Psalm 20 (19):1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This title is widely recognized; it is not Christ who is addressing us; rather, the prophet articulates a desire and prophecy concerning Christ’s future.

The Psalm is spoken as though by David's companions, who are expressing their kindness towards him for offering the sacrifice. However, it is also connected to the Apostles, as if it were proclaimed on the day of the crucifixion.

In a time when Sennacherib invaded Judah with a formidable army, he dispatched Rapsacus to besiege Jerusalem and sent a letter to King Hezekiah filled with vile blasphemies. Righteous Hezekiah, a man clothed in godliness, received this letter and, seeking the intercession of the prophet Isaiah, entered the sacred temple. There, he opened the letter and laid it before the Lord, articulating the iniquity of his adversaries and imploring God to display His might against the Assyrians due to the slander contained in their message. The blessed David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, prophesied this for many ages, composing a psalm that envisions the people united in prayer with the king, earnestly requesting that God would grant his plea.

This psalm begins with the phrase "unto the end," as it foretells future events that would culminate during King Hezekiah's reign. The Assyrian king, Sennacherib, through his commander Rapsacus, uttered blasphemous statements recorded in the fourth book of Kings. Distressed by these affronts, Hezekiah sought refuge by presenting these insults before the Lord in the sacred temple. The king’s allies, including the prophet Isaiah, witnessing his grief and deep sorrow, cried out in an echo of the sentiments expressed in this psalm, pleading with God to grant the king forgiveness. It is noteworthy, dear reader, that divine grace revealed to David not only the occurrences that were yet to unfold but also the very words spoken by Hezekiah's companions.

In the name of the saints, the entire psalm offers prayers directed toward Christ. For when He removed all sin through His human experience for our benefit, we were taught to pray alongside Him, addressing the Father, interceding on our behalf, and shielding us from both seen and unseen adversaries.

To conclude, a psalm attributed to David. The church universally offers a prayer for the king of Israel as he journeys out to battle, alongside expressions of gratitude for the triumph achieved over adversaries. Some suggest that this hymn refers to a different sovereign rather than David himself. Conversely, others believe that David composed this song concerning himself, not as an individual declaration but representing his people as he faced his foes. Both interpretations hold validity.

Psalm 19 serves as an earnest appeal from the entire nation of Israel, unified as one entity, for the bestowal of triumph upon the king as he prepares to confront powerful adversaries. It remains unclear whether this psalm was specifically composed for a particular event, such as prior to the conflict with the Syro-Amonites, or if it was designated for such circumstances in general. What is evident is that it was intended to be sung at the tabernacle during sacrifice, and in the presence of the king heading into battle. The people yearn for their king, who prays and offers sacrifices, to experience divine assistance amid his current hardships, trusting that God will graciously accept his offerings in times of sorrow.

To the saints in the sacred text. Although the prayer contained within is intended for the well-being of the sovereign during wartime, the profound mystery primarily revolves around Christ the Lord, His role as King of kings (Rev. 19:16), His suffering against the forces of evil, and His atoning sacrifice. As the Shepherd of the future blessings, He offered Himself as a flawless sacrifice to God the Father on the cross, thus providing eternal redemption for humanity through His precious blood (Heb. 9:11-14; 10:12). He also bestowed the privilege upon those who revere Him to be called the children of God.

The second antiphon includes verses 2, 3, and 5 from Psalm 19, where the community extends blessings and prayers to their sovereign as he prepares for battle.