Psalm 20:1 - The Day of Trouble

For the choirmaster.
This phrase indicates that the psalm was intended for public worship and was to be directed by the choirmaster, a leader of music in the temple. The role of the choirmaster was significant in ancient Israelite worship, as music was a central part of their religious expression. This highlights the communal aspect of the psalm, suggesting it was meant to be sung or recited by the congregation.

A Psalm of David.
Attributed to King David, this psalm reflects his role not only as a king but also as a poet and musician. David's authorship connects the psalm to his life experiences, possibly during times of military conflict or personal distress. David's reliance on God during his reign is a recurring theme in the Psalms, and his authorship lends authority and authenticity to the text.

May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble;
This phrase is a prayer for divine intervention during times of distress. The "day of trouble" can refer to any period of crisis, whether personal, national, or spiritual. The invocation of the LORD (Yahweh) emphasizes a personal relationship with God, who is seen as a responsive and caring deity. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God promises to be their protector and deliverer.

may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
The "name of the God of Jacob" invokes the patriarch Jacob, reminding the Israelites of their heritage and God's faithfulness to their ancestors. The use of "name" signifies God's character and reputation, which are powerful and protective. This phrase connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's promises to the patriarchs and His ongoing commitment to their descendants. It also foreshadows the protective and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to Israel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people.

2. The God of Jacob
Refers to the God who made a covenant with Jacob, one of the patriarchs of Israel, highlighting God's faithfulness to His promises.

3. Day of Trouble
A time of distress or adversity, which can be personal, communal, or national, where divine intervention is sought.

Teaching Points

God's Readiness to Answer
The verse assures believers that God is attentive and ready to respond to their cries in times of trouble. This encourages a posture of prayer and reliance on God.

The Power of God's Name
The "name of the God of Jacob" signifies His character and authority. Believers can trust in the power and protection that comes from invoking God's name.

Historical Faithfulness
Reflecting on God's past faithfulness to Jacob and the patriarchs can strengthen our faith in His promises today. It reminds us that God is unchanging and reliable.

Seeking Divine Protection
In times of distress, believers are encouraged to seek God's protection, understanding that true safety and security come from Him alone.

Community Intercession
The communal aspect of the psalm suggests the importance of praying for one another, especially in times of collective or individual trouble.

(1) Day of trouble . . . God of Jacob.--This certainly recalls the patriarch's words (Genesis 35:3), "I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress." The "name" alone of the God of Jacob was a safeguard to the people, called after their great forefather "Israel. So even under the shadow of the greatness of human monarchs and heroes whole peoples have often felt secure and strong, using no other weapon but his name.

Defend thee.--Better, set thee up on high (comp. Psalm 69:29; Psalm 91:14) as in a fortress, out of the reach of foes.

Verse 1. - The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble. The people intercede for their king in a "clay of trouble" or "distress," when danger impends, and he is about to affront it. They are made to ask, first of all, that God will hear the king's prayers, which are no doubt being silently offered while they pray aloud. The Name of the God of Jacob defend thee. (On the force of the expression, "the Name of God," see the comment upon Psalm 7:17.) "Jacob's God" - a favourite expression with David - is the God who made him the promise, "I will be with thee, and I will keep thee in all places whither thou goest" (Genesis 28:15). "Defend thee" is scarcely a correct rendering. Translate, exalt thee. Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

For the choirmaster.
לַמְנַצֵּ֗חַ (lam·naṣ·ṣê·aḥ)
Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5329: To glitter from afar, to be eminent, to be permanent

A Psalm
מִזְמ֥וֹר (miz·mō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4210: Instrumental music, a poem set to notes

of David.
לְדָוִֽד׃ (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

May the LORD
יְ֭הוָה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

answer you
יַֽעַנְךָ֣ (ya·‘an·ḵā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

in the day
בְּי֣וֹם (bə·yō·wm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3117: A day

of trouble;
צָרָ֑ה (ṣā·rāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6869: Tightness, a female rival

may the name
שֵׁ֤ם ׀ (šêm)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034: A name

of the God
אֱלֹהֵ֬י (’ĕ·lō·hê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

of Jacob
יַעֲקֹֽב׃ (ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

protect you.
יְ֝שַׂגֶּבְךָ֗ (yə·śag·geḇ·ḵā)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7682: To be, lofty, inaccessible, safe, strong

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Psalm 20:1 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Psalm 20:1 For the Chief Musician (Psalm Ps Psa.)