“In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” (Jn 16:33, BSB).
We noticed in our study of Psalm 20 that David presents the people as seeking help for their monarch. The nation is anticipating one of its many conflicts, and so make an impassioned prayer for the king (Ps 20:1-5), concluding with a direct appeal, “Save, Lord! May the King answer us when we call” (v 9). Did He? Obviously so, and Psalm 21 explains what happened. This psalm is another of the 55 entrusted “To the Chief Musician,” to be used by the nation in gratitude for the Lord helping their king. Psalm 21 falls easily into two parts. Verses 1-7 celebrate the Lord’s help given to the king. “The king shall have joy in Your strength, O Lord; and in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! You have given him his heart’s desire, and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah” (vv 1-2). Although this couplet isn’t usually included in the Messianic Psalms, we noted in the previous one “that the Lord saves His anointed” (20:6). The kings of Israel were anointed, of course, but the language of these psalms surely will not find their ultimate fulfillment until God’s King of kings wins His final victory. “His glory is great in Your salvation; honor and majesty You have placed upon him. For You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence” (21:5-6). Such triumph is based on trust, and that trust is in Jehovah Elyon (v 7), the Lord Most High. The details of the battle are given in part 2 (vv 8-12). What a conflagration! It seems only to be a fitting description of the last great battle when the King rides forth for the final showdown (Zech 11–14; Rev 16:14-21). It may be hard to believe, but we who trust Him will be there, and “will sing and praise” His power on that day (v 13).