Psalm 20 appears to be a prayer for God to bless an upcoming military battle, yet "day of trouble" can have a wide application throughout the lives of God's people, as we engage in spiritual battles.

David states that those who "trust in chariots, and some in horses," have fallen on the battlefield, but his forces will triumph in the name of the Lord (verses 7-8). David cites the custom of soldiers presenting offerings and sacrifices before going into battle. The Expositor's Bible Commentary note on verse 3 states, "The Israelite practice of presenting sacrifices and offerings before a military campaign was an act of devotion and submission to the Lord (1 Samuel 7:9-10; 1 Samuel 13:9-12)."

The word "salvation" (verse 5) is also translated "deliverance." On this occasion the psalmist speaks of being delivered from a physical enemy. He is not referring to ultimate spiritual salvation. The New International Version translates this verse, "We will shout for joy when you are victorious." For us today, this can mean God giving us daily victories over sin and difficult circumstances.

The phrase "lift up our banners" (same verse, NIV) conveys a sense of confidence that those who trust in God will experience His blessings. The word banner comes from the root word "to flaunt," "to be conspicuous." David's armies will fly their victory flags so all will know that "the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand" (verse 6). David himself was God's anointed. Jesus Christ is of course the ultimate anointed—and all believers are part of His spiritual army. Yet all of God's spiritual children are also His anointed individually—anointed with the Holy Spirit.

David concludes with, "May the King answer us when we call." The Nelson Study Bible notes on verses 7-9 that "above King David was God the Great King; moreover, one day King Jesus would rule from sea to sea."