Psalm 20 2

Psalm 20:2 kjv

Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;

Psalm 20:2 nkjv

May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion;

Psalm 20:2 niv

May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.

Psalm 20:2 esv

May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion!

Psalm 20:2 nlt

May he send you help from his sanctuary
and strengthen you from Jerusalem.

Psalm 20 verses

Psalm 20 2 Meaning

This verse expresses a heartfelt prayer and earnest plea for God to dispatch active assistance and steadfast strength to an individual, most likely the king, during a time of need. It specifically invokes the holy places associated with God's presence on earth – the Sanctuary (His dwelling) and Zion (His holy city and seat of rule) – as the divine sources from which this help and support will emanate. It is a petition for immediate intervention and continuous upholding by the Almighty.

Psalm 20 2 Context

Psalm 20 is a national prayer and supplication for the king, specifically presented before a significant battle or undertaking. The chapter opens with the people (or a representative thereof) interceding for the monarch, asking God to hear his prayers, protect him, remember his sacrifices, and grant him victory. Verse 2, in particular, focuses on the source of the requested divine assistance. Historically, this psalm reflects a period in ancient Israel when the king was seen as God's anointed leader and representative, and his welfare was intricately linked with the welfare of the nation. The physical sanctuary (tabernacle or later, temple) in Jerusalem, and Mount Zion, were the earthly epicenters of God's perceived presence and power, making them natural focal points for seeking divine intervention. The psalm as a whole expresses the profound trust of God's people in His power and Name, contrasting it with reliance on military might.

Psalm 20 2 Word analysis

• May he send (יִשְׁלַח - yishlach): The verb shalach (שָׁלַח) in its jussive imperfect form signifies a strong prayer, a fervent wish, or a command for God to act. It implies divine initiative and dispatch, that God Himself will be the agent of sending, demonstrating His active involvement.
• you help (עֶזְרְךָ - ezrəkha): The Hebrew word ezer (עֵזֶר) refers to aid, assistance, or support, often implying active intervention. It frequently describes God as a Helper (e.g., Ps 121:2). It conveys a sense of strong, beneficial, and often decisive action in times of need, not merely passive comfort but enabling strength and rescue.
• from the sanctuary (מִקֹּדֶשׁ - mikkodesh): The preposition min (מִן, 'from') combined with qodesh (קֹדֶשׁ), which denotes holiness, a holy place, or sacred ground. This refers to the physical tabernacle or later the Temple in Jerusalem. It emphasizes that the requested help originates from God's sacred dwelling place, where His holy presence resides, signifying purity, divine authority, and unblemished power. It points to God's presence as accessible to His people.
• and give you support (וְיִסְעָדֶךָ - vəyis'adekha): The conjunction ve ('and') connects the idea of help with sa'ad (סָעַד), also in its jussive imperfect form. Sa'ad means to uphold, sustain, or nourish, providing ongoing stability and strengthening. While ezer suggests a decisive intervention, sa'ad speaks to continued backing and enablement, preventing collapse or failure.
• from Zion (מִצִּיּוֹן - mitsiyyon): Again, min ('from') combined with Tsiyon (צִיּוֹן), the specific geographic and theological location in Jerusalem. Zion is not just a hill; it is the holy mountain of God, where His chosen city resides, His throne is established, and blessings flow forth. This emphasizes the tangible, identifiable source of divine power, demonstrating God's immanent presence and sovereign rule over the earthly realm.

• "May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion!": The structure uses a poetic parallelism, expressing a single thought in two complementary ways. "Help from the sanctuary" speaks of active intervention from the holy dwelling place of God. "Support from Zion" reiterates the idea of sustained divine strengthening, specifically referencing God's kingly city. The combination emphasizes both the immediate, saving hand of God (ezer) and His continuous, strengthening presence (sa'ad). The doubling of locations ("sanctuary" and "Zion") powerfully underscores the singular, unified source of divine assistance – God Himself, uniquely present and active from His designated earthly centers of worship and governance. The dual nature of the requested aid (active help and sustained support) covers all aspects of need.

Psalm 20 2 Bonus section

The distinction between ezer (help) and sa'ad (support) is significant. While both signify divine assistance, ezer often refers to an act of intervention or rescue, bringing salvation in a critical moment. Sa'ad, on the other hand, describes an ongoing process of strengthening, upholding, and sustaining, preventing one from falling or being overcome over time. The dual request covers the full spectrum of divine care needed for battle and beyond. The Hebrew word for "sanctuary," qodesh, not only refers to the physical place but inherently conveys the concept of holiness itself. Thus, the help desired is help that comes directly from God's holy being, unsullied and absolute. For the New Testament believer, "sanctuary" and "Zion" can also typologically point to Christ Himself as the true dwelling place of God (Jn 2:19-21) and to the heavenly Jerusalem (Heb 12:22-24), from which all grace, mercy, and help now truly come.

Psalm 20 2 Commentary

Psalm 20:2 is a profound expression of theological trust and dependency on God, particularly in times of grave challenges like impending warfare. It is a direct prayer that divine assistance, not human strength, will be the decisive factor. By invoking "the sanctuary" and "Zion," the psalmists ground their hope in God's manifest presence. The "sanctuary" points to God's holiness, His transcendent being, and His gracious provision through the established channels of worship and covenant. "Zion," often synonymous with Jerusalem, signifies God's sovereign rule, His covenant fidelity to the Davidic line, and the tangible location from which His blessings, judgments, and saving power issue forth into the world. The request for both "help" (active intervention) and "support" (ongoing sustenance) is comprehensive, covering both urgent deliverance and sustained enabling. It reminds believers that true and lasting assistance originates solely from God's character and His ordained presence, rather than from human means. This verse calls for absolute reliance on God, recognizing that He alone is the source of all victory and well-being.

• Examples for Practical Usage:
  • Praying this verse when facing an insurmountable challenge, acknowledging God as the only true helper.
  • Seeking God's spiritual strength and guidance "from His sanctuary" when making significant life decisions.
  • Remembering God's sustaining "support from Zion" during prolonged periods of weakness or waiting.