Praise for God’s Blessings

“Lord, the king will rejoice in Your strength,
And how greatly he will rejoice in Your salvation!
You have given him his heart’s desire,
And You have not withheld the request of his lips.” Selah

God’s Favor Upon the King

“For You meet him with the blessings of good things;
You set a crown of pure gold on his head.
He asked for life from You, You gave it to him,
Length of days forever and ever.
His glory is great through Your salvation,
Splendor and majesty You place upon him.
For You make him most blessed forever;
You make him joyful with the joy of Your presence.”

The King’s Trust and Stability

“For the king trusts in the Lord,
And through the faithfulness of the Most High he will not be shaken.”

God’s Judgment on the Wicked

“Your hand will find all your enemies;
Your right hand will find those who hate you.
You will make them as a fiery oven in the time of your anger;
The Lord will swallow them up in His wrath,
And fire will devour them.
You will eliminate their descendants from the earth,
And their children from among the sons of mankind.
Though they intended evil against You
And devised a plot,
They will not succeed.
For You will make them turn their back;
You will take aim at their faces with Your bowstrings.”

Closing Praise

“Be exalted, Lord, in Your strength;
We will sing and praise Your power.”

---

Context and Meaning

Psalm 21 is a royal psalm of thanksgiving, likely following a victorious battle. It celebrates God’s answers to prayer, especially as seen in the blessings upon the king, while also acknowledging God’s judgment against His enemies.

Key Themes:

1. Rejoicing in God’s Strength and Salvation: The psalm opens with joyful gratitude for God’s power and deliverance (v. 1–2).
2. God’s Favor Brings Lasting Honor: The king receives blessing, life, honor, and joy from God’s presence (v. 3–6).
3. Trust in God Brings Stability: The king is not shaken, not because of his own might, but because of trust in the Most High (v. 7).
4. God Will Judge the Wicked: Those who plot against God and His people will be overthrown and consumed by divine justice (v. 8–12).
5. Praise is the Right Response: The psalm ends by calling everyone to worship and praise God’s strength (v. 13).

This psalm complements Psalm 20—one prays for victory, the other thanks God for it.

---

Reflection and Impact

Psalm 21 reminds us that God is the source of every victory, blessing, and lasting joy:

• Every Good Gift Comes from God: Whether strength, life, or honor—it’s all evidence of God’s goodness (James 1:17).
• Victory Should Lead to Worship: When prayers are answered, don’t forget to return thanks and glorify God (Luke 17:15-18).
• Joy is Found in God’s Presence: True and lasting joy doesn’t come from victory alone, but from knowing and walking with God (Psalm 16:11).
• God Judges the Wicked Justly: Those who oppose God’s people and purposes will not prevail—God sees and acts righteously (Romans 12:19).

This psalm helps cultivate a heart of gratitude, humility, and awe toward God’s power and faithfulness.

---

Application

• Celebrate God’s Blessings Daily: Even small victories are a reason to give thanks and praise (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
• Trust in God’s Strength, Not Your Own: Just as the king is strong through God, so we find our strength in Him alone (Ephesians 6:10).
• Rejoice in God’s Presence More Than Results: Let your greatest joy be in God Himself, not just in what He gives (Philippians 4:4).
• Stay Humble in Victory: When you experience success, acknowledge God’s hand in it and give Him the glory (Proverbs 3:5-6).

---

Closing Thought

Psalm 21 is a reminder that the victories of life are not the result of our might, but of God’s mercy and strength. May we always respond with joyful worship, saying:
“Be exalted, Lord, in Your strength; we will sing and praise Your power.”