Psalms 20:7

7 See those people polishing their chariots, and those others grooming their horses? But we're making garlands for God our God.

Psalms 20:7 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 20:7

Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses
That is, in chariots and horses prepared for war; which, besides their use for carriage, did great annoyance to the enemy in battle, and were very terrible to them, and were greatly trusted in by those that possessed them, ( Deuteronomy 20:1 ) ( Isaiah 31:1 ) ; such chariots as were called "currus falcati", that had scythes at the sides of them, which being drove with fury among the infantry, cut them down as grass is mown with scythes; such the old Canaanites used, which were very terrible, ( Joshua 17:16 ) ( Judges 4:3 ) ; and horses trained up for war do much execution in a battle by pawing and trampling; see ( Job 39:21-25 ) ; though these are vain things for safety, and not to be depended on, for salvation and victory are of the Lord, ( Psalms 33:17 ) ( Proverbs 21:31 ) ; and such are the chariots and horses of the sun, and the idols in which the Gentiles trusted, ( 2 Kings 23:11 ) ( Psalms 115:8 ) ; and all external things in which men depend for salvation, as fleshly privileges, outward works of righteousness, morality, a profession of religion, a round of duties all which are disclaimed by those who know the way of life and salvation by Christ, ( Hosea 14:3 ) ;

but we will remember the name of the Lord our God;
not any of the names by which the Lord God is called, as Elohim, Elshaddai, Jehovah, and the like; though each of these are worthy of remembrance, and greatly serve to encourage faith in him; but rather the perfections of God, such as the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, which are to be remembered and confided in; and not the friendship of princes, the schemes of human policy, and the outward forces of strength; or else God himself is intended, whose name is himself, and is a strong tower to the righteous: and to remember him is to bear him in mind, and not forget him; to have the desires of the soul towards him, and to the remembrance of him; and to make mention of him, of his names, attributes, word, and works; which is both for his glory and for the encouragement of faith in him, both in ourselves and others; it is to call upon his name in times of trouble, and at all times, and also to trust in him and not in an arm of flesh; for it stands opposed to trusting in chariots and horses; and it is to call to mind past instances of his goodness, wisdom, and power, and be thankful for them, and make use of them to engage confidence in him; and which should be done from the consideration of his being God and not man, and of his being our God, our covenant God and Father.

Psalms 20:7 In-Context

5 When you win, we plan to raise the roof and lead the parade with our banners. May all your wishes come true!

6 That clinches it - help's coming, an answer's on the way, everything's going to work out.

7 See those people polishing their chariots, and those others grooming their horses? But we're making garlands for God our God.

8 The chariots will rust, those horses pull up lame - and we'll be on our feet, standing tall.

9 Make the king a winner, God; the day we call, give us your answer.