Psalm 20:6

Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He answers him from His holy heaven with the saving power of His right hand.

Study Bible

Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed;
This phrase reflects a deep confidence in God's deliverance. The term "anointed" refers to those chosen by God for a specific purpose, often kings or prophets. In the Old Testament, anointing with oil was a symbolic act of consecration (1 Samuel 16:13). The anointed one in this context is likely King David, but it also prophetically points to Jesus Christ, the ultimate Anointed One (Messiah), who is saved from death through His resurrection. The assurance of salvation for the anointed underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

He answers him from His holy heaven
This part emphasizes God's transcendence and His ability to intervene from His heavenly realm. "Holy heaven" signifies the place of God's perfect rule and authority. The idea of God answering from heaven is seen throughout the Psalms and other scriptures, indicating His responsiveness to the prayers of His people (Psalm 121:1-2). It also highlights the belief that God is not distant but actively involved in the affairs of His chosen ones.

with the saving power of His right hand.
The "right hand" symbolizes strength and power in biblical literature. It is often associated with God's mighty acts of deliverance and protection (Exodus 15:6). The right hand of God is a metaphor for His ability to save and uphold His people. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as sitting at the right hand of God, signifying His authority and power (Mark 16:19). This phrase assures believers of God's powerful intervention on behalf of His anointed, reinforcing the theme of divine salvation and protection.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. In this verse, He is depicted as the Savior and protector of His anointed.

2. His Anointed (Messiah)
Refers to the king of Israel, often seen as a type of Christ, the ultimate Anointed One. In the original Hebrew, "anointed" is "mashiach," which is the root for "Messiah."

3. Holy Heaven
The dwelling place of God, symbolizing His sovereignty and the source of divine intervention and power.

4. Right Hand of God
A symbol of strength and authority. In Hebrew culture, the right hand represents power and deliverance.

5. David (Implied)
Traditionally attributed to King David, this psalm is a royal prayer for victory and divine assistance.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness to His Anointed
God is faithful to those He has chosen and anointed. Just as He delivered David, He will deliver His people today.

Divine Intervention from Heaven
Our help comes from the Lord, who reigns in holy heaven. We can trust in His power and authority to intervene in our lives.

The Power of God's Right Hand
The right hand of God symbolizes His power to save and deliver. We can rely on His strength in times of trouble.

Christ as the Ultimate Anointed One
Jesus is the fulfillment of the anointed king, and through Him, we have access to God's saving power.

Prayer and Assurance
Like David, we can pray with confidence, knowing that God hears and answers from His holy heaven.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the role of "the LORD's anointed" in the Old Testament enhance our view of Jesus as the Messiah?

2. In what ways can we experience the "saving power of His right hand" in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of God answering from "His holy heaven" provide comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate our trust in God's faithfulness and power, as seen in Psalm 20:6?

5. How can we apply the assurance of God's deliverance in Psalm 20:6 to our prayer life, especially when interceding for others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 16
The anointing of David as king, illustrating the concept of God's chosen and anointed leader.

Psalm 2
Another royal psalm that speaks of God's anointed king and His ultimate victory over the nations.

Isaiah 41:10
Speaks of God's right hand upholding and delivering His people, reinforcing the theme of divine strength and support.

Romans 8:34
Christ as the Anointed One who intercedes for us, connecting the Old Testament concept of anointed kings to Jesus' role as our intercessor.