King James Version

What Does Psalms 20:9 Mean?

Psalms 20:9 in the King James Version says “Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 20:9 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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
Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call. This concluding verse returns to direct petition, bracketing the psalm with prayer (verses 1 and 9). 'Save' (hoshi'ah, הוֹשִׁיעָה) is an imperative plea for deliverance, using the same Hebrew root found in 'Jesus' (Yeshua)—salvation is the psalm's central theme. The verse creates a triangular relationship: the people call to God, God hears the king, and the king hears the people. This intercessory dynamic reflects the mediatorial role of Israel's king in the covenant community.

The phrase 'let the king hear us' has occasioned interpretive debate. Some understand 'the king' as the human monarch, making this a prayer that the king will respond favorably to the people. Others see 'the King' as YHWH Himself—a reading supported by the Septuagint and many Jewish commentators. Given the psalm's theological emphasis on God as savior and the parallel with verse 1 ('The LORD hear thee'), this latter interpretation is compelling: the people pray for God the King to hear them.

This dual kingship—divine and human—points forward to Christ, who is both God and man, both King of kings and the people's representative. Jesus perfectly fulfills the mediatorial role that Davidic kings imperfectly filled. He hears our prayers as God and represents us before the Father as the Son of Man. The salvation we seek is found ultimately not in political deliverance but in Christ's finished work on the cross, where He cried 'It is finished' (John 19:30), securing eternal salvation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The king's role as mediator between God and people was central to ancient Israel's theology and politics. Unlike surrounding nations where kings claimed divinity, Israel's kings were subordinate to YHWH, serving as human representatives of divine rule. The king was to embody covenant faithfulness, leading the nation in worship and obedience. When the king was righteous, the nation prospered; when wicked, disaster followed (2 Chronicles 7:14).

This psalm's liturgical structure suggests antiphonal performance. The congregation would have sung verses 1-8, with priests or Levitical choirs responding. The final verse might have been sung by the king himself as he departed for battle, or by the entire assembly in unified petition. This communal dimension reinforced social cohesion—Israel understood themselves as a covenant people whose security depended on collective faithfulness.

After the exile, when Israel had no king, Psalm 20 took on new meaning. Post-exilic Jews read royal psalms messianically, anticipating a future king who would restore David's throne. In synagogue worship, these psalms became prayers for the coming Messiah. The early church recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of these royal psalms, seeing in His life, death, and resurrection the ultimate answer to prayers like Psalm 20. The psalm thus moves from historical liturgy to prophetic anticipation to christological fulfillment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding Jesus as the mediatorial King deepen your confidence in prayer?
  2. In what ways do you need God's salvation today—spiritually, emotionally, or circumstantially?
  3. How can you participate in the 'triangular relationship' of God, spiritual leaders, and the community of faith?
  4. What role does communal, corporate prayer play in your spiritual life versus individual petition?
  5. How does the certainty of Christ's finished work of salvation change the urgency of your prayers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יְהוָ֥ה1 of 6

“LORD”

H3068

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

הוֹשִׁ֑יעָה2 of 6

“Save”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

הַ֝מֶּ֗לֶךְ3 of 6

“let the king”

H4428

a king

יַעֲנֵ֥נוּ4 of 6

“hear”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

בְיוֹם5 of 6

“us when”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

קָרְאֵֽנוּ׃6 of 6

“we call”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

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 20:9 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 20:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 5:2Psalms 44:4Psalms 118:25-26Psalms 74:12Matthew 21:15Matthew 21:9

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Psalms 20 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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