Psalms 20:6
Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The concept of the 'LORD's anointed' was central to Israel's political theology. When Samuel anointed Saul and later David, he established a sacred kingship where the monarch served as God's vice-regent (1 Samuel 10:1, 16:13). This anointing wasn't merely ceremonial—it signified divine calling, protection, and empowerment. Attacking or harming the LORD's anointed was viewed as sacrilege (1 Samuel 24:6, 26:9), which is why David refused to kill Saul despite having opportunity.
The Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7) elevated this theology further—God promised David an eternal dynasty, and subsequent kings were seen as continuing this covenant line. Even as the monarchy declined and Israel faced exile, prophetic hope centered on a future ideal king, the Messiah, who would perfectly fulfill the role of the LORD's anointed. Psalm 20 participates in this messianic hope, and Jewish readers in the Second Temple period would have read it with eschatological expectation.
'His holy heaven' contrasts earthly temples with God's true dwelling. While God symbolically resided in Jerusalem's temple, His actual throne was in heaven. This theological tension—God's immanence and transcendence—permeates Israel's worship. God is both near (dwelling among His people) and far (enthroned above the heavens). The verse assures that God hears from His celestial throne and acts with heavenly power, making earthly opposition futile.
Questions for Reflection
- What circumstances in your life have moved you from petition to certainty in God's faithfulness?
- How does understanding Jesus as the ultimate 'LORD's anointed' deepen your appreciation of His kingship?
- In what ways have you experienced 'the saving strength of His right hand' in your life?
- How should the knowledge that Christ sits at God's right hand interceding for you affect your prayer life?
- What 'holy heaven' perspective do you need to gain on your current earthly troubles?
Analysis & Commentary
Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. This verse marks a turning point—the shift from petition to certainty. 'Now know I' (atah yadati, עַתָּה יָדַעְתִּי) expresses immediate, confident knowledge, possibly in response to a prophetic oracle delivered during the worship service. In ancient Israel, priests or prophets would often deliver divine assurances during liturgical prayers, and this verse likely responds to such an oracle.
'His anointed' (meshicho, מְשִׁיחוֹ) is the Hebrew word 'Messiah,' referring here to the Davidic king who was anointed with oil as a sign of divine election. Every Davidic king was technically 'the LORD's anointed,' a sacred figure who represented God's rule over Israel. This anointing theology reaches its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the ultimate Anointed One, who is both priest and king.
'The saving strength of his right hand' uses gevurot yesha (גְּבוּרֹת יְשַׁע), literally 'the mighty acts of salvation.' The right hand symbolizes power and favor in biblical literature. God's right hand delivers, protects, and exalts His people (Exodus 15:6, Psalm 98:1). For Christians, this points to Christ's position at God's right hand (Mark 16:19, Hebrews 1:3), from where He intercedes for us and exercises divine power. The salvation spoken here is both temporal deliverance and eternal redemption.