Sharper Iron — Spring into the Psalms - Psalm 21: The King Trusts in the LORD

David prays in joy for what the LORD has accomplished for him and through him as king. The LORD’s blessings have overflowed for David and for all Israel because of the LORD’s steadfast love. The LORD has given victory to Israel from their enemies, and He is exalted as the true King. In this way, David and all the kings of Israel point forward to the eternal reign of Jesus Christ.

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 21.

To learn more about St. Matthew Lutheran, visit GraceFaithLove.org.

Join Sharper Iron this spring to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Together in faith, LCEF helps to start, sustain and strengthen LCMS ministries through financial and strategic partnerships. Visit lcef.org.

Psalm 21

The King Rejoices in the LORD’s Strength

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

[1] O LORD, in your strength the king rejoices,

and in your salvation how greatly he exults!

[2] You have given him his heart’s desire

and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah

[3] For you meet him with rich blessings;

you set a crown of fine gold upon his head.

[4] He asked life of you; you gave it to him,

length of days forever and ever.

[5] His glory is great through your salvation;

splendor and majesty you bestow on him.

[6] For you make him most blessed forever;

you make him glad with the joy of your presence.

[7] For the king trusts in the LORD,

and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.

[8] Your hand will find out all your enemies;

your right hand will find out those who hate you.

[9] You will make them as a blazing oven

when you appear.

The LORD will swallow them up in his wrath,

and fire will consume them.

[10] You will destroy their descendants from the earth,

and their offspring from among the children of man.

[11] Though they plan evil against you,

though they devise mischief, they will not succeed.

[12] For you will put them to flight;

you will aim at their faces with your bows.

[13] Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength!

We will sing and praise your power.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Rev. Timothy Appel

Although a mathematics degree may not be incredibly helpful to (proudly born-and-raised Texan) Rev. Timothy Appel while hosting Sharper Iron, his love of CFW Walther and the season of Easter will come in handy. His Call is shepherding the flock at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, Illinois, and he’s also husband to wife Kristin and dad to their growing basketball team of children. When he’s not carrying out pastoral duties, you may find him reading “The Lord of the Rings,” snacking on Reese’s peanut butter cups, playing dominoes with his boys, or studying up on Texas history (including Sam Houston, of course).