Psalms 20:4
Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.
Original Language Analysis
יִֽתֶּן
Grant
H5414
יִֽתֶּן
Grant
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 6
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
כִלְבָבֶ֑ךָ
thee according to thine own heart
H3824
כִלְבָבֶ֑ךָ
thee according to thine own heart
Strong's:
H3824
Word #:
3 of 6
the heart (as the most interior organ)
וְֽכָל
H3605
וְֽכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Psalms 145:19He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.Psalms 37:4Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.Psalms 21:2Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah.Matthew 21:22And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.John 16:23And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.Proverbs 11:23The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.John 11:42And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
Historical Context
Written in the context of Israel's monarchy, likely composed for use before battle when the king sought divine blessing. The congregation would pray this for their anointed leader, recognizing that victory depended entirely on God's favor rather than military might.
Questions for Reflection
- How do your heart's desires align with God's revealed will in Scripture?
- In what ways do you seek God's sovereign guidance before major decisions?
Analysis & Commentary
This royal psalm intercedes for the king, praying that God would grant the desires aligned with His will. The Hebrew word for 'counsel' (etzah) suggests divine purpose and plan. From a Reformed perspective, this verse illustrates that God sovereignly ordains the king's success, not through human strength but through divine favor. The prayer acknowledges that righteous desires originate from God and are fulfilled by God, demonstrating the doctrine of divine sovereignty in human affairs.