King James Version

What Does Psalms 20:7 Mean?

Psalms 20:7 in the King James Version says “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”

Psalms 20:7 · KJV

Context

5

We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

6

Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. his holy: Heb. the heaven of his holiness with: Heb. by the strength of the salvation of

7

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

8

They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

9

Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.

Read Psalms 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. This verse presents one of Scripture's starkest contrasts between human strength and divine power. Chariots and horses represented ancient military superiority—they were the tanks and advanced weaponry of the ancient world. Nations with strong cavalry forces and chariot divisions dominated warfare. Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon all boasted massive chariot forces that struck terror into infantry-based armies.

Yet Israel's theology radically subverted this military calculus. The Hebrew word for 'remember' (nazkir, נַזְכִּיר) means more than mental recall—it means to invoke, to call upon, to make present. Remembering God's name brings His presence and power into the current situation. In contrast, 'trust' (hem) in military hardware is presented as misplaced confidence—it's not merely ineffective but represents a fundamental failure to recognize the true source of security.

This verse echoes the law's explicit prohibition against the king multiplying horses (Deuteronomy 17:16), which was designed to prevent Israel from trusting in military might rather than God. Solomon's later accumulation of horses and chariots (1 Kings 10:26) marked the beginning of Israel's spiritual decline. For Christians, this principle extends to every arena—we're called to depend on God rather than wealth, education, connections, or human wisdom. Paul would later write, 'The weapons of our warfare are not carnal' (2 Corinthians 10:4).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In the ancient Near East, horses and chariots were game-changing military technology. The Hyksos dominated Egypt with chariots (1650-1550 BC), and subsequently Egypt built massive chariot forces. Pharaoh's pursuit of Israel with 600 choice chariots (Exodus 14:7) demonstrated Egypt's military prowess. The Canaanite king Jabin had 900 iron chariots that terrorized Israel (Judges 4:3). By the time of Solomon, chariot forces were standard for any significant kingdom.

Israel's prohibition against royal accumulation of horses (Deuteronomy 17:16) was countercultural and strategically disadvantageous from a military standpoint. This law forced Israel into dependence on YHWH—they couldn't compete conventionally with surrounding empires. This military weakness was theological genius: Israel would either trust God and survive or trust horses and perish. When Israel's kings later adopted chariot forces (Solomon's 1,400 chariots, 1 Kings 10:26), it marked spiritual compromise, not military wisdom.

Psalm 20 likely dates to a period when Israel faced militarily superior enemies. The congregation's confession—'we will remember the name of the LORD'—was an act of radical faith. They had seen God's past deliverances (Gideon's 300 defeating the Midianite hordes, David slaying Goliath, Jehoshaphat's victory through worship) and chose covenant faithfulness over pragmatic military calculation. This faith-based approach to national security distinguished Israel from all other ancient nations.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the 'chariots and horses' you're tempted to trust in rather than God?
  2. How can you practically 'remember the name of the LORD' in decisions where you're tempted to rely on human solutions?
  3. What would it look like for you to disarm spiritually—to lay down self-reliance and trust fully in God?
  4. How does this verse challenge modern Christianity's frequent embrace of worldly power and influence?
  5. In what area of life is God calling you to radical dependence that looks foolish by worldly standards?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
אֵ֣לֶּה1 of 9
H428

these or those

בָ֭רֶכֶב2 of 9

“Some trust in chariots”

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וְאֵ֣לֶּה3 of 9
H428

these or those

בַסּוּסִ֑ים4 of 9

“and some in horses”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

וַאֲנַ֓חְנוּ׀5 of 9
H587

we

בְּשֵׁם6 of 9

“the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֖ה7 of 9

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֣ינוּ8 of 9

“our God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

נַזְכִּֽיר׃9 of 9

“but we will remember”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 20:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 20:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 31:1Jeremiah 17:5Proverbs 21:31Psalms 33:16-172 Chronicles 32:82 Chronicles 14:11

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