Psalms 20:2
Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׁלַֽח
Send
H7971
יִשְׁלַֽח
Send
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 5
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
מִקֹּ֑דֶשׁ
from the sanctuary
H6944
מִקֹּ֑דֶשׁ
from the sanctuary
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
3 of 5
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
Cross References
1 Kings 6:16And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls with boards of cedar: he even built them for it within, even for the oracle, even for the most holy place.Isaiah 14:32What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.Isaiah 12:6Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
Historical Context
Written for liturgical use when Israel's king went to war. The sanctuary/Zion reference indicates prayer offered at the temple seeking divine intervention.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you seek help from God's presence in trials?
- What does Christ's intercession mean for your current challenges?
Analysis & Commentary
The prayer that God 'send help from the sanctuary' and 'give support from Zion' connects earthly and heavenly. The Hebrew 'ezer' (help) and 'sa'ad' (support/sustain) request divine aid. The sanctuary represents God's presence. This anticipates the New Testament teaching that believers' help comes from Christ's heavenly intercession (Hebrews 7:25) and the Holy Spirit as our Helper (John 14:16).