The Holy See
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New American Bible

2002 11 11
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Chapter 20

1

1 For the leader. A psalm of David.

2

The LORD answer you in time of distress; the name of the God of Jacob defend you!

3

May God send you help from the temple, from Zion be your support.

4

2 May God remember your every offering, graciously accept your holocaust, Selah

5

Grant what is in your heart, fulfill your every plan.

6

3 May we shout for joy at your victory, raise the banners in the name of our God. The LORD grant your every prayer!

7

Now I know victory is given to the anointed of the LORD. God will answer him from the holy heavens with a strong arm that brings victory.

8

Some rely on chariots, others on horses, but we on the name of the LORD our God.

9

They collapse and fall, but we stand strong and firm.

10

LORD, grant victory to the king; answer when we call upon you.

 



1 [Psalm 20] The people pray for the king before battle. The people ask for divine help (⇒ Psalm 20:2-6) and express confidence that such help will be given (⇒ Psalm 20:7-10). A solemn assurance of divine help may well have been given between the two sections in the liturgy, something like the promises of ⇒ Psalm 12:6; ⇒ 21:9-13. The final verse (⇒ Psalm 20:9) [10] echoes the opening verse.



2 [4] Remember: God's remembering implies readiness to act. Cf ⇒ Genesis 8:1; ⇒ Exodus 2:24



3 [6] Victory: the Hebrew root is often translated "salvation," "to save," but in military contexts it can have the specific meaning of "victory."





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