Psalm 20:7 says, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” This verse contrasts trusting in earthly powers and military might with trusting in God’s power and deliverance. Let’s explore the meaning and implications of this verse.
The Historical Context
Psalm 20 is attributed to King David. During his reign, the Philistines were a constant military threat. They had the advantage of iron chariots, while the Israelites fought on foot. When facing the Philistines’ forces, it would have been tempting for the Israelites to trust in amassing superior military power rather than trusting in divine deliverance.
Chariots were the tanks of ancient warfare. They instilled fear and gave a tactical edge. Just the sound of an approaching chariot battalion would terrify foot soldiers. Chariots were fast, maneuverable, and equipped with archers and spearmen. A chariot charge could decimate an infantry unit. Building up a strong chariot corps required immense wealth and resources.
Some kings put their hope in chariot numbers for military dominance. But David calls out the futility of trusting in armed strength rather than almighty God. Superior technology and numbers don’t guarantee victory. The real power lies with the Lord of Hosts.
The Broader Biblical Context
This verse echoes a common biblical theme – God accomplishes victory, not human might. When ancient Israel trusted in God rather than military power, they overcame great odds (Gideon’s army, David & Goliath). When they trusted in military might, they were defeated (Ahaz against Pekah).
The prophet Isaiah condemned trusting in Egypt’s horses and chariots rather than God (Isaiah 31:1). Psalm 33:16-19 declares, “No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.”
Jesus’ disciples mistakenly put their trust in the power of the sword when Jesus was arrested. But Jesus declared, “Put your sword back in its place…for all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). Our trust belongs in heavenly, not earthly, powers.
The Promise of Divine Deliverance
Psalm 20 is a prayer for the king going into battle. The people intercede for God’s protection, help, and victory over the enemies’ superior forces. They request that God answer the king with the “saving power of his right hand” (v.6).
This psalm voices confidence that victory comes from God’s name and banners, not military might (v.5). Though the king has horses and chariots, the people’s faith rests in the Lord’s sovereign power to achieve the victory. God is the ultimate king and commander who grants success.
Trusting in God’s Power and Protection
This verse reminds us to look to heavenly resources over earthly ones. Chariots and horses represent human strength and security. But we can trust in God’s power and protection, which far outweighs any earthly advantages. When we face overwhelming trials, we don’t need to panic and rely on our own limited resources. We can confidently trust in the mighty hand of God.
Rather than trusting in military might or firepower, our ultimate trust should be in the Lord’s sovereign control over nations, rulers, and all events. Though evil powers make war and create havoc, God reigns supremely over human affairs. We need not fear earthly powers because God has the whole world in His hands.
God’s Power to Save
This verse contrasts two objects of trust – irresistible military might versus the Lord’s saving power and deliverance. Chariots and horses represent deadly force projection. But God promises to answer his people with “saving power” (v. 6). Salvation belongs to God, not deadly weapons.
We trust God for eternal salvation from sin’s condemnation. We also trust Him for temporal salvation and deliverance from trials and enemies. No matter how hopeless the situation appears, God can intervene with His mighty right hand to save us seemingly against all odds.
A Declaration of Faith
This verse articulates a declaration of faith – “we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Despite the threats arrayed against us, we place our confidence in God’s character and track record of faithfulness to His people. His name represents His divine nature, attributes, promises, and past acts of deliverance.
This verse voices a commitment to rely on the Lord rather than self. It’s a statement of allegiance – we will trust in You, not chariots and horses. It’s personal, not just theological. The people declare their trust in “our God,” not someone else’s God.
Declaring our trust in God strengthens our faith and reminds us to rely on Him amid life’s challenges. We can face uncertainty knowing that our lives are in His faithful, powerful hands.
A Contrast of Kingdoms
This verse starkly contrasts two kingdoms – the Kingdom of God versus the kingdom of man. Trusting in military might represents reliance on human ingenuity, wealth, and strength. But the people declare their trust in God’s heavenly kingdom and eternal power.
One kingdom relies on earthly resources destined to fade. The other relies on the immortal, invincible God who reigns forever. All human kingdoms will ultimately bow to King Jesus. So we trust in the unshakable Kingdom that cannot be conquered by armies or chariots.
As citizens of God’s Kingdom, we declare that our security lies not in earthly protections but in heavenly power and promises. Our King commands angel armies that far surpass any human military might.
A Matter of Allegiance
This verse highlights the importance of allegiances. Will we place our allegiance in human might, ingenuity, and security systems? Or will we pledge sole allegiance to God, regardless of apparent military superiority?
Joshua confronted God’s people with this challenge: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Our fundamental allegiance should be to God over any earthly power, protection, or security.
Misplaced trust in military power or financial security diverts our allegiance from God. But when we trust in His power and provision, we align our loyalty with His eternal Kingdom. Our faith and hope rest securely in Him alone.
God: Our Refuge and Strength
This verse emphasizes that God alone is our true refuge and strength. Earthly strongholds will fail, but God remains an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Chariots can’t storm the mighty fortress of God’s refuge where His people abide in safety.
We may be surrounded by trouble, but God is with us to strengthen and uphold us (Psalm 46:5). His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we feel crushed, overwhelmed or defeated, we can confidently trust in His power working within and through us.
The Folly of Earthly Strongholds
This verse exposes the folly of trusting in earthly strongholds. Chariots and horses represented strong military protection, yet they could not guarantee safety or victory. All earthly powers are limited and fragile compared to God’s limitless might.
Castles, armies, wealth, technology – these are feeble saviors. They lull us into a false sense of security. In the end, none can deliver us from the ultimate enemy, death. Only God has power over mortality. Those who trust in earthly saviors will be terrified as their supposed securities crumble.
God calls us to place our whole trust in Him rather than earthly strongholds. He alone secures our lives for eternity. All other ground is sinking sand.
The Futility of Self-Sufficiency
This verse exposes the futility of self-sufficiency and self-reliance. Amassing military power relies on human capabilities and resources. But such self-trust will ultimately fail. God frustrates the plans of the nations (Psalm 33:10).
Proverbs warns against trusting in one’s own understanding or resources rather than fearing the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6). Those who make plans without God are building their lives on sand. Only God’s power and wisdom can establish our ways (Proverbs 16:3, 9).
Psalm 127 reminds us that unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Appealing to heaven’s resources is wiser than vain attempts at self-salvation. The arm of flesh will fail us, but God’s arm upholds us eternally.
Where Does Your Hope Rest?
This verse prompts self-reflection – where does your hope truly rest? If you lost everything else, could you still trust God to see you through? Do present crises tempt you to trust in human solutions over claiming God’s promises?
Ask God to reveal any misplaced trusts – what “chariots and horses” are you subtly relying on? Repent of functional self-sufficiency and return to the Lord as your refuge and strength. He alone is able to keep us from falling (Jude 1:24).
Evaluate what you devote time and worry to. Redirect energy spent anxiously protecting yourself to trusting prayer and praise. Stand on Scriptures extolling God’s faithfulness and power to save. Fix your eyes on the One who sovereignly controls all things.
God’s Deliverance in the Past
This psalm recalls God’s help and deliverance in the past (v. 9). Remembering strengthens faith. Israel regularly memorialized God’s mighty acts on their behalf. God commanded parents to recount His works to their children (Exodus 13:8-9).
Recounting past deliverances fuels courage to keep trusting God in present crises. I may feel overwhelmed by my Red Sea, but God has repeatedly made a way where there seemed to be no way. My past is marked with Ebenezers – stones of help (1 Samuel 7:12). I can confidently trust the God of my history to be my hope for the future.
God’s Proven Character
Trust requires character. Psalm 20 celebrates God’s trustworthy attributes – strength, steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness, salvation. His names reinforce His faithful character – Most High, Lord of Hosts, God of Jacob, the anointed one’s Shield.
Over and over, Scripture reassures that the Lord is good, just, protective, compassionate, and loyal to His people. His consistent track record of perfectly displaying these attributes proves He can be completely trusted. He who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps (Psalm 121:4). We can confidently rest in such safe hands.
A Lesson in Faith
This verse teaches vital faith lessons. Leaning on visible rocks of human strength will fail us. But trusting in the invisible, omnipotent Rock of Ages gives unshakable security. Though the nations rage, God remains a strong tower offering refuge to the righteous (Proverbs 18:10).
Faith requires relinquishing self-reliance to rely wholly on God’s promises and power. Though everything else in life changes, He remains steadfast. When we choose to trust God despite ominous circumstances, we experience His glorious faithfulness and strength.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). As you walk with Him through dark valleys, He will show Himself trustworthy, deepening reliance on His mighty arm.
A Daily Decision
Living by faith is not a one-time choice but a daily decision. Facing each day’s uncertainties, pressures, trials, and dangers, we decidedly fix our hope on God, not human solutions or protections. Choosing to trust God before we see His faithfulness is a courageous act.
But living by faith gets easier with practice. Each time we experience God’s promised daily help, protection and strength, trusting Him the next day comes more readily. We learn by experience that though weeping tarries for the night, joy comes with the morning light of His faithful deliverance.
God: The Only Sure Object of Trust
Lasting peace, safety, help, and strength will only be found in the eternal, sovereign God who controls the universe. Everything outside of His will is shifting sand. Only He remains rock-solid forevermore. That is why the psalmist declares, “My soul, wait thou only upon God!” (Psalm 62:5).
In a world of uncertainty, God alone can be fully trusted. His perfect faithfulness and unfailing strength will uphold us when all else fails us. Our security rests completely in His mighty hands. When all around you feels shaky, rest confidently in the peace that passes understanding by trusting in His secure protection.
Trust Transforms Trials into Triumph
This verse offers gospel hope – with God on our side, no enemy can destroy our eternal victory. When we trust Him amid impossible circumstances, He often turns hopeless defeat into miraculous triumph.
By faith, Joshua’s army shouted down impenetrable Jericho’s walls. Gideon’s meager army trusted God’s power to defeat the massive Midianites. Hezekiah trusted Isaiah’s prophecy that God would deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrians. Faith in God transforms seeming defeat into victory.
The Habit of Trust
In closing, trusting God in every situation is both a deliberate mindset and a habitual practice. As we choose daily dependence on the Lord over self-reliance, faith increasingly becomes our reflexive response to adversity.
When chaos strikes, when darkness descends, when enemies surround, our souls are trained through practice to flow quickly into peace as we rest in the shadow of His wings. By habitually trusting Him, He keeps us steadfast, unshaken in Him amid life’s uncertainties.