A Blessing Before Battle

The Bible is a book for warriors. Not only do we hear of the exploits of the warrior, but we find that God's chosen servants were often warriors. David was a warrior-king-poet who spilled blood on the battlefield. Many of the psalms which bear his name are framed in the language of war from the perspective of the battle-hardened warrior.

Psalm 20 also bears David's name, and it concerns battle. Yet this psalm is different in that it is a blessing that was most likely prayed and spoken over the troops before they marched out and met the enemy. Reading it today called up images in my mind of ancient warriors arrayed for battle, armor glistening in the morning light, swords and bows at the ready.

It is a reminder that the battle is the Lord's and that success in the fight, for them as it is for us, is dependent upon the Lord and the Lord alone. As you read it, think of the Lord praying this over you.

1   May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
        May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
2   May he send you help from the sanctuary
        and give you support from Zion!
3   May he remember all your offerings
       and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices!Selah

4   May he grant you your heart's desire
        and fulfill all your plans!
5   May we shout for joy over your salvation,
        and in the name of our God set up our banners!
     May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!

6  Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed;
       he will answer him from his holy heaven
    with the saving might of his right hand.
7  Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
       but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
8  They collapse and fall,
       but we rise and stand upright.

9  O Lord, save the king!
       May he answer us when we call.