Psalms 20:5

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Psalms 20:5 is a declaration of faith and anticipation of victory, spoken by the community in support of their king (likely David) as he prepares for battle. This verse captures the essence of a people whose hope and confidence are firmly rooted in God, not in military might.

Context

Psalm 20 is a communal prayer for the king, offered before a significant military engagement. The preceding verses express petitions for God's protection, blessing, and success upon the king and his endeavors. Verse 5 shifts from petition to a confident proclamation of future triumph and a vow to honor God for it. It sets the stage for the powerful contrast in Psalms 20:7, which states, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."

Key Themes

  • Joy in God's Deliverance: The phrase "We will rejoice in thy salvation" highlights that the source of true joy and celebration is God's active deliverance and intervention. It's an expression of confident expectation that God will grant victory, and when He does, the people will celebrate Him alone. This anticipation of joy is a powerful act of faith even before the outcome is known.
  • Attributing Victory to God: Setting up banners "in the name of our God" signifies that any success or triumph is not due to human strength or strategy, but is solely attributed to the power and authority of the Lord. Banners in ancient warfare were symbols of identity, allegiance, and victory. To raise them in God's name is to declare Him as the true leader and source of power.
  • Confidence in Answered Prayer: The concluding wish, "the LORD fulfil all thy petitions," reflects the community's earnest desire and belief that God will hear and grant the king's prayers for victory and divine assistance. It underscores a deep trust in God's responsiveness to the fervent prayers of His people. For more on the power of prayer, consider 1 John 5:14.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Salvation" (Hebrew: yeshu'ah): This word is rich in meaning, encompassing deliverance, victory, welfare, and prosperity. It's not just about being saved from danger, but about God's comprehensive act of making things right and whole.
  • "Banners" (Hebrew: deghel): These were military standards or ensigns, used to identify tribes or armies and to signal commands. Raising a banner signified a public declaration or a claim of victory. To set them up "in the name of our God" elevates a military symbol into a profound spiritual statement of allegiance and reliance.

Practical Application

Psalms 20:5 offers timeless principles for believers today:

  • Source of Joy: Our ultimate joy should stem from God's saving work in our lives, whether it's deliverance from sin, spiritual battles, or daily challenges. This joy is steadfast because it's rooted in His unchanging character.
  • Giving God the Glory: When we experience success or overcome difficulties, this verse reminds us to publicly acknowledge that the victory comes from God. "Setting up banners" can be seen as living 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 or resources, as seen in Proverbs 18:10.
  • Pray with Confidence: The verse encourages us to pray boldly, trusting that God hears our petitions and will answer according to His perfect will. It fosters an attitude of confident expectation in God's faithfulness to His promises.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 17:15 (13 votes)

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

  • Psalms 60:4 (11 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 1:17 (10 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

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

  • Luke 1:47 (5 votes)

    And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.