Psalms 20:9 (KJV)

What does Psalms 20:9 mean?

Psalms 20:9 is a prayer asking God to save and to let the king respond to the people's cries for help. The verse expresses a hope that God will deliver and that the king, as God's representative, will listen when the people call out.

In this psalm, the people are speaking, likely during a time of trouble or before a battle, asking for God's help and for their king to be attentive to their needs. The verse closes the psalm with a direct appeal for salvation and for the king's involvement, reflecting the close connection between God, the king, and the people in ancient Israel.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 20:9

• "Save" (יָשַׁע, yashaʿ): This word often means to deliver or rescue, especially in times of danger. Here, it is a plea for God to bring victory or safety.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing the relationship between the people and their covenant God.
• "King" (מֶלֶךְ, melekh): This can refer to the earthly king (like David) or, as some understand, to God as King. In context, it likely points to the human king as the people's leader.
• "Hear" (עָנָה, ʿanah): This word means to answer or respond, not just to listen. The request is for the king to take action in response to the people's call.
• "Call" (קָרָא, qaraʾ): This word means to cry out or appeal, showing the people's dependence and urgency in seeking help.

Why Psalms 20:9 matters

• Psalms 20:9 highlights the people's trust in both God and their king, showing how leadership and faith were closely linked in Israel's life.
• The verse clarifies that the king is expected to be responsive to the people's needs, not distant or unapproachable.
• This closing prayer ties together the whole psalm, which is a communal request for God's help and blessing on the king, especially in times of crisis.