Psalm 21: Victory!

Psalm 21 was written for public worship. “It is a psalm of thanksgiving on the success of the campaign for which the preceding psalm was the supplication. It has three parts: direct thanksgiving to God on behalf of the king (vs. 1–7), an address to the king (vs. 8–12), and a final ejaculation of praise (v. 13).” Part of verse 2 has entered the English vernacular: “Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips.” We speak of obtaining our “heart’s desire” as having our fondest wish realized.

God gave King David and his army victory over the Syrians.

The enemy was daunting, yet their chariots and horses had no success.

It had been anticipated God would give Israel victory (Psalm 20:5, 6, 9).

That victory had been achieved in a miraculous fashion.

The congregation recognized God had worked through their king.

“For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved” (Psalm 21:7). God had blessed David repeatedly during his lifetime, and the expectation was He would continue to bless the king with long life and joy (vv. 4–6).

The people recognized God had caused His face to shine upon David.

“For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance” (v. 6). The congregation thus thanked God for blessing their king. The second part of Psalm 21 is addressed to King David. Following this victory, there is confidence that all the king’s enemies will be vanquished (v. 8). Enemy plans will fail (v. 11).

David’s forces will encircle and destroy the fleeing enemy (v. 12).

Psalm 21 closes with a final shout of praise to the Lord.

“Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power” (v. 13). David also asks God to lend His strength to His people.

“Here is a final picture of universal praise (see Rev. 7:10–12; 12:10; 19:1–3).” “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; / Praise Him, all creatures here below; / Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; / Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”