Psalms 21 God's Justice and the End of Evil

Analysis of Psalms Chapter 21

Psalms Chapter 21 is a royal psalm attributed to King David, rejoicing in God’s strength and the victories He has granted to the king. This psalm can be divided into two primary sections: the first part (verses 1-7) celebrates God’s power in delivering and blessing the king, while the second part (verses 8-13) represents a confident anticipation of future triumphs against enemies through divine intervention.

Verses 1-7: Thanksgiving for God’s Favor

Verse 1: “The king shall joy in thy strength, O Lord; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!”

This opening verse establishes the theme of joy and gratitude for God’s strength and the salvation He provides. The use of “joy” and “rejoice” emphasizes an instinctual response of happiness and thankfulness from the king, highlighting that his confidence and morale are directly dependent on God’s favor. The phrase “thy strength” underscores that it is not the king’s personal might but God’s power that has brought victory and joy.

Verse 2: “Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah.”

The king’s desires and requests are fulfilled by God, suggesting a deep alignment between the king’s prayers and God’s will. The word “Selah” invites the reader to pause and reflect on the gracious favors God has granted. This verse suggests profound intimacy and harmony in the king’s relationship with God, where prayers are not only heard but also answered.

Verse 3: “For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head.”

The term “preventest” in this context means “to precede” or “go before.” God’s blessings reach the king even before he can anticipate them. The “crown of pure gold” is symbolic of honor, authority, and the divine endorsement of kingship, emphasizing that the king’s honor comes from God and not human effort.

Verse 4: “He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever.”

This verse highlights the eternal nature of the blessings bestowed by God. While the king prays for life, God grants him not just longevity but eternal blessings, hinting at the messianic hope and the everlasting kingdom that would come through David’s lineage.

Verse 5: “His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him.”

Here, the king’s glory is derived from God’s salvation, signifying that the royal splendor is a reflection of divine intervention. “Honour and majesty” bestowed by God affirm the idea that true nobility and greatness are granted by divinity. This reinforces the concept of theocracy, where God is the ultimate sovereign who bestows glory upon His chosen rulers.

Verse 6: “For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.”

The king is described as “most blessed forever,” underlining an eternal blessing, an idea that transcends temporal victories. The phrase “exceeding glad with thy countenance” suggests that the king’s happiness is deeply rooted in the presence and favor of God. This verse points to a special relationship where the king’s well-being is tied to divine benevolence.

Verse 7: “For the king trusteth in the Lord, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.”

This verse acts as a summary of the first part, emphasizing the king’s trust in God and the stability that comes from divine mercy. The assurance “he shall not be moved” speaks to the unshakable confidence and security that stems from reliance on God’s steadfast love and faithfulness.

Verses 8-13: Prophetic Assurance and Future Victory

Verse 8: “Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.”

This verse shifts from thanksgiving to a prophetic assurance of God’s judgment upon enemies. The “right hand” symbolizes power and justice, implying that God’s omnipotence will expose and deal with all adversaries. This highlights divine retribution, emphasizing that no enemy can escape God’s reach.

Verse 9: “Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the Lord shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.”

The imagery of a “fiery oven” and being devoured by fire conveys intense divine judgment. “Swallow them up in his wrath” evokes a sense of total and overwhelming retribution. This verse reaffirms God’s sovereignty in executing justice and His active role in protecting His anointed ones by dealing ruthlessly with their foes.

Verse 10: “Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men.”

This verse suggests a complete eradication of the wicked, extending beyond them to their posterity. “Fruit” and “seed” here signify continuity and legacy. By cutting off their descendants, God ensures the elimination of evil from the lineage, showcasing His commitment to purging iniquity and upholding righteousness for future generations.

Verse 11: “For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able to perform.”

The intentions of the enemies are laid bare. Their evil schemes are futile against God’s omnipotence. This verse serves as a reminder of the protection that divine providence offers, ensuring that no plot against His chosen can come to fruition.

Verse 12: “Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them.”

The turning of backs signifies retreat and defeat. God’s preparation of “arrows” symbolizes His readiness to defend His people and strike down adversaries. This vivid imagery portrays God’s proactive defense and the certainty of the failure of the wicked.

Verse 13: “Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.”

The concluding verse returns to a theme of worship and praise. The exaltation of God “in thine own strength” emphasizes that all the victories and acts of justice are solely attributed to His power. The response of the people, “we will sing and praise thy power,” reaffirms their acknowledgment of God’s omnipotence and their devotion to Him.

Overall Themes and Insights

Psalms Chapter 21 is a rich tapestry woven with themes of divine strength, royal gratitude, and assured victory. Its structure from thanksgiving to prophetic assurance presents a well-rounded view of the relationship between God and His anointed king. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Dependence on Divine Strength: The chapter repeatedly underscores that true strength and victory come from God. The king’s recognition of this divine source is fundamental to his reign and success.
2. Answered Prayers and Divine Favor: The psalm celebrates the intimate relationship between the king and God, characterized by answered prayers and bestowed blessings. This signifies the alignment between the king’s desires and God’s will.
3. Eternal Nature of Blessings: The passage suggests that the blessings conferred by God are eternal, pointing to a messianic hope and the enduring nature of God’s promises.
4. Divine Justice and Protection: The detailed depiction of God’s judgment against enemies reinforces the belief in divine vindication and the protection afforded to His chosen ones.
5. Response of Praise: The chapter concludes with a call to praise, highlighting the appropriate response to God’s mighty acts and strength. Worship becomes the natural response to recognizing God’s sovereignty and benevolence.

Psalms Chapter 21 thus encapsulates a robust theology of divine kingship, where human authority and success are seen as derivative of divine power and favor. It invites readers to contemplate the alignment of their own desires with God’s will, the surety of divine protection against adversaries, and the importance of praise and thanksgiving as responses to God’s unfailing strength and justice.