What does Psalm 20:7 mean?

This is part of a prayer made by the assembled people of Israel, prior to a battle. Continuing his response (Psalm 20:6) to the congregation's request (Psalm 20:1–5), David expresses confidence in the Lord as more powerful than an army's horses and chariots. In the ancient day, horses were primarily useful for war, as oxen or other livestock were preferred for work. Chariots, likewise, were designed for military purposes. A modern re-phrasing of this statement might say, "some trust in rifles and some in missiles…"

In the book of Exodus, we see that the Egyptians were well equipped with chariots and horses when they pursued the Hebrews. However, after the Lord carved a path through the Red Sea for the Hebrews, the Egyptians tried to cross. They learned, however, that their chariots and horses were no match for the Lord's power. The Lord removed the chariots' wheels, brought the water of the Red Sea together, and submerged chariots, horses, and drivers in the ensuing deluge (Exodus 14:21–29).

A nation may have bombers, fighter jets, nuclear submarines, satellites, and a well-trained military, but what it needs most is the Lord's favor. Psalm 33:12 says, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD," and verses 17–19 say, "The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine." In all our struggles we must not rely on our own resources but trust in the Lord. "He is our help and our shield" (Psalm 33:20).