Faith without religion.
The King, The Cross, and The Cry for Deliverance – Psalms 20-22
Psalm 20 is a powerful prayer for deliverance, calling on YAHAVAH to defend, strengthen, and grant victory to His anointed. It contrasts reliance on earthly power—chariots and horses—with trust in the name of the Lord. This Psalm reflects the deep-seated belief that God is the source of salvation, not human might. The people rejoice in His saving power, confident that He hears and delivers those who call upon Him. This theme of divine intervention continues into Psalm 21, which celebrates the blessings and victories bestowed upon the King. Some interpret this Psalm as a reflection on David’s triumphs, while others see it pointing entirely to the Messiah. It speaks of a King who finds joy in God’s strength, whose desires are fulfilled, and who is honored with a crown of pure gold. While these words could apply to David, they also carry a deeper resonance when viewed in light of Christ’s reign. The Psalm shifts from personal blessings to divine judgment, describing the defeat of God’s enemies with fire and destruction. Some see these verses as referencing an eternal reckoning, while others understand them as a historical fulfillment, particularly in the events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
Psalm 22 takes a dramatically different tone, plunging into deep suffering and forsakenness. Opening with the words Christ Himself spoke on the cross, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” this Psalm paints a vivid picture of abandonment, mockery, and intense physical agony. Though David penned these words, they prophetically describe the crucifixion with remarkable accuracy—His hands and feet pierced, His garments divided by casting lots, and the scorn of those who surrounded Him. The Psalm captures the immense weight of suffering, both physical and spiritual, that Jesus bore. In those hours of darkness, He experienced the full separation from the Father that sin brings, making His sacrifice complete. Though these words express despair, they ultimately lead toward redemption. The same God who allows suffering is also the One who raises up and restores.
The connection between these three Psalms is profound. Psalm 20 is a prayer for victory, Psalm 21 is the celebration of triumph, and Psalm 22 reveals the suffering that had to take place before ultimate victory could be secured. Together, they reflect the journey from trust in God’s deliverance, to the realization of divine blessings, to the ultimate sacrifice that made eternal salvation possible. Christ embodies these themes perfectly—He is the King who trusts in YAHAVAH, the victorious Son who reigns forever, and the suffering servant who bore the weight of the world. These Psalms challenge us to consider where we place our trust, how we recognize God’s hand in both triumph and suffering, and whether we truly understand the depth of Christ’s sacrifice. The journey through these scriptures ultimately points us to the reality of God’s sovereignty, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the call to trust in Him above all else.