Bible Strands
Psalms 20:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — David composes this liturgical prayer for the choirmaster, directing a plea for divine response to a worshiper facing crisis.
The words — שֵׁ֤ם (shem) = [the] name, and צָרָ֑ה (tza.Rah) = trouble.
The thread — The protective function of God’s name appears in Proverbs 18:10 and Psalms 91:14, while Psalms 138:7 pairs preservation in trouble with God’s extended hand without mentioning the name.
Why it lands — The text commands the reader to expect Yahweh’s direct response during distress and to trust the God of Jacob’s name as a covering, not as a magical formula.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
Cross-references
- Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
- Psalms 138:7 If I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve me from the anger of my foes; You extend Your hand, and Your right hand saves me.
- Psalms 91:14 “Because he loves Me, I will deliver him; because he knows My name, I will protect him.
- Psalms 46:11 The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
- Psalms 46:1 For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.
- Isaiah 50:10 Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of His Servant? Who among you walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD; let him lean on his God.
- Matthew 26:38 Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”
- Hebrews 5:7 During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.
- Psalms 83:18 May they know that You alone, whose name is the LORD, are Most High over all the earth.
- Jeremiah 30:7 How awful that day will be! None will be like it! It is the time of Jacob’s distress, but he will be saved out of it.