Verse 7:
"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."
The Psalmists is saying that there are those who will trust in their military might, but in contrast: "we [will] trust in the name of the Lord our God."
Warren Wiersbe says: "The big question is, What are you trusting today? Everybody trusts in or believes in something. Some people trust in their money or credit cards. Some trust in their strength or expertise or experience."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer said: "It is not the religious act that makes the Christian, but participation in the suffering of God in the life of the world. It is living unreservedly in life's duties, problems, successes and failures, experiences, and perplexities. In so doing, we throw ourselves completely into the arms of God."
In Mark 4 the disciples were being tossed to-and-fro in the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus was asleep in the back of the boat. When the Lord does stand up and say those words "Peace be still," the sea became calm and the disciples said "Who is this that even the winds and the waves obey his voice?"
Carolyn Custis James says: "Knowledge of his character would place in their hands a reliable compass when the storm hit and life dissolved into a disorienting blur. Nothing would spare them the confession and anguish of the ordeal that awaited. but they would weather the storm differently if they knew the one who was taking them through it." (
When Life and Beliefs Collide
, 41)
Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote a great song some years ago:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
There's just something about that Name
Master, Savior, Jesus,
like the fragrance after the rain...
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,
let all heaven and earth proclaim
kings and kingdoms will all pass away
but there's something about that Name.
Verse 8:
"They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm."
"They" refers to the enemy. There are 2 things said about them: (1) "They are brought to their knees" and (2) "They...fall."
The "but" forms the contrast. We are the ones who "trust in the name of the Lord our God" from verse 7. "[Trusting] in the name of the Lord our God" there are 2 things true of us: (1) "we rise up" and (2) "we...stand firm."
Verse 9:
"O Lord, save the king! Answer us when we call!"
This is the congregation being involved once again in the Psalm as they were in the first 5 verses.
The word "Answer" occurs 3 times: (1) "May the Lord answer you" - verse 1; (2) "he answers him from his holy heaven" - verse 6; and (3) "Answer us when we call!" - verse 9.
Isaiah 65:24:
"Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear"
(NIV).
The "Answer" to this prayer is given in Psalm 21:1 -6:
"O Lord, the king rejoices in your strength. How great is his joy in the victories you give! You have granted him the desire of his heart and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah. You welcomed him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head. He asked you for life, and you gave it to him - length of days, for ever and ever. Through the victories you gave, his glory is great; you have bestowed on him splendor and majesty. Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence"
(NIV).
Warren Wiersbe says: "Although you cannot avoid battles, you can be ready for them and, with God's help, be victorious. Are you prepared to do battle? If not, trust the Lord to help you."
Don Wyrtzen prays: "Lord keep me from placing my trust in the might of men; remind me that Your Name is the only reliable source of strength."
