Charles Ellicott Commentary Psalms 21

The king shall. —Rather, the king is exulting in your might (which has secured the victory he prayed for), and in your help how greatly glad is he.

Request. —The Hebrew word occurs nowhere else, but is connected with a root, to be poor, and, therefore, in want. The "not" is emphatic: And the request of his lips you have by no means withheld. The mention in Psalms 21:4 of a prayer for long life, or perhaps, rather, continuance of life, suggests that this “request” was uttered in sickness. On the other hand the general tone of the psalm connects it with a victory.

You anticipate him — that is, you come to meet him. The word “prevent” is familiar in this sense in the English collect: “Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings.” (1 Thessalonians 4:15).

The “crown” is by some identified with that won by David at Rabbah Moab. Others make it refer to a coronation. Ewald thinks of a birthday celebration. Probably no more is intended than a symbol of victory and rejoicing. Maidens were accustomed to meet a monarch returning in victory, and to offer a crown, or garland, which was a symbol of extraordinary rejoicing. (Compare to 1 Samuel 18:6; Psalms 68:11; Song of Solomon 3:11).

For ever and ever. — This is merely a term for indefinite length. (Compare the common salutation of a king: 1 Kings 1:31; Nehemiah 2:3; Daniel 3:9.) An allusion to the eternal kingdom of the Messiah is not to be forced on the passage.

Most blessed. —Literally, blessings. The idiom is similar to that in Psalms 1:1.

With your countenance. —Rather, In your presence. (Compare to Psalms 16:11.)