Monday, July 29 – Psalms 20, 65

1. On what day does David ask The Lord to listen to you? (Psalm 20:1)

2. What is better than trusting in human strength and resources? (Psalm 20:7)

3. What does David want to be filled with? (Psalm 65:4)

Commentary and Reflection:

Regarding Psalm 20, the Adventist Bible Commentary states:

“Ps. 20, 21 are companion psalms of liturgical type, the former doubtless to be sung on behalf of the king as he was about to go to war; the latter to be sung on his victorious return. Ps. 20 suggests antiphonal arrangement for the ritual of the service: vs. 1-5 to be sung by the congregation, vs. 6-8 by the king or perhaps a Levite, v. 9 by the people. The superscription of the Syriac version says that it was composed at the time of David’s war with the Syrians and Ammonites (2 Sam. 10).” Adventist Bible Commentary, Introduction to Psalm 20

Psalm 20 is a beautiful prayer. I often read it to the sick I visit, and I can practically recite it from memory. What beautiful words: “May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob defend you. May He send you to help from the sanctuary and strengthen you out of Zion? May He remember all your offerings and accept your burnt sacrifice.” “Selah,” make a pause to take this in.  (Psalm 20:1-3)

The mighty trust in their power and resources, but we remember the name of the Lord our God. I pray that the King hears you when you call upon Him in your need.

Regarding Psalm 65, the Adventist Bible Commentary states:

“Psalm 65 has been called a glorious harvest hymn of praise to God. Its three divisions express praise to God for (1) His moral qualities (vs. 1-4), (2) His power and majesty in nature (vs. 5-8), and (3) the abundant harvest (vs. 9-13). The third section is one of the most exquisite exhibits of idyllic nature poetry in the psalms.” Adventist Bible Commentary, Introduction to Psalm 65

David proclaims the blessing of going to the God’s House:

“Blessed is the man You choose,
And cause to approach You,
That he may dwell in Your courts.
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house,
Of Your holy temple.” (Psalm 65:4)

When we go to the House of God, we receive a blessing; we are blessed and filled. Do you want this blessing? If you have stayed at home after the pandemic, I encourage you to return to God’s House. You will be blessed and filled. Participating in the service from a distance is not the same as participating in the congregation of the saints. How wonderful it will be to meet with the Lord in His House.

Verses 9–13 poetically describe how God blesses and sustains His creation and how the earth responds with gratitude and praise. May you delight in reading them today.

May you also be abundantly blessed by the Creator on this day, and may you respond with praise.