Psalms 20:5

KJV

We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up [our] banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

KJV (with Strong's)

We will rejoice {H7442} in thy salvation {H3444}, and in the name {H8034} of our God {H430} we will set up our banners {H1713}: the LORD {H3068} fulfil {H4390} all thy petitions {H4862}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then we will shout for joy at your victory and fly our flags in the name of our God. May ADONAI fulfill all your requests.

Berean Standard Bible

May we shout for joy at your victory and raise a banner in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your petitions.

American Standard Version

We will triumph in thy salvation, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners: Jehovah fulfil all thy petitions.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 20:5 is a vibrant declaration of corporate faith and confident anticipation, voiced by the community of Israel on behalf of their king, likely David, as he prepares for a significant military engagement. It articulates a profound trust that true victory and cause for celebration stem solely from God's saving power, not human might, and expresses the people's unwavering commitment to publicly honor God for His deliverance and to believe in the fulfillment of their king's petitions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 20 is a communal prayer offered for the king, strategically positioned within the first book of the Psalter, a collection often associated with Davidic authorship or themes. The psalm opens with the people's fervent petitions for God's favor upon their king in the day of trouble, specifically asking for divine help, protection, and remembrance of his offerings and sacrifices (verses 1-3). Verse 4 continues this plea, desiring God to grant the king's heart's desire and fulfill his counsel. Immediately following these earnest supplications, verse 5 marks a powerful and confident shift from petition to a bold proclamation of assured victory and a vow of worship. This declaration of faith sets the stage for the climactic affirmation in [Psalms 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalms 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord"), which starkly contrasts reliance on human military power with unwavering trust in the name of the Lord. The psalm concludes with a final plea for salvation and divine answer (verse 9), framing the declaration of verse 5 as a confident interlude within a broader prayer for divine intervention and success.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm deeply reflects the socio-political and religious realities of ancient Israel, particularly during the monarchical period. In the ancient Near East, kings were often seen as divine representatives, and their success in battle was paramount for national survival and prosperity. However, in Israel, the king was uniquely understood as God's anointed, a servant under divine authority, whose power derived solely from Yahweh. Battles were not merely military engagements but spiritual conflicts, with outcomes determined by divine favor and covenant faithfulness. The practice of "setting up banners" (or standards/ensigns) was common in ancient warfare, serving to identify armies, rally troops, and signify victory or occupation. To raise these banners "in the name of our God" was a distinctly Israelite expression, transforming a common military practice into a profound theological statement of allegiance and dependence on Yahweh. The communal voice underscores the corporate nature of Israelite faith, where the well-being of the nation and its king were inextricably linked to their covenant relationship with God, highlighting a collective identity and shared destiny.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 20:5 encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Joy in God's Deliverance**, emphasizing that true rejoicing is rooted in God's active salvation, not merely in the absence of trouble or the achievement of human goals. This anticipatory joy is an act of profound faith, celebrating victory before it is physically manifest, much like the confidence expressed in [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always"). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Attributing Victory to God Alone**. By raising banners "in the name of our God," the people declare that any success is not due to their own strength, strategy, or the king's prowess, but solely to the power and authority of the Lord, echoing the sentiment found in [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - Victory Belongs to the Lord"). This theme stands in stark contrast to the human tendency to trust in material resources or military might, as explicitly stated in [Psalms 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalms 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord"). Finally, the concluding petition, "the LORD fulfil all thy petitions," speaks to the theme of **Confidence in Answered Prayer**, demonstrating a deep trust in God's responsiveness and faithfulness to His people's fervent prayers, a trust encouraged throughout scripture, for example in [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14-15 "1 John 5:14-15 - Confidence in Prayer").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rejoice (Hebrew, _rânan'_):** This primitive root literally means "to creak (or emit a stridulous sound)," but is primarily used figuratively to mean "to shout (usually for joy)." It conveys a loud, exultant expression of joy, triumph, and celebration, often in response to divine intervention or deliverance. In this context, it signifies a fervent, outward expression of delight and confidence in God's anticipated saving acts.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** Derived from the verb "to save" or "to deliver," this feminine passive participle encompasses a broad range of meanings including deliverance, aid, victory, prosperity, health, and welfare. It refers to God's comprehensive act of rescuing, preserving, and bringing well-being to His people, extending beyond mere physical rescue to spiritual and holistic flourishing. Here, it specifically denotes the divine victory God will grant.
* **Banners (Hebrew, _dâgal'_):** This primitive root means "to flaunt, i.e. raise a flag." Figuratively, it means "to be conspicuous." While the KJV translates it as "banners" (a noun), the Hebrew here is a verbal form of _dâgal_, signifying the *act* of setting up or raising a standard or flag. These were military ensigns used for identification, rallying troops, and signaling triumph. The act of raising them "in the name of our God" transforms a military custom into a profound theological declaration, making God's name conspicuous as the source of victory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We will rejoice in thy salvation":** This opening clause expresses a communal, anticipatory joy rooted in God's future deliverance. The "we" signifies the collective voice of the people of Israel, corporately declaring their confident expectation that God will grant victory. Their rejoicing is not in their own strength or the king's prowess, but exclusively in "thy salvation"—God's saving act. This is a profound declaration of faith, celebrating the victory even before it is physically realized, demonstrating a deep and unwavering trust in God's faithfulness.
* **"and in the name of our God we will set up [our] banners":** This phrase describes the public, symbolic act of acknowledging God as the sole source of victory. "Setting up banners" signifies a public display of triumph and allegiance, a visible sign of a won battle. Doing so "in the name of our God" means that the victory is attributed solely to His authority, power, and character. It is a corporate vow to honor God publicly for any success, refusing to take credit for themselves or their king, and instead proclaiming His sovereignty over all outcomes and His identity as the true standard-bearer of Israel.
* **"the LORD fulfil all thy petitions":** This concluding clause functions as both a collective prayer and a confident affirmation of the king's prayers. The people express their earnest desire and firm belief that Yahweh (the LORD, God's covenant name, H3068) will hear and grant the king's requests for divine assistance and success in battle. It underscores the deep trust in God's responsiveness to the fervent prayers of His anointed and His people, reinforcing the theme of divine intervention in human affairs and the efficacy of prayer offered in faith.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 20:5 employs several powerful literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. **Symbolism** is prominently featured in the "banners," which transcend their military function to become potent symbols of divine victory, allegiance, and public proclamation. Raising them "in the name of our God" transforms a physical act into a spiritual declaration, signifying that God is the true standard-bearer and the ultimate source of all triumph. The verse also features a strong **Communal Voice**, indicated by the repeated use of "we," which emphasizes the corporate nature of faith and prayer in Israel. This collective declaration creates a powerful sense of unity and shared purpose in trusting God. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Proclamation** or **Declaration of Faith**, moving beyond mere petition to an assertive statement of confidence in God's saving power and an anticipatory celebration of His future acts. This declarative tone instills hope, strengthens the resolve of the community, and serves as an example of faith-filled speech.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 20:5 stands as a powerful testament to the theological truth that ultimate victory and genuine joy are found not in human strength or strategic brilliance, but in the sovereign power and saving acts of God. It underscores the principle of divine dependency, reminding believers that while human effort and preparation are necessary, the decisive factor in any endeavor, especially spiritual warfare, is God's intervention. The verse also highlights the importance of public worship and acknowledgment of God's goodness, urging His people to attribute all success to Him. This corporate declaration of faith serves as a model for how communities of faith should approach challenges, marked by confident prayer and a commitment to glorify God for His anticipated and realized deliverance. It is a timeless reminder that our hope is rightly placed in the Lord alone, and our celebrations should always point back to His unfailing might and mercy.

* [Isaiah 12:2](/isaiah/12-2 "Isaiah 12:2 - God is My Salvation")
* [Exodus 17:15](/exodus/17-15 "Exodus 17:15 - The Lord Is My Banner")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 20:5 offers timeless principles for believers navigating the challenges of life. It calls us to cultivate a deep-seated joy rooted in God's ongoing salvation, recognizing that His deliverance is not limited to grand, historical events but extends to our daily struggles, temptations, and needs. This joy is steadfast because it emanates from His unchanging character and unwavering faithfulness, allowing us to rejoice even in the midst of trials, knowing His ultimate victory is assured. When we experience breakthroughs, successes, or simply the grace to endure, this verse compels us to "set up our banners" in His name. This means publicly acknowledging that the victory, the strength, and the blessing come from God alone. It's an invitation to live a life that openly testifies to His goodness and power, giving Him all the credit for our achievements and blessings, rather than relying on our own strength, wisdom, or resources. Furthermore, the verse fosters an attitude of confident expectation in prayer, encouraging us to bring our petitions before God with the assurance that He hears and will answer according to His perfect will, aligning our desires with His divine purposes and trusting in His sovereign timing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me to "rejoice in God's salvation" in my current circumstances, even before a desired outcome is realized?**
* **How can I "set up my banners in the name of our God" in my daily life, publicly attributing my successes and blessings to Him rather than to my own efforts?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to pray with greater confidence, trusting that the Lord will fulfill my petitions according to His perfect will and for His glory?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "we" in this verse, and why is their declaration significant?**

Answer: The "we" in [Psalms 20:5](/psalms/20-5 "Psalms 20:5 - Rejoicing in God's Salvation") refers to the community of Israel, the people, who are corporately praying for and declaring their confidence in their king, likely David, as he prepares for battle. Their declaration is significant because it highlights the corporate nature of faith in ancient Israel. The well-being of the nation was tied to the king's success, but that success was ultimately dependent on God's favor. The people's unified voice demonstrates their collective trust in God, their shared commitment to His covenant, and their solidarity with their leader. It shows that faith is not just an individual matter but a communal expression of dependence on God, echoing the corporate identity of God's people throughout scripture, such as in [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - A Kingdom of Priests").

**What is the significance of "setting up banners" in the name of God?**

Answer: In ancient warfare, banners (or military standards/ensigns) were crucial for identifying armies, rallying troops, and signaling commands. After a victory, setting up banners in conquered territory or upon returning home was a public declaration of triumph and ownership. To "set up banners in the name of our God" transforms this military custom into a profound theological statement. It signifies that the victory is not attributed to human strength, strategy, or the king's prowess, but solely to the power, authority, and character of Yahweh. It is a public act of worship and acknowledgment, declaring that God is the true commander, the source of all power, and the one to whom all glory is due. This concept is beautifully encapsulated in [Exodus 17:15](/exodus/17-15 "Exodus 17:15 - The Lord Is My Banner"), where Moses names an altar "Jehovah-nissi," meaning "The LORD is my banner," after a victory.

**Does "the LORD fulfil all thy petitions" mean God will grant every prayer?**

Answer: This phrase expresses the community's earnest desire and confident belief that God will hear and grant the king's specific petitions related to the upcoming battle. While it reflects a strong faith in God's responsiveness, it should be understood within the broader biblical context of prayer. God always answers prayers, but not always in the way or with the timing we expect. His answers are always consistent with His perfect will, His character, and His ultimate purposes for our good and His glory. This confidence is rooted in God's faithfulness to His covenant and His people, not in a guarantee that every human desire will be met. True fulfillment of petitions aligns with God's sovereign plan, as seen in [Matthew 6:10](/matthew/6-10 "Matthew 6:10 - Your Will Be Done") and [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good"), which assure believers that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 20:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. The "salvation" that the psalmist anticipates and rejoices in is perfectly embodied in Christ's redemptive work. He is the true "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering not just victory in battle but eternal deliverance from sin, death, and the power of the enemy. Our rejoicing is now fixed on His finished work on the cross and His glorious resurrection, which secured our ultimate triumph over every spiritual foe. The act of "setting up banners in the name of our God" finds its supreme expression in the triumph of the cross, where Christ disarmed the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by it ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). The cross itself becomes our banner, the symbol of God's ultimate victory over evil, and in His name, we are "more than conquerors through Him who loved us" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")). Furthermore, the community's prayer for the king's petitions to be fulfilled is perfectly realized in Christ, who always did the Father's will ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")) and whose eternal intercession for His people before the Father is eternally effective ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Intercedes for Us")). In Him, all of God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), ensuring that God's ultimate redemptive purposes are fulfilled through His beloved Son, establishing His everlasting kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 17:15

And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:

Psalms 60:4

Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.

1 Samuel 1:17

Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant [thee] thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

Isaiah 25:9

¶ And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this [is] our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this [is] the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Isaiah 12:1

¶ And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.

Isaiah 12:3

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

Luke 1:47

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.