced on the point; and we are at liberty to translate either, "Save, Lord: may the King hear us when we call!" or, "O Lord save the king: maybe hear us when we call (upon him)!" On the whole, perhaps, the former is preferable (see the arguments of Professor Alexander, 'Commentary on the Psalms,' p. 94).

Parallel Commentaries ...

O LORD,
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

deliver
הוֹשִׁ֑יעָה (hō·wō·šî·‘āh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor

the king.
הַ֝מֶּ֗לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Answer us
יַעֲנֵ֥נוּ (ya·‘ă·nê·nū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common plural
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

on the day
בְיוֹם־ (ḇə·yō·wm-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3117: A day

we call.
קָרְאֵֽנוּ׃ (qā·rə·’ê·nū)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common plural
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read


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OT Poetry: Psalm 20:9 Save Yahweh! (Psalm Ps Psa.)