Psalm 21 (World English Bible – WEB)
1 The king rejoices in your strength, Yahweh!
How greatly he rejoices in your salvation!
2 You have given him his heart’s desire,
and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah.
3 For you meet him with the blessings of goodness.
You set a crown of fine gold on his head.
4 He asked life of you, you gave it to him,
even length of days forever and ever.
5 His glory is great in your salvation.
You lay honor and majesty on him.
6 For you make him most blessed forever.
You make him glad with joy in your presence.
7 For the king trusts in Yahweh.
Through the loving kindness of the Most High, he shall not be moved.
8 Your hand will find out all of your enemies.
Your right hand will find out those who hate you.
9 You will make them as a fiery furnace in the time of your anger.
Yahweh will swallow them up in his wrath.
The fire shall devour them.
10 You will destroy their descendants from the earth,
their posterity from among the children of men.
11 For they intended evil against you.
They plotted evil against you which cannot succeed.
12 For you will make them turn their back
when you aim drawn bows at their face.
13 Be exalted, Yahweh, in your strength!
So we will sing and praise your power.
Background and Details of Psalm 21
Psalm 21 is a royal psalm, likely composed by King David, celebrating God’s favor, protection, and victory granted to the king. It is often considered a continuation of Psalm 20, where prayers were offered for the king’s success. Here, the psalmist rejoices in God’s answered prayers and victorious deliverance.
Key Themes:
- Rejoicing in God’s Strength: The psalm begins with praise for Yahweh’s power in granting victory to the king.
- God’s Blessings on the King: The psalm speaks of divine favor, granting the king long life, honor, and majesty.
- Judgment on Enemies: The second half shifts focus to God’s justice against those who oppose Him and His anointed.
- God’s Sovereignty: The psalm ends with a call to exalt the Lord’s strength and sing His praises.
Historical Context:
This psalm likely reflects David’s experiences as a victorious king, possibly after a military triumph. It also carries Messianic overtones, as aspects of the king’s reign (such as eternal life and ultimate triumph) point forward to Jesus Christ.
Connections to Other Scriptures:
- 2 Samuel 7:16 – God’s covenant with David about his everlasting throne.
- Psalm 2 – Similar themes of divine anointing and judgment on enemies.
- Revelation 19:11-16 – Christ as the victorious King of Kings, executing judgment.
Prayer Inspired by Psalm 21
Heavenly Father,
I rejoice in Your strength and salvation, for You are my refuge and King. You hear the desires of my heart and bless me with Your goodness. You have crowned me with Your mercy and have given me life through Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Lord, I trust in You, for Your love is steadfast, and Your promises are sure. Keep me firm in faith, unshaken by trials, and victorious over the enemies of my soul. Let my heart be filled with praise for Your power and righteousness.
Be exalted, O Lord, in Your strength! Let my life be a song of worship to You, for You reign forever. Amen.
5 Questions to Test Understanding of Psalm 21
- How does Psalm 21 describe the king’s reaction to God’s strength and salvation?
- What blessings does God grant the king in Psalm 21?
- How does the psalm contrast the fate of the king and his enemies?
- What is the significance of the phrase “length of days forever and ever” in verse 4?
- How does Psalm 21 point forward to Jesus Christ?
Is Psalm 21 Referenced in the New Testament?
Psalm 21 is not directly quoted in the New Testament, but its themes align with New Testament teachings about Jesus as the victorious King.
Connections to Jesus in the New Testament:
- Verse 4 (“length of days forever and ever”) points to Christ’s eternal reign (Luke 1:32-33).
- The king’s exaltation and majesty (v. 5-6) reflect Christ’s glorification (Philippians 2:9-11).
- The destruction of enemies (v. 8-12) aligns with Jesus’ final victory over evil (Revelation 19:15-21).
Psalm 21 ultimately foreshadows Christ, the true King who triumphs over sin and death.