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 isn't just a simple statement of faith; it highlights a crucial distinction: while many put their trust in visible, powerful forces like chariots and horses, we will actively "remember" or "make mention of" the Lord. This act of remembering is not passive but a deliberate choice to celebrate and rely on God's name, setting His power above any humanly devised strength.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a prayer for victory, offered by King David and his people as they face potential conflict. Verse 7 contrasts the common reliance on military might, like chariots and horses, with the people's radical trust in God's name and power. It follows an affirmation of God's favor and precedes a declaration of their anticipated victory and ongoing reliance on God.
In ancient times, a person's name carried immense weight, representing their reputation, authority, and very being. When the Psalmist says 'we trust in the name of the LORD our God,' what does that truly encompass?
More Than a Title
When the Bible speaks of trusting in God's 'name,' it's far more than just uttering a word. It's about trusting in everything God is and does. It represents His character, His power, His promises, and His covenant relationship with His people.
Think of it like this: If you trust a doctor, you're not just trusting their degree on the wall; you're trusting their knowledge, their skill, their judgment, and their commitment to your well-being. Similarly, trusting in the 'name of the LORD' means putting our faith in God's unfailing goodness, His sovereign power, and His declared intentions towards us.
In this verse, the contrast is stark. While nations or armies might rely on visible, tangible power like chariots and horses, God's people are called to trust in something far greater – the revealed character and power of their God.
Chariots and horses were the cutting-edge military technology of the ancient world. Why does the Psalmist make such a point of contrasting them with trust in God?
The Illusion of Security
The Psalmist draws a powerful contrast between reliance on military might and reliance on God. Chariots and horses represented the pinnacle of human strength, speed, and intimidation in that era. They were tangible, visible sources of power that offered a sense of security.
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However, the verse points out that this security is ultimately flawed. These earthly powers, no matter how formidable, are temporary and can be overcome. The forces of Syria, for example, were known for their chariots and cavalry, yet they could be defeated. Relying solely on such things creates a false sense of safety.
In contrast, trust in the 'name of the LORD our God' is an anchor. It means recognizing that true security comes not from what we can see or control, but from the invisible, sovereign power of God. It’s a declaration that no earthly force, however advanced, can match the power of the Creator.
Understand the original words
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.
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.
This psalm resonates deeply in times of conflict, reminding us that true security isn't found in military hardware like chariots and horses, but in the unwavering faithfulness and power of God.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's War with Syrians
David fought against the Arameans (Syrians) who brought large numbers of chariots and cavalry against him. This conflict likely prompted the sentiment expressed in Psalm 20, highlighting reliance on God over military might.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom of Israel split into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This division often led to conflict and the need for divine assistance.
c. 732 BC
Syrian-Israelite War
The Northern Kingdom of Israel allied with Syria against Judah. Judah, under King Ahaz, sought help from Assyria, demonstrating a reliance on foreign powers rather than solely on God.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel and exiled its people. This event served as a stark warning to Judah about the consequences of misplaced trust.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
King Sennacherib of Assyria besieged Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah. Despite the overwhelming Assyrian forces, including chariots and cavalry, Jerusalem was miraculously delivered by God.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar II, conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and exiled a significant portion of the population. This marked the end of the Davidic monarchy for a time.
David, facing the mighty Goliath, declares his trust is in the 'name of the LORD Almighty,' directly echoing the sentiment of Psalm 20:7 by contrasting his faith with the Philistine's reliance on physical might.
2 Kings 19:15-19King Hezekiah, facing the powerful Assyrian army, prays to the LORD, contrasting his enemies' trust in their might with his own reliance on God, aligning with the Psalmist's declaration of trust in the LORD's name.
Jeremiah 17:5-7This passage offers a stark warning against trusting in human strength or making flesh one's arm, directly paralleling the contrast in Psalm 20:7 between reliance on chariots/horses and trust in the LORD.
Isaiah 31:1-3The prophet rebukes Israel for seeking help from Egypt, relying on horses and chariots, instead of trusting in the LORD, underscoring the foolishness of placing confidence in worldly power over divine assistance.
Zechariah 4:6This verse reveals that victory comes not by might nor by power, but by God's Spirit, providing a foundational theological reason for the Psalmist's declaration to trust in the name of the LORD rather than military might.
clarkePsalms 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…
poolePsalms 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.
The verse isn't just a simple statement of faith; it highlights a crucial distinction: while many put their trust in visible, powerful forces like chariots and horses, we will actively "remember" or "make mention of" the Lord. This act of remembering is not passive but a deliberate choice to celebrate and rely on God's name, setting His power above any humanly devised strength.
This psalm is a prayer for victory, offered by King David and his people as they face potential conflict. Verse 7 contrasts the common reliance on military might, like chariots and horses, with the people's radical trust in God's name and power. It follows an affirmation of God's favor and precedes a declaration of their anticipated victory and ongoing reliance on God.
This psalm is a prayer for victory, offered by King David and his people as they face potential conflict. Verse 7 contrasts the common reliance on military might, like chariots and horses, with the people's radical trust in God's name and power. It follows an affirmation of God's favor and precedes a declaration of their anticipated victory and ongoing reliance on God.
"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." — The verse isn't just a simple statement of faith; it highlights a crucial distinction: while many put their trust in visible, powerful forces like chariots and horses, we will actively "remember" o…
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Last reviewed October 2026