Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse contrasts the common reliance on military might with a deeper trust. It's not just about what we trust in, but the very act of "remembering" God's name—implying a conscious, active dependence that elevates Him above all worldly power.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes amidst a prayer for God's favor and protection upon the king, likely before a battle, as evidenced by the mention of military might like chariots and horses. The people are contrasting their reliance on God with the worldly powers that enemies might trust in, emphasizing that true victory comes not from human strength or weaponry but from the name of the Lord.
In ancient times, chariots and horses were the ultimate symbols of power and security on the battlefield. Yet, this psalm points to their ultimate inadequacy.
The Power of Perception
The psalmist contrasts two sources of confidence: the tangible might of chariots and horses versus the unseen power of God's name. Throughout history, nations and individuals have placed their ultimate trust in military strength, advanced weaponry, or strategic alliances. These can offer a sense of security and an impressive display of power. However, the psalm declares that these are ultimately insufficient and can be a deceptive foundation for trust.
A Deeper Reality
The historical context often points to conflicts where Israel faced enemies with superior cavalry and chariots (like the Syrians or Egyptians). The temptation would be to match their strength or despair in the face of it. But the psalmist asserts a higher truth: God's power is supreme and transcends any earthly military advantage. Relying on God means acknowledging that true security comes not from what we can see and count, but from the God who is sovereign over all.
It's not just about who you trust, but how you trust. The psalm calls us to actively remember and invoke God's name.
More Than a Name
When the psalm says 'we trust in the name of the LORD our God,' it's not merely a passive acknowledgment. In the ancient world, a name represented the very essence, character, and power of a person. To trust in God's name is to place our confidence in His revealed attributes – His faithfulness, His might, His mercy, His sovereignty. It's an active declaration of faith.
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A Confident Declaration
The Hebrew word translated as 'remember' or 'make mention of' can also carry the sense of 'to celebrate' or 'to boast in.' This isn't prideful boasting, but a confident declaration that God is our source of strength and victory. In the face of overwhelming odds, the people of God declare their allegiance and their reliance on the One who has proven Himself powerful throughout history. This remembrance is a spiritual discipline that fuels faith and dispels fear.
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 reflects a time of intense military pressure, likely during the wars of David or later conflicts. The mention of chariots and horses highlights the conventional military might of the era, contrasting it with the ultimate trust placed in God's name.
c. 1000 BC
David's Wars and Expansion
Following his consolidation of the kingdom, David engaged in numerous wars, expanding Israel's influence and securing its borders against surrounding nations.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Reign Begins
Solomon succeeded David, ushering in an era of peace and prosperity, but also increased international relations which sometimes involved military alliances and chariotry.
c. 931 BC
Divided Monarchy
The united kingdom split into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, often engaging in conflicts with each other and foreign powers.
c. 733 BC
Assyrian Threat Grows
The powerful Neo-Assyrian Empire began its aggressive expansion, conquering northern kingdoms and threatening Judah, increasing the reliance on military strength and alliances.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah
The Assyrian king Sennacherib besieged Jerusalem. Hezekiah, king of Judah, initially trusted in military preparations and alliances, but ultimately relied on the Lord for deliverance.
c. 605 BC
Babylonian Captivity Begins
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deported many Judean elites, including Daniel, marking the start of the Babylonian exile and the loss of national sovereignty.
David's confrontation with Goliath starkly contrasts relying on earthly strength (Goliath's armor) with trusting in the 'name of the LORD Almighty,' mirroring this psalm's theme.
2 Chronicles 16:7-9This passage rebukes King Asa for trusting in the king of Syria rather than the LORD, highlighting the folly of relying on human alliances over divine help, much like those who trust in chariots and horses.
Isaiah 31:1-3The prophet Isaiah directly condemns the people of Judah for seeking help from Egypt, symbolized by horses and chariots, instead of trusting in the LORD, reinforcing the message that such reliance is ultimately empty.
Jeremiah 17:5-8This passage contrasts the curse on those who trust in humans with the blessing on those who trust in the LORD, showing the deep spiritual implications of where one places their ultimate confidence.
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 contrasts the common reliance on military might with a deeper trust. It's not just about what we trust in, but the very act of "remembering" God's name—implying a conscious, active dependence that elevates Him above all worldly power.
This verse comes amidst a prayer for God's favor and protection upon the king, likely before a battle, as evidenced by the mention of military might like chariots and horses. The people are contrasting their reliance on God with the worldly powers that enemies might trust in, emphasizing that true victory comes not from human strength or weaponry but from the name of the Lord.
This verse comes amidst a prayer for God's favor and protection upon the king, likely before a battle, as evidenced by the mention of military might like chariots and horses. The people are contrasting their reliance on God with the worldly powers that enemies might trust in, emphasizing that true victory comes not from human strength or weaponry but from the name of the Lord.
"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright." — The verse contrasts the common reliance on military might with a deeper trust. It's not just about what we trust in, but the very act of "remembering" God's name—implying a conscious, active depend…
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Last reviewed October 2026