“Thus says the Lord, “Cursed is the man who trusts in and relies on mankind"
Introduction
Psalm 20:7 is a powerful declaration of trust in the Lord, emphasizing the difference between worldly reliance on human power and the believer’s dependence on God’s name. This psalm is a prayer of King David, expressing confidence that God will grant victory and protection to His people, especially in times of conflict and battle. In verse 7, David contrasts two approaches to security: some trust in worldly resources—chariots and horses—while others put their trust in the Lord. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that true strength and victory do not come from human efforts or material resources, but from trusting in God alone.
For today’s believers, Psalm 20:7 offers a clear call to place their confidence in God rather than in worldly systems, wealth, or human capabilities. In a world where people often look to financial stability, personal abilities, or social status for security, this verse directs Christians to rely on the Lord as the ultimate source of protection, strength, and victory.
Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!
Psalm 20:7 (AMP): "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, But we will remember and trust in the name of the Lord our God."
Context of Psalm 20:7
Psalm 20 is a royal psalm, often thought to be a prayer for the king, likely David, as he prepared for battle. The psalm expresses a communal prayer asking for God's protection, blessing, and victory. The people pray that God will answer their prayers, defend them, and give them success in their efforts. It’s a psalm of confidence in God’s ability to save and deliver His people, especially in times of warfare.
In ancient times, chariots and horses symbolized military power and strength. Nations relied on these tools of war to secure victories and assert their dominance over enemies. However, in this psalm, David reminds Israel that their strength and security do not come from military might or material resources but from the Lord. The psalm encourages God’s people to place their trust in His name, acknowledging that He alone is the source of true victory.
Detailed Exploration of Psalm 20:7
Trust in Worldly Power
Key Phrase: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses"
The first part of the verse addresses those who place their trust in chariots and horses, which were symbols of military strength and human power in the ancient world. Chariots and horses were the most advanced military technology of the time, representing a nation’s ability to wage war and defend itself. Nations that possessed many chariots and horses were seen as powerful and invincible.
However, David warns against relying on these worldly resources. While chariots and horses may seem like strong and reliable sources of power, they are ultimately limited and insufficient when compared to the strength and sovereignty of God. This phrase highlights the tendency of people to place their trust in material possessions, human ingenuity, and worldly systems, thinking that these things can provide security, success, or victory.
Isaiah 31:1 (AMP): "Woe (judgment is coming) to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses and trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek and consult the Lord!"
Isaiah 31:1 echoes the warning against trusting in horses and chariots. Those who place their confidence in human power rather than seeking the Lord are warned of the consequences of misplaced trust.
Relevance to Today’s Believers: For modern believers, chariots and horses can represent anything that people tend to rely on for security and success, such as wealth, technology, personal abilities, or social connections. While these things may provide temporary stability or support, they are ultimately unreliable compared to God’s power and provision. Believers are reminded to resist the temptation to place their trust in worldly resources, understanding that true security and victory come from God alone.
Trust in the Name of the Lord
Key Phrase: "But we will remember and trust in the name of the Lord our God."
The second half of the verse presents a sharp contrast: But we will remember and trust in the name of the Lord our God. This phrase highlights the confidence of believers in God’s character, power, and faithfulness. To remember means to intentionally call to mind and rely on the knowledge of who God is and what He has done in the past. In the context of battle, this remembrance strengthens faith and dispels fear, as God’s past acts of deliverance and provision assure believers that He is able to save.
Trusting in the name of the Lord means relying on God’s reputation, authority, and promises. Throughout the Bible, God’s name is associated with His character and His covenant faithfulness. To trust in His name is to have faith in His ability to fulfill His promises and act according to His divine nature. It is an expression of complete dependence on God, acknowledging that He is the ultimate source of victory and protection.
Proverbs 18:10 (AMP): "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs to it and is safe and set on high [far above evil]."
Proverbs 18:10 beautifully describes the name of the Lord as a place of safety and protection. Just as a tower provides security for those who run to it, the Lord’s name provides refuge and strength for those who trust in Him.
Relevance to Today’s Believers: For Christians today, trusting in the name of the Lord means placing faith in God’s character, promises, and power rather than in human abilities or material possessions. In moments of difficulty, fear, or uncertainty, believers are called to remember who God is and what He has done, finding confidence in His unwavering faithfulness. Trusting in God’s name allows believers to experience peace and security, knowing that He will provide, protect, and guide them through life’s challenges.
The Result of Trusting in God vs. Trusting in Worldly Power
While the verse itself does not explicitly state the outcomes of trusting in chariots versus trusting in the Lord, the larger biblical narrative makes it clear that reliance on worldly power leads to failure, while trust in God leads to victory and salvation.
In the context of Israel’s history, there were many instances when military strength or alliances with other nations (trust in horses and chariots) failed, but when the people placed their trust in God, they experienced supernatural deliverance. The most well-known example is the Exodus, where the Israelites, though weak and unarmed, were delivered from Pharaoh’s powerful army because they trusted in God rather than their own strength.
Exodus 14:14 (AMP): "The Lord will fight for you while you [only need to] keep silent and remain calm."
This verse is a reminder that when Israel trusted in God, He fought on their behalf, defeating their enemies in miraculous ways.
Relevance to Today’s Believers: For today’s believers, the outcomes of trusting in worldly resources versus trusting in God remain the same. Those who place their confidence in human systems, money, or personal abilities will eventually experience disappointment or failure, as these resources are finite and fallible. On the other hand, those who trust in God’s name will experience His provision, protection, and ultimate victory, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Believers are encouraged to rely on God’s strength, knowing that He is faithful to His promises and able to save.
Summary
Psalm 20:7 offers a powerful contrast between two approaches to life: relying on human strength and resources (represented by chariots and horses) or trusting in the name of the Lord. In ancient times, chariots and horses symbolized military power, but David reminds Israel that true victory and security do not come from human efforts or material resources. Instead, believers are called to remember and trust in the name of the Lord—to rely on His character, promises, and power as the ultimate source of strength and deliverance.
The verse underscores the futility of placing confidence in worldly systems or human abilities. While chariots and horses may provide temporary strength, they are ultimately insufficient compared to the power and sovereignty of God. David’s words challenge believers to turn their focus away from human solutions and instead place their faith in God’s unfailing ability to provide, protect, and save.
For today’s believers, Psalm 20:7 serves as a timeless reminder that true security and victory come from trusting in God alone. In a world that often promotes self-reliance, material wealth, and personal achievement as the keys to success, this verse encourages Christians to place their confidence in God’s name, recognizing that He alone is the source of ultimate strength and deliverance. By trusting in the Lord, believers can experience peace and assurance, knowing that He will faithfully guide them through every challenge.
In conclusion, Psalm 20:7 teaches that while some may trust in the power of human resources, believers are called to trust in the name of the Lord. For modern Christians, this means living a life of faith, relying on God’s promises and power rather than depending on worldly means for security. Through this trust, believers can experience the peace, protection, and victory that only God can provide.
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