What does Psalm 20:2 mean?

Continuing from the previous verse (Psalm 20:1), the congregation prays for the Lord to send David help from the tabernacle and support from Zion.

Other nations relied on false gods or their well-armed soldiers for help and support in battle, but the people of Israel relied on Jehovah, their covenant-keeping God (Psalm 20:7). The tabernacle in Zion—another name for Jerusalem—was the resting place of the ark of the covenant that symbolized God's presence amidst His people. The congregation prayed to their covenant-keeping King to assist their earthly king in the time of battle. It is important to note that the people relied on the Lord for victory over the enemy. They did not rely on the ark for assistance.

Psalm 124 acknowledges that without the Lord's help Israel would have been swept away by her enemies. The psalm concludes with a bold affirmation, "Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth" (Psalm 124:8).