What does Psalm 20:8 mean?

Reflecting on the defeat of his enemies, David writes these words as part of his response to the congregation in the tabernacle (Psalm 20:1–5). Perhaps David alludes to past battles in which the army of Israel suffered a temporary setback but revived and struck down the enemy. Or perhaps he was thinking about his battle with the giant Goliath in which he hurled a stone that sank into Goliath's forehead. First Samuel 17:49 reports that Goliath "fell on his face to the ground."

We read in Exodus 17 about a battle between the powerful pagan tribe of Amalek and Israel. Moses stood on a hilltop with the staff of God in his hand. Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, but when he lowered his hand, the battle went against Israel. When he grew tired, Moses sat on a stone and Aaron and Hur held up his hands. His hands remained steady until sunset, and Israel defeated the Amalekites. Similarly, when we pray, the enemy falls and we, like David and Israel, gain a victory!