ALPHA MAAMA (A.M.)

 Pulelulu Novema 10, 2021

May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble

KE tali mai koe ‘e Sihova ‘i he ‘aho ‘o e faingata‘a

Saame 20-21 (Psalm 20-21)

(v. 1-3) KE tali mai koe ‘e Sihova ‘i he ‘aho ‘o e faingata‘a; Ke hoko ‘a e huafa ‘o e ‘Otua ‘o Sēkope ko ho kolo mā‘olunga; Ke fekau atu hao tokoni mei he fale tapu, ‘Io, ke ha‘u mei Saione ho poupou; Ke ne manatu kotoa ho‘o ngaahi feilaulau, Mo finangalo lelei ki ho‘o ngaahi feilaulau tutu, (Sila)

(v. 1-3) May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion! May he remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices!

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

Psalm 20

This and the next psalms are certainly closely connected. The first is the prayer of the people on behalf of the king as he goes forth to battle. The first five verses were sung in chorus and express the consciousness of the supreme need in this day of trouble. The foes are gathered, the battle must be fought. Help must come from the sanctuary and strength from Zion. In the name of God the banners must be set up. The next verse is a solo. The voice of the king is heard announcing his confidence in Jehovah. Immediately the chorus takes up the music and contrasts the confidence of the foe in chariots and horses with the confidence of those who follow the king in the name of Jehovah, who is their God.

Following the contrast of confidence is that of issue: They are bowed down and fallen; But we are risen, and stand upright.

The whole ends with a prayer in such form as recognizes the kingship of Jehovah. Today, the weapons of our warfare are no longer carnal, but we have a conflict to wage and the secrets of strength for us are revealed as clearly here as for those of olden times.

Psalm 21

The battle is over, the victory is won, and the assembled people sing the song of victory. This song, while it celebrates one victory, runs beyond it and praises Jehovah for all He has done for the king. They had prayed, "Grant thee thy heart's desire" (20:4). The prayer is answered and now they sing, 'Thou hast given him his heart's desire" (21:2). They had sung of victory because their trust was in the name of Jehovah (20:7,8). Victory has been won and now they celebrate it (21:7-12).

The contrast is very vivid between the king trusting in Jehovah and therefore sustained, supplied, and led in triumph; and the enemies who intended evil against Jehovah and who are swallowed up and destroyed and utterly overcome. From the experience of the king the whole nation learns its lesson. The opening declaration, "The king shall joy in Thy strength," issues in the final prayer, "Be Thou exalted, 0 Jehovah, in Thy strength: so will we sing and praise Thy power."

Again let us remember our conflict is spiritual and still the ancient hymn is ours, for our King also triumphed through the strength of Jehovah and to our final victories we follow in His train.