God listens and generously responds to the prayers of His righteous ones, bringing abundant blessings and accomplishing His sovereign plans through them.
David continues his hymn of praise to the LORD by proclaiming that “You have given him his heart’s desire, And You have not withheld the request of his lips.” (v.2). Historically, David lived from around 1040 to 970 BC and ruled over a united Israel beginning around 1010 BC, guiding the nation according to God’s commands. By stating that God has given him “his heart’s desire,” David acknowledges the LORD as the source of victory and blessing, emphasizing dependence on divine favor rather than mere human effort. The phrase “you have not withheld the request of his lips” indicates that David’s petitions align with God’s will, reflecting a heart that remains humble in success and reverent in gratitude.
Because Psalm 21 is customarily read as a royal psalm praising God for granting the king triumph, there is an undercurrent of assurance and thanksgiving. David, as the anointed king, experienced both hardship and triumph, and he credits God for preserving his reign, delivering him from danger, and granting prosperity. In Christian interpretation, it often foreshadows Christ’s ultimate reign as the Son of David, where God’s plan is fulfilled in granting the ultimate King His desires, establishing a kingdom of righteousness and peace (Luke 1:32-33).
David’s gratitude in Psalm 21:2 invites believers to place their hopes and yearnings before God, trusting Him to answer in His time and wisdom. True fulfillment, as portrayed here, comes when our requests serve and honor God’s greater purpose, much like David’s longing to lead a nation in obedience to the LORD.
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Psalms 21:2 meaning
David continues his hymn of praise to the LORD by proclaiming that “You have given him his heart’s desire, And You have not withheld the request of his lips.” (v.2). Historically, David lived from around 1040 to 970 BC and ruled over a united Israel beginning around 1010 BC, guiding the nation according to God’s commands. By stating that God has given him “his heart’s desire,” David acknowledges the LORD as the source of victory and blessing, emphasizing dependence on divine favor rather than mere human effort. The phrase “you have not withheld the request of his lips” indicates that David’s petitions align with God’s will, reflecting a heart that remains humble in success and reverent in gratitude.
Because Psalm 21 is customarily read as a royal psalm praising God for granting the king triumph, there is an undercurrent of assurance and thanksgiving. David, as the anointed king, experienced both hardship and triumph, and he credits God for preserving his reign, delivering him from danger, and granting prosperity. In Christian interpretation, it often foreshadows Christ’s ultimate reign as the Son of David, where God’s plan is fulfilled in granting the ultimate King His desires, establishing a kingdom of righteousness and peace (Luke 1:32-33).
David’s gratitude in Psalm 21:2 invites believers to place their hopes and yearnings before God, trusting Him to answer in His time and wisdom. True fulfillment, as portrayed here, comes when our requests serve and honor God’s greater purpose, much like David’s longing to lead a nation in obedience to the LORD.