Psalms 20:7 Meaning Explained

Q: What does Psalms 20:7 mean?

The verse highlights that our trust isn't just about what we rely on, but whom we remember; it's not merely about discarding earthly power but actively choosing to celebrate and recall the name of God, making Him our active watchword and source of strength. This active remembrance of God stands in stark contrast to the passive reliance on military might that others might have.

All verses

Psalms 20:7

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The verse highlights that our trust isn't just about what we rely on, but whom we remember; it's not merely about discarding earthly power but actively choosing to celebrate and recall the name of God, making Him our active watchword and source of strength. This active remembrance of God stands in stark contrast to the passive reliance on military might that others might have.

What Psalms 20:7 means

This psalm is a prayer for victory, likely offered before a battle. The psalmist, possibly King David facing a formidable enemy like the Syrians known for their chariots and horses, contrasts worldly sources of power with reliance on God. The verses immediately preceding and following emphasize God's saving strength and the downfall of enemies, highlighting the chosen people's unwavering trust in their divine protector.

The Futility of Worldly Power

When facing overwhelming odds, what do you instinctively lean on? This verse starkly contrasts worldly strength with divine power.

The Power of Contrast

This verse sets up a powerful juxtaposition. On one hand, you have 'chariots and horses' – the cutting-edge military technology and cavalry of ancient warfare. These represented immense power, speed, and intimidation. Nations relied on them for security and victory.

On the other hand, you have 'the name of the LORD our God.' This isn't just a casual mention; it signifies God's very being, His attributes, His power, and His promises. The verse highlights that while many place their ultimate faith in visible, tangible resources, God's people are called to trust in the invisible, omnipotent Creator.

Remembering God's Name: Our True Strength

What does it truly mean to 'remember the name of the LORD our God' in the face of adversity?

More Than Just a Name

To 'remember the name of the LORD our God' is far more than a passive recollection. It's an active declaration of who God is and what He has done.

It's a confession of His Identity: When we remember God's name, we acknowledge His sovereignty, His might, His faithfulness, and His love. It's recalling that He is the all-powerful Creator who is intimately involved in the affairs of His people.
It's a proclamation of His Power: The original language suggests not just remembering, but making mention of or even boasting in God's name. It's about actively declaring our trust, letting others know where our ultimate confidence lies.
It's a shield against fear: In times of war or crisis, the temptation is to look at the overwhelming odds (the chariots and horses). But remembering God's name anchors us, reminding us that He is greater than any earthly threat.

Understand the original words

Original language

trustבָּטַח

batach · Hebrew Verb

To place firm reliance, confidence, or security in someone or something; biblically, it refers to shifting the focus from self or earthly resources to the character and power of God.

nameשֵׁם

shem · Hebrew Noun

Representing the authority, reputation, and character of the person; calling upon the name of the LORD is an act of identifying with His nature and appealing to His revealed attributes and faithfulness.

Historical context

Written: Likely composed during the United Monarchy, possibly around the 10th century BC.
Author: Traditionally attributed to King David, though some scholars suggest a different author or compilation over time.
Location: Written from Jerusalem, likely during a time of conflict or anticipation of war.
Genre: Hebrew poetry, specifically a royal psalm, characterized by parallelism and direct address.

Historical background

This psalm was likely written during a time of intense conflict, possibly against the Ammonites and their allies, a period when the military might of enemy chariots and horses presented a terrifying threat, making the Psalmist's declaration of trust in God a profound act of faith against overwhelming odds.

c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Wars with Ammonites and Syrians
The Ammonites and their Syrian allies invaded Israelite territory, fielding large armies with chariots and cavalry, forcing David to rely entirely on God for victory.
c. 9th century BC
Rise of Syrian Chariot Warfare
Aramean kingdoms, particularly in Syria, became renowned for their powerful chariotry and cavalry forces, posing a significant military threat to surrounding nations.
c. 8th century BC
Assyrian Military Dominance
The Neo-Assyrian Empire rose to power, utilizing sophisticated military tactics and massive armies, including advanced siege warfare and cavalry, which heavily influenced regional conflicts.
c. 6th century BC
Babylonian Deportations
The Neo-Babylonian Empire conquered Judah, exiling many Israelites and destroying Jerusalem, leading to a period where trust in earthly power structures proved futile.

Key themes

01Trust in divine power
02Human reliance on God
03Contrast of worldly vs. godly trust

Cross-references

1 Samuel 17:45

This passage shows David directly contrasting his trust in the 'name of the LORD Almighty' with the Philistine Goliath's reliance on weapons and armor, mirroring the psalm's theme of placing ultimate faith in God over material strength.

Isaiah 31:1-3

Here, the prophet condemns Israel for seeking help from Egypt, which relies on horses and chariots, warning them that such trust is misplaced and will lead to their downfall, reinforcing the psalm's message about the futility of worldly security.

Jeremiah 17:5-8

This passage offers a stark contrast between trusting in man (and by extension, his resources like chariots and horses) and trusting in the LORD, illustrating the blessings of divine reliance versus the curse of self-reliance.

Zechariah 4:6

This verse emphasizes that victory and success do not come by might or power, but by the Spirit of the LORD, directly supporting the psalm's assertion that true strength and security are found in God alone, not in military might.

Scholarly commentary

Psalms 20:7: "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."

Some trust in chariots - The words of the original are short and emphatic: These in chariots; and these in horses; but we will record in the name of Jehovah our God. Or, as the Septuagint, μεγαλυνθησομεθα, "we shall be magnified." Or, as the Vulgate, invocabimus, "we shall invoke the name of the Lord." This and the following verse I suppose to be the words of David and his officers. And…
clarke

Psalms 20:7: "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."

Some trust; or, remember ; which may better be applied out of the next clause. We will remember; or, make mention of , to wit, so as to boast of it, or trust in it; for such things men oft remember or mention.
poole

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What Psalms 20:7 means

Original language

trustבָּטַח

batach · Hebrew Verb

To place firm reliance, confidence, or security in someone or something; biblically, it refers to shifting the focus from self or earthly resources to the character and power of God.

nameשֵׁם

shem · Hebrew Noun

Historical context

Written: Likely composed during the United Monarchy, possibly around the 10th century BC.
Author: Traditionally attributed to King David, though some scholars suggest a different author or compilation over time.
Location: Written from Jerusalem, likely during a time of conflict or anticipation of war.
Genre: Hebrew poetry, specifically a royal psalm, characterized by parallelism and direct address.

Historical background

c. 1000 BC— this verse

David's Wars with Ammonites and Syrians

The Ammonites and their Syrian allies invaded Israelite territory, fielding large armies with chariots and cavalry, forcing David to rely entirely on God for victory.

c. 9th century BC

Rise of Syrian Chariot Warfare

Aramean kingdoms, particularly in Syria, became renowned for their powerful chariotry and cavalry forces, posing a significant military threat to surrounding nations.

c. 8th century BC

Assyrian Military Dominance

The Neo-Assyrian Empire rose to power, utilizing sophisticated military tactics and massive armies, including advanced siege warfare and cavalry, which heavily influenced regional conflicts.

c. 6th century BC

Babylonian Deportations

The Neo-Babylonian Empire conquered Judah, exiling many Israelites and destroying Jerusalem, leading to a period where trust in earthly power structures proved futile.