There is a link between this psalm and the previous one in that it moves from the sacrifice of Christ and His saving grace to the victories of Christ. That includes resurrected life "forever and ever" and goes to the ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ into the glory of "honor (splendor) and majesty" when He passes the sentence of just judgment on those who are evil, and His own people will sing their praises from their hearts. The King is in His glory.
The king of Israel understood he and the nation of Israel owed everything to the strength of the Lord, and the blessings He gave to them were according to the will of God and were his "heart's desire." His prayer was answered. The battle had been fought, and the victory had been won by the strength of the Lord. The theme of the first part of this psalm is his heart's desire. It included "rich blessings." "The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich and He addeth no sorrow with it." Then his desire was a "crown of pure gold." What joy and glory are associated with an incorruptible crown! He wanted a "long life." May we never underestimate the value of eternal life that has been freely given to those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. "Honor and majesty" that may be given to an earthly king are merely a slight reflection of the honor and majesty of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has been raised to endless glory. "Eternal blessing" that never fades away moves the people of God to heartfelt thanksgiving and worship. "Gladness" indicates that the joy that comes from victory continues and remains.
All of these responses and results of the Lord's victories remind us of the gifts we have received from God. Anything that can be used as a positive way to glorify God is a gift from Him. Health, life, family, fellowship with believers, faith, grace, and mercy - these are all gifts from God to us. What we have received we can use to whatever extent possible as a blessing from God to others. There is joy when our prayers are answered. The king had asked for strength and salvation, and that prayer was answered. even the thoughts of his heart were answered as well as the words of his lips. No wonder when God answers our prayers, we need to "stop and consider (Selah)." How thorough are God's dealings with us! Actions, plans, words, and thoughts are all known by Him. Trust in Him and joy from Him go together because it is in an unfailing and infallible God.
At the center of the psalm is a verse that kind of stands by itself. The "Most High" emphasizes the fact and the understanding of the king of that fact that God transcends any and all other powers. To trust in the Lord and depend upon His unfailing love is evidence of a good leader. Such a leader will not be moved by anyone who opposes him. Trust in the Lord gives permanence and stability to those who experience divine favor. One may lose a lot in this life, but when our trust is on the foundation of the solid Rock, faith in Him will enable us to suffer loss and maintain our confidence in Him, and that the future is secure. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the embodiment of all these characteristics.
The judgment of God on the ungodly is not only based on what can be seen. The Lord knows what is imagined in the heart. He knows hidden agendas. He knows the motives and intended evil planned against His people. It is in this psalm of victory that we know God's face shines upon His servant, but He is against the "face of them" who are His enemies. No matter who you are or where you are, you cannot hide from God. Payday is coming on all who oppose the Lord, His truth, His word, and His will.
In this section of the psalm, verses eight through twelve, the people of God hail the triumph of the king who was under the leadership of the Lord. The victory was such that not even the descendants of the defeated kings would ever rise up against him. The deliberate actions of the enemies of David that were intended to bring him down were not carried out. The power of those who do evil is only temporary.
When God intervenes, all the best-laid plans of men are scattered and come to nothing. It may seem to us sometimes that the enemies of truth and righteousness seem to prevail, at least for a time, over justice. The enemies of God are occasionally allowed a temporary advantage to bring to fruition God's intended purpose. When we see evil plans and schemes taking place, and we wonder what is going to happen to us, we must remember that this will not last. This is only for a short season. "Be not dismayed what 'er befall, God will take care of you."
God has His own ways of making the forces of evil turn and run. When God is there in righteousness and holiness, and in figure draws back His bow with an arrow on the string and other arrows ready to use, then the fear of the Lord will cause the wicked to look for someplace to hide. Even though this is not a messianic psalm, there is no question that this psalm can be referred to our Lord Jesus Christ, who will, in His time and way, "Cast all His foes beneath His feet." We should never cease to praise our victorious Lord who has won the greatest battle ever fought. He did it for us, and the triumph of that greatest of all victories will be the theme of our praises forever.
Sometimes we may feel like weeping now for the great departure from God that is evident all around us and among us. But that sorrow can be turned into joy now when we look above and beyond the present tumult to the mighty Victor and consider what He has won for us that we can experience and enjoy now and will enjoy through eternal ages. When this psalm concludes, the psalmist rejoices in the strength of the Lord to help him and offers genuine praise to the Lord for His might that was used on behalf of His servant.
Our Lord Jesus has endured the cross and is now in heaven, crowned with glory and honor, interceding on behalf of His people. With joy, He waits for His people to see the manifestation of His glory as the King. He was acquainted with grief as the Man of Sorrows. Now, at the right hand of the throne of God, the joy that was "set before Him" is real, as one after another, people are coming into His kingdom by the new birth. "He shall see of the travail of His soul and shall be satisfied." He is also the universal Judge who is committed to all judgment. When our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, the grace of God never ceased, and in this psalm, there are clear references to that wonderful grace.
PSALM 21. Joy and thanksgiving in Victory. v.1-7. Victory causes great rejoicing in the case of David. The length of days, “forever and ever,” is literally true in the resurrection life of the Messiah. He is a blessing to the whole world. v.8-12. The doom of the enemies of the king. There is no way they can escape Him; no place they can go where He will not find them. Their plot to keep Christ from the universal government will fail (v.11-12). v.13. Praise to the Lord. He is exalted in the way He has shown His strength.