1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
2 Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah.
3 For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.
4 He asked life of thee, [and] thou gavest [it] him, [even] length of days for ever and ever.
5 His glory [is] great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him.
6 For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.
7 For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.
8 Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.
9 Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.
10 Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men.
11 For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, [which] they are not able [to perform].
12 Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, [when] thou shalt make ready [thine arrows] upon thy strings against the face of them.
13 Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: [so] will we sing and praise thy power.
Overview of Psalm 21
Psalm 21 is a royal psalm attributed to David, celebrating the victories and blessings bestowed upon the king by God. It reflects themes of divine favor, strength, and the triumph over adversaries, emphasizing the relationship between the king and God as one of dependence and gratitude.
Structure of Psalm 21
The chapter can be divided into several key sections:
- Verses 1-6: Thanksgiving for Victory
- The king’s joy in God’s strength.
- Recognition of the blessings received from God.
- Emphasis on the king’s requests being fulfilled.
- Verses 7-12: Assurance of God’s Protection
- The king’s trust in God as a source of strength.
- God’s role in the defeat of enemies.
- Imagery of divine intervention against adversaries.
- Verse 13: Doxology
- A concluding praise to God for His might and glory.
Thematic Analysis
Divine Favor and Blessing
The psalm opens with a declaration of joy, highlighting the king’s reliance on God’s strength. This sets a tone of gratitude and recognition of divine intervention in the king’s life. The blessings mentioned include:
- Long life.
- Honor and majesty.
- Victory over enemies.
Trust and Security
In verses 7-12, the psalm emphasizes the king’s unwavering trust in God. This trust is portrayed as the foundation of his strength and success. The text illustrates how God actively participates in the king’s victories, reinforcing the idea that true power comes from divine support.
Victory Over Adversaries
The imagery of enemies being defeated is prevalent throughout the psalm. The text suggests that the king’s triumphs are not merely personal achievements but are indicative of God’s overarching sovereignty and justice. This theme resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God as a protector of His chosen leaders.
Literary Devices
Imagery
The psalm employs vivid imagery to convey the might of God and the fragility of human adversaries. Phrases that depict the downfall of enemies create a stark contrast between the king’s exaltation and the fate of those who oppose him.
Parallelism
As is common in Hebrew poetry, parallelism is used to enhance the emotional and spiritual weight of the text. The repetition of concepts related to strength and victory reinforces the central themes of divine favor and protection.
Theological Implications
Psalm 21 presents significant theological insights regarding the nature of kingship in Israel. It illustrates the belief that a king’s success is intrinsically linked to his relationship with God. The psalm affirms that:
- God is the ultimate source of power.
- The king’s authority is derived from divine appointment.
- Victory is a sign of God’s favor and justice.
Conclusion
Psalm 21 serves as a powerful reminder of the interplay between divine sovereignty and human leadership. It encapsulates themes of gratitude, trust, and the assurance of God’s protection, making it a profound reflection on the nature of faith and the responsibilities of those in positions of authority.
