Psalms 21 — Tyndale Study Notes
Ps.20.1-24.10
This sequence of psalms expresses the experience of moving from confidence and commitment (Pss 20–21), through anguish and abandonment (Ps 22), and finally to comfort, insight, and hope (Pss 23–24).
Ps.21.1-13
God’s people thank him for giving victory to the king.
Ps.21.2
The king has experienced his heart’s desire—God’s protection and blessing (see 20:5; see also 2:8).
Ps.21.3-6
The king returned victorious from battle and received honor from the people. His greatest honor came from God, who gave him blessings, life, and his presence.
Ps.21.3
success and prosperity: See Prov 10:6.
Ps.21.4
God offers a rich quality of life (61:6-7; 91:14-16; 128:4-6) characterized by his presence (16:11; 23:6; 27:4; 36:9), joy (16:11), goodness (23:6; 34:14-15), and protection (41:2; 61:7).
Ps.21.6
God’s eternal blessings also bring fullness of life in the present (see Ps 133).
Ps.21.7
The king enjoyed victory not because of his strength or intrinsic goodness but because God honored his faith.
Ps.21.8-12
As long as even a single enemy opposed the king’s authority, God’s kingdom was not fully present. This prayer requests victory over all evil in the world.
Ps.21.9
The flaming furnace and fire portray the severity of God’s judgment on the wicked. In the Old Testament, this image often refers to hell (11:6; 18:8; 50:3; 68:2; 78:21; 79:5; 80:16; 89:46; 97:3; 104:4; 140:10; see Isa 66:24).
Ps.21.10
children . . . descendants: Evil will end when God destroys all opposition to himself (109:13; cp. 18:50; 22:30-31; 25:13; 102:28).
Ps.21.13
Rise up (or be exalted, as in 57:5, 11; 108:5) expresses communal praise and joy in God’s greatness and power.