Psalm 21:1 - After the Battle

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 crucial 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 by the congregation, reflecting the collective praise and worship of God.

A Psalm of David.
Attributed to King David, this psalm reflects his personal experiences and relationship with God. David, as a king, warrior, and poet, often expressed his reliance on God through psalms. His authorship lends the psalm historical significance, as it connects to the period of the united monarchy in Israel, around 1000 BC. David's life, marked by battles and divine deliverance, provides a backdrop for understanding the themes of strength and salvation in this psalm.

O LORD, the king rejoices in Your strength.
The use of "O LORD" signifies a direct address to Yahweh, the covenant name of God, emphasizing a personal and covenantal relationship. The king's rejoicing in God's strength underscores the belief that true power and victory come from God, not human might. This reflects the biblical theme that God is the source of strength for His people, as seen in other scriptures like 1 Samuel 2:10 and Psalm 28:7. The king's joy is rooted in the recognition of God's active role in his victories and successes.

How greatly he exults in Your salvation!
The term "salvation" here can refer to deliverance from enemies or divine intervention in times of trouble. The king's exultation in God's salvation highlights the joy and gratitude for God's saving acts. This phrase connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's deliverance of Israel, such as the Exodus, and foreshadows the ultimate salvation through Jesus Christ. The king's response serves as a model for believers, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and celebrating God's saving work in their lives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. In this Psalm, He is the source of strength and salvation.

2. The King (David)
Traditionally attributed to King David, this Psalm reflects his gratitude and joy in God's deliverance and strength.

3. Salvation
Refers to the deliverance and victory granted by God, both in physical battles and spiritual redemption.

Teaching Points

Rejoicing in God's Strength
Recognize that true strength comes from God. Like David, we should find joy in the strength that God provides, rather than relying solely on our own abilities.

Exulting in Salvation
Celebrate the salvation that God offers. This is not only a physical deliverance but also a spiritual one through Jesus Christ. Our response should be one of joy and gratitude.

Dependence on God in Leadership
Leaders, like David, should model dependence on God. Whether in family, church, or community, leaders should seek God's strength and guidance.

Gratitude for Past Victories
Reflect on past victories and deliverances that God has provided. This reflection should lead to a heart of thankfulness and trust in God's future provision.

Prayer and Praise as Responses
Incorporate prayer and praise into daily life as responses to God's strength and salvation. This practice helps maintain a focus on God’s power and goodness.

(1) The king shall.--Rather, the king is exulting in thy might (which has secured the victory he prayed for), and in thy help how greatly glad is he.

Verse 1. - The king shall joy. The future is used to give the idea of continuance, "The king rejoices, and will go on rejoicing." In thy strength, O Lord; i.e. in the strength that thou puttest forth to help and protect him (comp. Psalm 20:6). And in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice: God' s "salvation" had been confidently anticipated (Psalm 20:5, 6, 9), and has now been experienced. 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

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

the king
מֶ֑לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

rejoices
יִשְׂמַח־ (yiś·maḥ-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8055: To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome

in Your strength.
בְּעָזְּךָ֥ (bə·‘āz·zə·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5797: Strength, might

How
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

greatly
יָּ֥גֶל‪‬ (mə·’ōḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily

he exults
מְאֹֽד׃יגילמְאֹֽד׃ (yā·ḡel)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1523: To spin round, rejoice, fear

in Your salvation!
וּ֝בִישׁ֥וּעָתְךָ֗ (ū·ḇî·šū·‘ā·ṯə·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3444: Something saved, deliverance, aid, victory, prosperity

Links

Psalm 21:1 NIV
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Psalm 21:1 Biblia Paralela
Psalm 21:1 Chinese Bible
Psalm 21:1 French Bible
Psalm 21:1 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Psalm 21:1 For the Chief Musician (Psalm Ps Psa.)