Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Psalm 20:7
This ancient Psalm represents inspired words from a king’s heart for a people facing a formidable task. The narrative of David’s life, despite the crown on his head or the faith in his heart, was often characterized by immense challenges. But his life’s narrative always seemed to settle upon relentless trust in God. Psalm 20 reflects such faithful resolve.
The narrative behind this psalm tells of the faithful response by the king and those associated with him facing a military conflict (perhaps with the Syrians, a horrific and fierce enemy). The Psalm was likely a formal litany as David offered sacrifices in preparation for battle.
The first four verses of Psalm 20 reflect the hope of God’s protection and provision: “may God set you secure . . . may He send you help and support you . . . may He make all your plans succeed.” Perhaps David spoke these words, for beginning in verse 5, the people seemed to echo his message of hope: “we will sing for joy over your victory.” And the people seemed to answer their leader again in verse 7: “some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.”
I am taken by the simple yet powerful trust in this one statement: we will boast in the name of the Lord our God. Consider the literal rendering of this verse from the Hebrew text: “these in their chariots and those in their horses, but we remember the name of the Lord our God.” The shear contrast of securities announced such a powerful message of hope: others have their chariots and horses (characterizing a highly advanced and well-equipped enemy), but we boast in this one thing, the name of the Lord our God. The worshippers announced that their security was firmly fixed on the name of Jehovah. This gave hope and assured victory. The psalm concluded as if what was hoped for had already been achieved (v.8): “they have bowed down and fallen, but we have risen and stood upright.”
In heated moments of uncertainty and in the face of significant challenges, the things we depend upon become very clear. Today, we must honestly assess where we have placed our hope. Upon what do we regularly depend to gain security in our hearts? How easy does it become for us to look for the next chariot or horse instead of intentionally and immediately resting in the name of the Lord our God?
The idea of trusting in the name of the Lord can also be understood as “remembering” the name of the Lord. Historically, as represented in this psalm, one’s name always represented the full attributes of one’s character. When God’s people joyfully cried out, “we will trust in the name of the Lord our God,” they essentially announced, we will remember who our God is and who He has proven to be for us.
Will you fall treacherously back to depending upon the tangible things of this world, and in people of power and influence? Or will you fully and absolutely trust only in the name of your God, remembering who He is and what He has already accomplished for you through Jesus Christ our Lord? This is no time for trusting in the possibilities that man promises. Trust in God completely. For indeed there is no other hope.
Blessings.
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Read Psalm 20:1-9 and be blessed as God’s Word renews your trust in Him.
