Psalm 20:9

O LORD, save the king. Answer us on the day we call.

Study Bible

O LORD, save the king.
This phrase is a plea for divine intervention and protection for the king, who in the context of ancient Israel, was seen as God's anointed leader. The king represented the nation, and his well-being was directly tied to the prosperity and security of the people. The invocation of "O LORD" reflects a deep reliance on Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, who had established the monarchy through figures like Saul and David. This plea can be seen as a recognition of the king's role as a type of Christ, the ultimate King and Savior, who would come to deliver His people. The request for salvation is not just physical protection but also spiritual guidance and success in leadership. Historically, this reflects the period of the united monarchy in Israel, where the king's success in battle and governance was crucial for national stability.

Answer us on the day we call.
This phrase emphasizes the communal aspect of prayer and the expectation of God's responsiveness. The "day we call" suggests times of crisis or need, where the people collectively seek divine intervention. It highlights the belief in a personal and responsive God who hears and answers the prayers of His people. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God promised to be attentive to their cries (Exodus 2:23-25). Theologically, it underscores the importance of prayer and the assurance that God is near to those who call on Him in truth (Psalm 145:18). This assurance is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who intercedes for believers and promises that whatever is asked in His name will be granted (John 14:13-14). The communal "us" indicates the unity of the people under God's sovereignty, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.

Persons / Places / Events

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.

Teaching Points

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.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the king in Psalm 20:9 reflect the responsibilities of leaders today, and how can we apply this understanding in our prayers for them?

2. In what ways does the concept of "the day we call" challenge us to be more intentional in our prayer lives, especially during times of personal or communal crisis?

3. How does the theme of divine salvation in Psalm 20:9 connect with the New Testament understanding of salvation through Jesus Christ?

4. What practical steps can we take to foster unity in prayer within our church or community, as suggested by the communal nature of the prayer in this verse?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's deliverance in response to prayer. How can this experience encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty and power in future challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 8
The Israelites' request for a king and God's response, highlighting the role of the king as God's anointed leader.

2 Chronicles 20
Jehoshaphat's prayer for deliverance, illustrating reliance on God in times of national crisis.

Psalm 118
A psalm of thanksgiving for God's deliverance, reinforcing the theme of trust in God's salvation.

Romans 10
Paul's teaching on calling upon the name of the Lord for salvation, connecting the Old Testament understanding of divine deliverance to the New Testament.