Psalms 20:1
The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
Psalms 20:1: "The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;"
Psalm 20 is a communal prayer for deliverance as Israel faces enemies or danger. This opening verse invokes God’s attentive hearing in trouble and invokes the protective name of the God of Jacob. The reference to Jacob’s God ties deliverance to covenant faithfulness and God’s historical acts of salvation for Israel. The verse functions as a blessing from a community priestly role, setting hope in divine intervention rather than human prowess.
It emphasizes God’s sovereignty and availability in times of distress. The “name” of God represents His character and blessing—an assurance that God acts in accordance with who He is. The verse reinforces trust in the covenant God who has acted in history to save and defend. It also contrasts human reliance on power (see v. 7) with dependence on divine protection.
When trouble arises—job loss, illness, conflict—repeat this blessing over yourself or others. Pray for God to hear, to act, and to defend. Rely less on human strategies and more on God’s historic faithfulness. Example: in a workplace conflict, rather than conjuring a legalistic plan, pause to seek God’s protection and guidance, and ask for divine intervention to restore peace.
Cross-References
- Psalm 46:1
- Psalm 3:3-4
- Psalm 91:14-15
- Psalm 20:7
- Isaiah 41:10