Psalm 21

1. Reading the psalm straight through, there is an obvious change from verse 6 to 7. Verses 1-6 are a statement of thanksgiving for a victory. Beginning with verse 7, though, David uses that confidence in God to anticipate future victories for God’s people.

2. The end of verse 1 uses a phrase that is used (in similar language) throughout the psalms: “In Your salvation how greatly he [the king] will rejoice.” Notice that it is “God’s salvation,” not our own. When we are saved, we should rejoice!

3. Verse 3 speaks of God’s blessings and uses a phrase to describe superior blessings from God: “You set a crown of fine gold on his head.” When God gives, He gives the very best.

4. Many commentators believe that the end of verse 4 (“length of days forever and ever”) is a petition to God for the continuation of David’s throne, or dynasty.

5. In verses 5 and 6, we again see David’s realization that any praise he got as king was only because God had made him king. David knew it was not wrong to accept the praise due a leader, but he also knew he needed to remind people to praise God above all.

6. Verse 8 shows David’s trust of God in battle. David completely understood that he still had to do things in battle, but this verse shows us that he knew God would play a major role in the battles to be fought.

7. Verse 11 is a verse that can have modern applications if it is not taken too far. People can do evil things (such as terrorist attacks or pushing evil political agendas) and succeed, but they will not ultimately succeed.

8. Verse 13 again ends a psalm by talking about singing to God because of how good He is. This is still our purpose in singing today.