What a cool psalm! And a fascinating one that it seems the king of David prayed over his troops before the headed off to war.
“May Yahweh answer you in a ay of trouble may the name of Jacob’s God protect you” (v. 1)
That opening verse feels almost like what a parent might pray over a child when they leave home. David goes on…
“May he give you what your heart desires and fulfill your whole purpose” (v. 4).
That verse really struck me. Isn’t that what we all long for? Fulfillment and purpose?
And then David really shows what makes him a good leader. Even with all his military might, he knows where his strength is from. He knows who gets the victory. He knows where the glory belongs.
“Some take pride in chariots, and others in horses, but we take pride in the name of Yahweh our God” (v. 7).
David is not going to put his confidence in his tanks, his ships, or his modern technology for war, but rather his boasting is that they know and love the Lord. They are His people. That’s what matters. Military might is nothing compared to God Almighty.
“They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand firm. LORD, give victory to the king! May He answer us on the day that we call” (v. 9).
