PSALM 20:1–9 Shouts of Joy
READ: PSALM 20:1–9
v. 5 “May we shout for joy over your salvation!”
When the Second World War came to an end, millions rushed into the streets to celebrate. Maybe you’ve seen pictures of the crowds when victory was at last announced. Such is the scene portrayed in Psalm 20:5. Israel is praying for their king’s triumph, and looking forward to celebrating his success.
Back in the days of Israel, the king wasn’t a ceremonial figure like most monarchs today. He took an active involvement in ruling, and even led the nation’s armies into battle. If the king was blessed, the country was blessed, yet even the best king was nothing without the LORD’s help. So in this psalm Israel prays that the LORD will answer, protect, and sustain the king—and make him victorious. We imagine this prayer being offered on the eve of a new military campaign, or just before a big battle, as the people petition God for his favour.
And if the LORD will be good to the king, Israel will shout for joy and wave banners in triumph (v. 5). With exuberance they’ll rejoice that the LORD has given “salvation,” delivering the king and his nation from the enemy’s power. A triumph means peace and security for the people, freedom from fear and opportunity to thrive.
Yet short-lived is every earthly triumph. Shortly after the Second World War the next conflict started, just as it was never long before Israel’s armies had to go out again. Shouts for joy fade quickly. This is why God told his people that they could look forward to a better king from David’s line, Jesus the Christ. He came to defeat the devil’s power, and to bring peace to his church. That battle was hard fought, and at the cross it looked like the King was conquered. But the Easter Sunday angels announce joy to Jesus’ disciples, “for he has risen, as he said” (Matt. 28:6).
Now Christ our triumphant King is in heaven, where shouts of joy ring out continually from the multitudes, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Rev. 7:10). The glories of Christ give us continual reason to rejoice. Even when we are hard pressed by trouble, and when the spiritual battle exhausts us, we know that through Jesus our final victory is sure. In all you do rely on your great King, and live in the joy of his salvation!
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