“The Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s” (1 Sam 17:47, ESV).
Psalms 20 and 21 seem to be paired. Psalm 20 anticipates the battle and is a petition, asking the Lord for His help. Psalm 21 is reviewing the battle now past and is praise, thanking the Lord for His help. Who specifically will come to our aid? “The God of Jacob” (v 1). Yes, in all our weakness, limping home to Glory, the Lord comes to rescue us. But what a remarkable battle plan! “May He send you help from the sanctuary” (v 2), not from the armory! And on what basis does He come to our aid? “May He remember all your offerings, and accept your burnt sacrifice” (v 3). So it is today. Our victory comes not by the shedding of our enemy’s blood but “by the blood of the Lamb” (Rev 12:11). Selah. Think about that. Altogether, there are seven “May” requests. Notice these two: “May He…fulfill all your purpose.…May the Lord fulfill all your petitions” (Ps 20:4-5). It’s wonderful when He answers our prayers, but more wonderful when He adjusts our plans so His purpose for us is realized. And in between these two is the double secret: “We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners!” (v 5). We give Him thanks with joy, and we give Him glory. Jehovah Nissi is our unfurled ensign. Verse 6 is Messianic. “Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed [Messiah]; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.” It reminds us of Hebrews 5:7. And when our trust is in the Lord, the puny weapons of men seem laughable. “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember…the Lord our God” (v 7). You see the different results (v 8). The final prayer gets right to the point: “Save, Lord!” If “the King” is available to help, why call anyone else (v 9)?