Psalm 21

For the director of music. A psalm of David.



21 O Lord, the king rejoices in your strength.

How great is his joy in the victories you give!

2 You have granted him the desire of his heart

and have not withheld the request of his lips.

Selah

3 You welcomed him with rich blessings

and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.

4 He asked you for life, and you gave it to him —

length of days,
forever and ever.

5 Through the victories you gave, his glory is great;

you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.

6 Surely you have granted him eternal blessings

and made him glad with the joy of your presence.

7 For the king trusts in the Lord;

through the unfailing love of the Most High

he will not be shaken.



Remembering the Past (verses 1-7)

· This Psalm is an “answer” to the pray requests made in Psalm 20.

· Tradition holds that this was sung as a “hymn of thanksgiving” at a thanksgiving service for the Lord giving His people victory in battle.

· David was considered a national hero of Israel (still so to this day).

o But what a difference between David and most “heroes”! This one acknowledged that God along gave strength and victory.

· In verse 2, the desires of David’s heart was graciously given by the Lord.

· The desires of David’s heart was not simply to have himself exalted. God looks at the heart. David’s heart was to see the Lord magnified.

o Notice verses 3-7 again:

3 You welcomed him with rich blessings

and placed a crown of pure gold on his head.

4 He asked you for life, and you gave it to him —

length of days, forever and ever.

5 Through the victories you gave, his glory is great;

you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty.

6 Surely you have granted him eternal blessings

and made him glad with the joy of your presence.

7 For the king trusts in the Lord;

through the unfailing love of the Most High

he will not be shaken.