Psalm 21

“The king shall have joy in Your strength” (vs. 1-6)—In the first six verses of this song, David praises the Lord for the many blessings He has showered upon the king. Joy and rejoicing are found in the strength and salvation of Jehovah (v. 1). The Lord gave him the delights of his heart and answered his prayer (v. 2). David recognizes that goodness comes from the Lord, and there are no impurities in the blessings He gives—“ a crown of pure gold” (v. 3). Long life is also a gift from God (v. 4). Glory, honor, majesty—all of these “You have placed upon him” (David, v. 5). Blessedness and “exceeding” gladness are found in Jehovah’s presence (v. 6). Do we remember to thank the Lord for the joy, strength, gladness, salvation, purity of His blessings, life that we enjoy, and glory that He favors us with daily? Material items are wonderful; spiritual blessings are far superior, however.

The Lord and His enemies (vs. 7-12)—There is no hope in fighting against God. David knows it; he trusts in Jehovah and knows that “through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved” (v. 7). David never forgot the mercy of the Lord. Contrariwise, the Lord’s enemies will not escape; “Your right hand will find those who hate You” (v. 8). He will make them as a “fiery oven,” and “shall swallow them up in His wrath.” “Fire shall devour them” (v. 9). As indescribable as the love of God is, He is also a wrathful God to those who oppose Him. Even the enemy’s offspring will be destroyed (v. 10), and the reason for this vengeance is found in verse 11: “For they intended evil against You; They devised a plot which they are not able to perform.” All evil is ultimately against the Lord, a rejection of His word and direction. The “plot” of the wicked will eventually come to naught. The Lord will prepare them for His punishment (v. 12). These poetic verses indicate Jehovah’s anger with the ungodly and the ultimate vanity of that way of life.

A final benediction (v. 13)—“ Be exalted, O LORD, in Your own strength! We will sing and praise Your power.” Men should indeed exalt the Lord, and sing and praise the power He has to effect His will in our lives, if we will only let Him.