Israel's "Six Day War" of 1967 is one of the greatest and most decisive battles of the 20th century. Against the combined forces of Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon, Israel faced certain annihilation. But a brilliant military strategy by Israel through a surprise, preemptive strike against Egypt decimated their air force, and in turn gave Israel vaunted air superiority throughout the war which helped them achieve a decisive victory.
But it's more than that. Throughout the centuries, Israel has always faced existential threats from its hostile Arab neighbors even today. And throughout the years Israel has survived and remains a strong nation, always ready to defend herself. How so? Psalm 20 gives us one of the keys.
Psalm 20 is a kingly prayer for those who go to battle. From verse 6 and on the prayer goes, "The LORD gives victory to his anointed. He answers Him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."
One just has to look at Israel's history if there is any doubt about the existence of God. Is it any wonder how this tiny nation, the size of the state of New Jersey, has survived against overwhelming odds even through the darkest times of its history - especially during the holocaust? Israel is God's sounding board to the world and prophetic timetable for the ages.
In the sense that God has chosen Israel as His people, God has also chosen us to be His sons and daughters through faith in the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. He is our King and thus Psalm 20 is very much applicable to all of us. It is a Kingly prayer for you and me, one that we can access anytime we are in distress. Here's the first five verses:
"May the LORD answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests."
What an awesome and beautiful prayer! We can carry this with us anywhere we go. Truly a remarkable prayer.