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Psalm 21

Thanksgiving for Victory

To the leader. A Psalm of David.

In your strength the king rejoices, O L ord,

and in your help how greatly he exults!

You have given him his heart’s desire,

and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah

For you meet him with rich blessings;

you set a crown of fine gold on his head.

He asked you for life; you gave it to him—

length of days forever and ever.

His glory is great through your help;

splendor and majesty you bestow on him.

You bestow on him blessings forever;

you make him glad with the joy of your presence.

For the king trusts in the L ord,

and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.

Your hand will find out all your enemies;

your right hand will find out those who hate you.

You will make them like a fiery furnace

when you appear.

The L ord will swallow them up in his wrath,

and fire will consume them.

You will destroy their offspring from the earth,

and their children from among humankind.

If they plan evil against you,

if they devise mischief, they will not succeed.

For you will put them to flight;

you will aim at their faces with your bows.

Be exalted, O L ord, in your strength!

We will sing and praise your power.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

13. Raise thyself, O Jehovah! The psalm is at length concluded with a prayer, which again confirms that the kingdom which is spoken of is so connected with the glory of God, that his power is reflected from it. This was no doubt true with respect to the kingdom of David; for God in old time displayed his power in exalting him to the throne. But what is here stated was only fully accomplished in Christ, who was appointed by the heavenly Father to be King over us, and who is at the same time God manifest in the flesh. As his divine power ought justly to strike terror into the wicked, so it is described as full of the sweetest consolation to us, which ought to inspire us with joy, and incite us to celebrate it with songs of praise and thanksgivings.