Psalms 21 - Introduction

‘For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.'

This is another Psalm offered to the organiser of the sacred music, or the choirmaster, and dedicated to David. There is much in it that suggests that it was written by David, for it was to David that the promise was given that his house would continue for ever. It may be seen as a song of victory following the petition of Psalms 20. It is a song of triumph for the king and for the everlasting blessing that the Davidic house will bring. It can therefore also be seen as looking ahead to the Greater David, the Messiah Jesus Christ. The Targum (Aramaic paraphrase read out in the Synagogue) paraphrases ‘king' in Psalms 21:1; Psalms 21:7 as ‘King Messiah'.

We may therefore see this psalm in three ways.

· Firstly in its original intention to declare God's faithfulness in giving His anointed Davidic king victory and so protecting His people against the enemies who would devour them.

· Secondly as an encouragement to the leaders of God's people that He will enable them and give them victory against all the assaults of the Enemy.

· And thirdly as depicting the glory of Jesus Christ, the King Messiah, and His future victories.