According to Rabbi S.R. Hirsch, this psalm is addressed to David by the people of Israel. It is a testimonial of trust that the people have in the Divinely-appointed king, who is accustomed to victory and triumph. At the same time, it proclaims the eternal truth that the victories which our king wins for our people are to be attributed not to his bravery, nor to his sword, nor to his soldiers, but solely to his relationship with God, His Sanctuary, and His Law.

To Him Who grants victory, a Psalm of David May Adonoy answer you on the day of distress; May the Name of Jacob’s¹ God fortify you. May He send your help from the Sanctuary,² and support you from Zion. May He remember all your meal-offerings, and accept your burnt sacrifices³, Selah. May He grant you what your heart desires, and fulfill all your plans. We will sing at Your deliverance, and in the Name of our God, raise our banners; May Adonoy fulfill all your wishes. Now I know that Adonoy has delivered His anointed one, He will answer him from His holy heavens with the mighty deliverance of His right hand. Some [rely] upon chariots and some upon horses, but as for us, upon the Name of Adonoy, our God, we call. They have bowed down and fallen, but we have risen and stand firm. Adonoy, deliver [us], the King will answer us on the day we call.

footnotes: ¹ Jacob’s entire life was filled with trials and distress, and he has thus become the symbol for his descendants throughout their periods of exile and distress.—Radak; S.R. Hirsch ² May God help you because of your dedication to the Sanctuary. David’s entire being was consecrated to God’s Sanctuary.—S.R. Hirsch ³ Rashi maintains that “offerings” and “sacrifices” refer to David’s prayers rather than to his real-offerings.