Psalms 21:2
Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah.
Original Language Analysis
תַּאֲוַ֣ת
desire
H8378
תַּאֲוַ֣ת
desire
Strong's:
H8378
Word #:
1 of 9
a longing; by implication, a delight (subjectively, satisfaction, objectively, a charm)
לִ֭בּוֹ
him his heart's
H3820
לִ֭בּוֹ
him his heart's
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
2 of 9
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
נָתַ֣תָּה
Thou hast given
H5414
נָתַ֣תָּה
Thou hast given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 9
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו
of his lips
H8193
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו
of his lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
6 of 9
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
בַּל
H1077
בַּל
Strong's:
H1077
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
Historical Context
Psalm 21 is a thanksgiving psalm, likely sung after military victory. It celebrates God's faithfulness in answering the prayers of Psalm 20. The historical king (likely David or Solomon) serves as a type of Christ, the ultimate King whose requests are always granted because He perfectly obeys the Father.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's sovereignty shape the way you pray?
- What does it mean for your desires to be transformed by God's Word?
Analysis & Commentary
God's granting of the king's heart's desire demonstrates the Reformed doctrine of prayer's efficacy within divine sovereignty. The 'Selah' pause invites meditation on this profound truth: God answers prayers according to His perfect will. The king's desires are granted because they align with God's purposes, illustrating that sanctified hearts desire what God has decreed. This points ultimately to Christ, the perfect King whose desires were wholly aligned with the Father's will.