Why Do Those Who Oppose God Ultimately Fall? (Answers from King David in Psalm 20)
The world often seems dominated by those who oppose God—nations armed with power, individuals who reject His authority, or ideologies that exalt human strength above divine wisdom. Yet Scripture repeatedly teaches that such opposition cannot last. King David, in Psalm 20, contrasts those who trust in worldly power with those who trust in the name of the Lord. His conclusion is clear: “They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright” (Psalm 20:8).
This psalm, originally a blessing spoken over Israel’s king before battle, reveals a principle that extends far beyond one conflict. Those who align themselves against God will ultimately fall because their strength is temporary, their counsel is corrupt, and their pride sets them against the One whose kingdom cannot be shaken. David’s words point forward to Jesus Christ, God’s true anointed King, whose victory over sin and death ensures that every enemy of God will one day bow before Him.
1. Opponents of God Fall Because Human Strength Is Temporary
Psalm 20 warns against misplaced confidence: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (v. 7).
Worldly trust collapses: In David’s day, chariots and horses symbolized military power. Yet armies that seemed invincible eventually crumbled (Isaiah 31:1–3).
God’s people endure: In contrast, those who trust the Lord “rise and stand firm” (v. 8). The difference lies not in outward resources but in the source of trust.
Gospel fulfillment: At the cross, worldly strength—Roman legions, religious authorities, and political schemes—seemed to triumph. Yet their apparent victory collapsed in the face of Christ’s resurrection.
Those who oppose God fall because no human strength can outlast His eternal power.
2. Opponents of God Fall Because Their Counsel Is Corrupt
David contrasts the righteous king’s desires and plans with the wicked counsel of God’s enemies. The king’s petitions in Psalm 20:4 are grounded in Torah, while those who oppose God follow the counsel of the ungodly (Psalm 1:1).
Corrupt counsel leads to ruin: Evil plans may prosper temporarily, but they cannot endure God’s judgment.
God remembers the righteous: The king’s faithful offerings and petitions are heard and accepted (Psalm 20:3–4). By contrast, the plans of the wicked perish.
Christ-centered truth: Jesus prayed according to the Father’s will (Luke 22:42). In Him, God’s plans stand firm, while the counsel of His enemies is exposed as futile.
Those who oppose God ultimately fall because their counsel resists His Word and sets them on a path of destruction.
3. Opponents of God Fall Because Pride Sets Them Against His King
Psalm 20 centers on God’s saving His anointed: “Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand” (v. 6).
Victory tied to the king: The people’s fate rested on God’s saving His king. To oppose the king chosen by God was to oppose God Himself.
Fulfillment in Christ: Jesus is the ultimate anointed King. To resist Him is to set oneself against God’s eternal kingdom (Acts 4:26–27).
The downfall of pride: Psalm 2 makes the same point: nations rage and kings plot, but God laughs at their pride and installs His Son on Zion’s throne.
Those who oppose God fall because they oppose His King, whose reign is unshakable.
4. Opponents of God Fall Because God’s Salvation Raises His People
David draws the contrast sharply: “They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand firm” (Psalm 20:8).
The bowing down of the wicked: Opposition to God leads to humiliation and ruin.
The rising of the righteous: God’s people rise not because of their strength but because of His salvation. Some translations capture this as bearing witness—they rise to testify to God’s deliverance.
Resurrection hope: In Christ, this principle is fulfilled eternally. God’s people will rise in the resurrection, while those who resist Him will face judgment (John 5:28–29).
Opponents of God fall because His salvation lifts His people to stand forever in His presence.
5. Opponents of God Fall Because God’s Final Victory Is Certain
Psalm 20 ends with the prayer: “Lord, give victory to the king! May he answer us when we call” (v. 9). This prayer anticipates not just one battle but God’s ultimate triumph.
Past deliverance guarantees future victory: David prayed with confidence because God had saved him before (Psalm 18).
Christ’s resurrection guarantees final triumph: God has already come through for His King, raising Jesus from the dead. That victory ensures every enemy will fall beneath His feet (1 Corinthians 15:25–27).
Hope for God’s people: Even in seasons of opposition and uncertainty, we celebrate in advance, knowing that God’s King has already secured the final victory.
Opponents of God fall because His ultimate victory has already been won in Christ.
Conclusion
So, why do those who oppose God ultimately fall? King David’s blessing in Psalm 20 makes the answer clear. Human strength is temporary, ungodly counsel is corrupt, pride resists God’s King, and God’s salvation raises His people to stand firm. Above all, God’s final victory in Christ ensures that every opponent will one day bow before Him.
For Christians, this is both a warning and a comfort. It warns us not to place our confidence in worldly strength or human schemes. But it comforts us with the assurance that no enemy of God can prevail against His King. In Christ, we rise and stand firm, bearing witness to His salvation both now and forever.
Bible Verses on the Fall of God’s Opponents and His Victory
“They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.” (Psalm 20:8)
“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” (Psalm 2:1)
“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples.” (Psalm 33:10)
“The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him, but the Lord laughs at the wicked.” (Psalm 37:12–13)
“No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord.” (Proverbs 21:30)
“The nations roar like the roaring of many waters, but he will rebuke them.” (Isaiah 17:12–13)
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
“He must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.” (1 Corinthians 15:25)
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command… and the dead in Christ will rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)
