Charles Ellicott Commentary Psalms 20:9

"Save, Jehovah: Let the King answer us when we call." — Psalms 20:9 (ASV)

Save Lord ... —The Authorised Version follows the accentuation of the Masoretic text, but spoils the rhythm, and interrupts the sense. The Septuagint and Vulgate, followed by all modern commentators, dividing the verse differently, render, Jehovah, save the king, from which our National Anthem comes. Jehovah thus becomes the subject of the verb hear in the last clause. May He hear us in the day of our calling. The change from second to third person is characteristic of the Hebrew manner of conquering emotion, and allowing the close of a poem to die away in calm and subdued language. .