Psalm 21:7-13 - Praise and a Prophecy

Remember Psalm 21 is a sequel to Psalm 20. These two Psalms are companion Psalms. Psalm 20 is a prayer before the battle. Psalm 21 is a praise after the battle. Both were written by David as we learn from the inscription and title. David and his people had prayed for specific blessings and God had granted them. In the first seven verses David and the people look back over past victories and deliverance and celebrate with praise. In the first seven verses we hear David praying and praising the LORD. David looks back and rejoices in the victory and deliverance that Jehovah has given to him. David, as king desired to glorify the LORD with victory over his enemies. And he acknowledges that the Lord answered his request (v. 2). But the best thing the Lord did for him, was to manifest His presence to David and this caused him to proclaim: “For You have made him most blessed forever; You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence” (Psalm 21:6) So many passages come to mind that assure us of the wonderful blessings of the LORD’s presence in our lives every day if we know He is our great Shepherd. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). We are promised that if we love Him and keep His commandments that both Jesus and His Father will manifest Their presence to us (John 14:18-23). Now in verses 8-12, David and his people look ahead and anticipate future victories. Here in these verses, we hear the people praying and praising. They were assured that because their king (David) trusted in the LORD, that “through the steadfast love or mercy of the Most High (El Elyon), he would not be moved” (v. 7). The king trusted in the Lord and so did the people, and they affirmed their faith as they addressed these words to the king. The emphasis is now on the future victories God will give David and Israel because they have faith in the living God. In verse 8, God's right hand is more than a symbol of power; it actively works for His people and brings defeat to their enemies (Psalm 89:13; 118:15-16; Deut. 5:15). They are confident that the nation of Israel and David's posterity would be preserved (vv. 8-12), but there would be no future for the enemy. God did give David many victories and he greatly extended Israel's borders and brought peace to the kingdom. The nations might get together and plot against him, but David would still win the battle. These verses are also very prophetic, as they no doubt look forward to the day when the “seed of David”, the Messiah, would come and destroy all His enemies. We discussed this in detail in our study of the Book of Revelation. Jesus will come at the end of the Tribulation with the armies of heaven, and He will have complete victory over all those who opposed Him. He will set on the throne of David and reign forever! In verse 13, David and the people give all the glory to the LORD for His strength and victory! They don’t talk about what they accomplished, or how great their army was in the battle. No! They acknowledged that the LORD should be exalted, lifted up, and they were going to sing and praise His power! May the Lord help us to stay humble and always give Him the praise that is due to His Name! God bless!