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).
Psalm 20:1–5 expresses the tabernacle's congregational prayer for David as he prepares for battle. Deuteronomy 20:1–4 calls upon the people of Israel to rely on the Lord when they go to battle. The opening of this psalm demonstrates the people's positive response to this call. These words reveal Israel's love and admiration for King David.
David prepares for battle. He offers prayer and sacrifices in the tabernacle and trusts in the Lord for victory. His army is ready to march into battle, and it is organized into groups, each with its banner. The congregation voices its invocation, asking the Lord to protect, help, support, and give David success. King David responds by assuring the congregation that the Lord answers prayer and will grant him victory over the enemy. He is certain the enemy will fall while he and his men will stand. Finally, the congregation calls upon the Lord to answer their prayer to save the king.
