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Psalm 20[a]

Prayer for the King in Time of War

For the leader. A psalm of David.

I

The Lord answer you in time of distress;
    the name of the God of Jacob defend you!

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 20 The people pray for the king before battle. The people ask for divine help (Ps 20:2–6) and express confidence that such help will be given (Ps 20:7–10). A solemn assurance of divine help may well have been given between the two sections in the liturgy, something like the promises of Ps 12:6; 21:9–13. The final verse (Ps 20:10) echoes the opening verse.

Psalm 20[a]

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;(A)
    may the name of the God of Jacob(B) protect you.(C)
May he send you help(D) from the sanctuary(E)
    and grant you support(F) from Zion.(G)

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 20:1 In Hebrew texts 20:1-9 is numbered 20:2-10.