Psalm 20:7 kjv
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7 nkjv
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7 niv
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7 esv
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7 nlt
Some nations boast of their chariots and horses,
but we boast in the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Deut 17:16 | "Only he must not acquire many horses for himself... | King not to multiply horses |
| Isa 31:1-3 | "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses... | Relying on human alliances |
| Ps 33:16-17 | "The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered... | Military strength is futile |
| Prov 21:31 | "The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs..." | God gives victory |
| Hos 14:3 | "Assyria shall not save us; we will not ride on horses... | Repentance and trust in God |
| Jer 17:5-8 | "Cursed is the man who trusts in man... Blessed is the man who trusts... " | Contrast of trust in man vs. God |
| Ps 44:6 | "For I will not trust in my bow; my sword will not save me." | Personal reliance on God alone |
| Ps 118:8-9 | "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man... | Superiority of God's trust |
| Ps 146:3 | "Put not your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is..." | Trust only in God, not mortals |
| Zech 4:6 | "...Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord..." | Spiritual power over physical |
| 2 Chr 16:7-9 | (Asa relied on Arameans instead of Lord for battle, received judgment.) | Trusting man's power brings judgment |
| Ps 121:1-2 | "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help..." | God as the source of help |
| Eph 6:10 | "...be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might." | Believers' source of strength |
| Phil 4:13 | "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." | Christ empowers believers |
| 1 Cor 1:25-29 | "...God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong..." | God's wisdom over man's wisdom |
| 2 Cor 12:9-10 | "...for My power is made perfect in weakness..." | God's strength in human weakness |
| 2 Sam 22:3-4 | "My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge... The Lord is worthy of praise..." | David's trust in battle |
| 1 Sam 17:45-47 | (David vs. Goliath: "You come to me with a sword... I come to you in the... ") | Trust in God's name for victory |
| Ex 14:13-14 | "...The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." | God fighting for His people |
| 2 Kings 19:35 | (Angel of the Lord destroyed Sennacherib's vast army.) | God's power over human armies |
| Rom 15:13 | "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing..." | Trust brings peace and hope |
| 2 Chr 20:12 | "...for we are powerless against this great horde... but our eyes are on you." | Dependence in helplessness |
| Heb 13:5-6 | "...I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we can confidently say... | Confidence in God's presence and help |
Psalm 20 verses
Psalm 20 7 Meaning
Psalm 20:7 concisely expresses a fundamental distinction in reliance: while various peoples and powers place their confidence in visible, tangible means of strength like military forces, the people of God steadfastly place their ultimate trust in the intrinsic character and revealed power inherent in the Name of the Lord our God. It declares that true security and victory originate not from human resources but from exclusive faith in the Almighty.
Psalm 20 7 Context
Psalm 20 is a royal psalm, a communal prayer offered for the king, likely anticipating or during a major military campaign or national crisis. It precedes Psalm 21, a psalm of thanksgiving for victory, indicating a logical sequence of prayer before conflict and praise after its resolution. In this Psalm 20, the community invokes divine favor upon their king and his efforts. Verse 7 serves as the climactic declaration of their unwavering faith amidst a world that places its trust in military hardware and might. Historically, chariots and horses were considered advanced weaponry, formidable symbols of national power and strategic advantage, often defining the strength of great empires. This verse sets Israel's reliance on their covenant God, Yahweh, in stark contrast to the material strengths glorified by surrounding nations, emphasizing the distinct nature of their faith.
Psalm 20 7 Word analysis
- Some trust: This phrase acknowledges a common human tendency or a worldview prevalent among nations, or even a segment within Israel. It sets up a contrasting point for emphasis.
- in chariots (רֶכֶב, rekhev): Literal war-chariots. In the Ancient Near East, chariots represented the pinnacle of military technology, speed, striking power, and a nation's wealth and technological prowess. They symbolize human-derived military might, strategic advantage, and material power.
- and some in horses (סוּס, sus): Referring to cavalry. Horses were vital for swift movement, flanking maneuvers, and direct assault in battle. Paired with chariots, they encapsulate the totality of conventional land warfare and human reliance on overwhelming physical force.
- but we trust (בָּטַח, batach): This is a direct, antithetical declaration. Batach conveys a profound, unwavering confidence, security, and an act of "leaning upon" another, feeling safe because one is supported by a strong foundation. It signifies active dependence and firm reliance.
- in the name (שֵׁם, shem): More than a mere label, the "name" in biblical understanding encapsulates the entire revealed character, reputation, essence, authority, attributes, and power of a person or, in this case, God. To trust in God's name is to trust in all that He is and has proven Himself to be.
- of the Lord (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the incommunicable, personal, and covenantal name of God. It signifies His self-existence ("I AM WHO I AM," Ex 3:14), His unchanging nature, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His active presence and power in the world, particularly in redeeming and sustaining His people. It distinguishes Him from all other gods or human forces.
- our God (Elohim): This suffix further personalizes the relationship. It emphasizes that this omnipotent Yahweh is "our" God—the one with whom Israel has a unique, intimate covenantal bond, and upon whom they exclusively depend.
Words-group analysis
- "Some trust in chariots and some in horses": This opening clause sets the global context and highlights a widespread, tangible source of confidence. It illustrates humanity's common inclination to lean on visible, quantifiable strengths, often forgetting their finite nature. It serves as the material standard against which God's strength is contrasted.
- "but we trust in the name of the Lord our God": This phrase introduces a radical, counter-cultural declaration. The "we" represents the unified faith of God's people (Israel, led by their king). Their confidence is not in finite objects, but in the infinite, unseen yet supremely powerful God, whose "name" embodies His entire being and demonstrated capabilities. This signifies a profound theological commitment: relying on the Creator over the created.
Psalm 20 7 Bonus section
- The stark contrast presented in Psalm 20:7 serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty over all human endeavors and His call for exclusive worship and dependence from His people.
- The choice of "chariots and horses" wasn't arbitrary; these represented not just physical implements of war but symbols of national pride, independence, and invincibility for ancient kingdoms. To boast in the "name of the Lord" was an act of faith and rebellion against the gods and powers of surrounding nations.
- The communal "we" ("we trust") signifies a corporate faith. The king's reliance on God in this psalm reflects and should inspire the reliance of the entire nation, reminding them that their national identity and security are rooted in their covenant relationship with Yahweh.
Psalm 20 7 Commentary
Psalm 20:7 encapsulates a central biblical truth: ultimate reliance should never be placed in human strength, resources, or achievements, but solely in God Himself. In an age dominated by military prowess, this verse directly challenges the prevailing worldview by affirming God, specifically Yahweh, in all His revealed character and power ("His name"), as the true and exclusive source of security and triumph. It's not a denunciation of responsible preparation, but a reorientation of trust, emphasizing that earthly means, however formidable, are always limited and vain without God's enabling. This timeless principle extends beyond ancient warfare, urging believers in any era to avoid trusting in wealth, intelligence, political influence, technology, or personal abilities as ultimate saviors. Instead, our complete dependence must rest in God’s nature and His faithful actions on behalf of His people. For example, rather than placing sole hope in a lucrative career, one trusts God as their provider; instead of relying purely on educational degrees, one trusts God for wisdom and direction in life.