Isaiah 31:1(v7)Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they…
Jeremiah 17:5(v7)Yahweh says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man, relies on strength of flesh, and whose heart departs from Yahweh.
Proverbs 21:31(v7)The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with Yahweh.
Psalms 33:16-17(v7)There is no king saved by the multitude of an army. A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a vain thing for safety,…
2 Chronicles 32:8(v7)An arm of flesh is with him, but Yahweh our God is with us to help us and to fight our battles.” The people rested themselves on the words…
Show all 47 cross-references
2 Chronicles 14:11(v7)Asa cried to Yahweh his God, and said, “Yahweh, there is no one besides you to help, between the mighty and him who has no strength. Help…
2 Chronicles 20:12-20(v7)Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that comes against us. We don’t know what to do, but our…
Exodus 17:15(v5)Moses built an altar, and called its name “Yahweh our Banner”.
1 Samuel 1:17(v5)Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of him.”
Psalms 45:17(v7)I will make your name to be remembered in all generations. Therefore the peoples shall give you thanks forever and ever.
Psalms 60:4(v5)You have given a banner to those who fear you, that it may be displayed because of the truth.
Psalms 28:8(v6)Yahweh is their strength. He is a stronghold of salvation to his anointed.
2 Chronicles 13:10-12(v7)“But as for us, Yahweh is our God, and we have not forsaken him. We have priests serving Yahweh, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites in…
Isaiah 25:9(v5)It shall be said in that day, “Behold, this is our God! We have waited for him, and he will save us! This is Yahweh! We have waited for…
Isaiah 30:16(v7)but you said, “No, for we will flee on horses;” therefore you will flee; and, “We will ride on the swift;” therefore those who pursue you…
1 Samuel 13:5(v7)The Philistines assembled themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the…
2 Chronicles 13:16(v7)The children of Israel fled before Judah, and God delivered them into their hand.
Isaiah 61:10(v5)I will greatly rejoice in Yahweh! My soul will be joyful in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation. He has covered me…
Habakkuk 3:18(v5)yet I will rejoice in Yahweh. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
2 Samuel 10:18(v7)The Syrians fled before Israel; and David killed seven hundred charioteers of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and struck Shobach…
Psalms 118:15(v5)The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous. “The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly.
Isaiah 12:1-3(v5)In that day you will say, “I will give thanks to you, Yahweh; for though you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you comfort…
Luke 1:47(v5)My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior,
Psalms 9:14(v5)that I may show all of your praise. I will rejoice in your salvation in the gates of the daughter of Zion.
Psalms 13:5(v5)But I trust in your loving kindness. My heart rejoices in your salvation.
Psalms 18:50(v6)He gives great deliverance to his king, and shows loving kindness to his anointed, to David and to his offspring, forever more.
Psalms 35:9(v5)My soul shall be joyful in Yahweh. It shall rejoice in his salvation.
Psalms 89:20-23(v6)I have found David, my servant. I have anointed him with my holy oil, with whom my hand shall be established. My arm will also strengthen…
Acts 5:31(v6)God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.
Psalms 2:2(v6)The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against Yahweh, and against his Anointed, saying,
Psalms 41:11(v6)By this I know that you delight in me, because my enemy doesn’t triumph over me.
Isaiah 63:15(v6)Look down from heaven, and see from the habitation of your holiness and of your glory. Where are your zeal and your mighty acts? The…
Micah 4:5(v5)Indeed all the nations may walk in the name of their gods; but we will walk in the name of Yahweh our God forever and ever.
Matthew 6:9(v6)Pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
Acts 4:10(v6)may it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God…
1 Kings 8:30(v6)Listen to the supplication of your servant, and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Yes, hear in heaven, your dwelling…
1 Kings 8:43(v6)hear in heaven, your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to you for; that all the peoples of the earth may…
Psalms 17:7(v6)Show your marvelous loving kindness, you who save those who take refuge by your right hand from their enemies.
Psalms 18:35(v6)You have also given me the shield of your salvation. Your right hand sustains me. Your gentleness has made me great.
Psalms 19:4(v5)Their voice has gone out through all the earth, their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,
Psalms 21:1(v5)The king rejoices in your strength, Yahweh! How greatly he rejoices in your salvation!
Isaiah 57:15(v6)For the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy, says: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a…
Isaiah 58:9(v6)Then you will call, and Yahweh will answer. You will cry for help, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ “If you take away from among you the yoke,…
Acts 2:36(v6)“Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
2 Samuel 8:4(v7)David took from him one thousand seven hundred horsemen and twenty thousand footmen. David hamstrung all the chariot horses, but reserved…
Isaiah 11:10(v5)It will happen in that day that the nations will seek the root of Jesse, who stands as a banner of the peoples; and his resting place will…
Acts 2:33(v6)Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out…
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (20 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
John Calvin1540 · Public DomainOn vv5–75. That we may rejoice in thy salvation. This…
5. That we may rejoice in thy salvation. This verse may be explained in two other ways, besides the sense it bears according to the translation which I have given. Some consider it to be a prayer, as if it had been said, Lord, make us to rejoice. Others think that the faithful, after having finished their prayer, encourage themselves to entertain good hope; Meaning, “We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God will we set up our banners.”
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
Geneva Bible translators1599 · Public DomainOn vv5–6Granted to the King in whose wealth our felicity…
Granted to the King in whose wealth our felicity standeth.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp1656 · Public DomainOn vv5–7Psa 20:5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and…
Psa 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.
Ver. 5. We will rejoice in thy salvation] i.e. We are well assured that God will save us by thee, O king; and that shall produce a general joy among us. This confidence prayer hath begotten in him; for it is a sure grain, and if man would sow more of it in God’s bosom, they shall not fail to reap the fruit and comfort of it in their greatest need. Pray, that your joy may be full.
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And in the name of our God will we set up our banners] Our flags of defiance to the enemy, or our tokens of triumph to God’s glory, who hath given us the victory. The Romans, when they had conquered an enemy, rode in triumph to the Capitol, where in all humility they presented a palm, or laurel bush, to Jupiter.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole1685 · Public DomainOn vv5–7We will rejoice: hereby they show their confidence in…
We will rejoice: hereby they show their confidence in God, and their assurance of the victory.
In the name of our God, i.e. to the honour of God, as the Conqueror.
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We will set up our banners, in way of triumph; which among other ways was celebrated by the setting up of banners or trophies.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry1710 · Public DomainOn v6Here is, I. Holy David himself triumphing in the…
Here is, I. Holy David himself triumphing in the interest he had in the prayers of good people (Psa 20:6): "Now know I (I that pen the psalm know it) that the Lord saveth his anointed, because he hath stirred up the hearts of the seed of Jacob to pray for him." Note, It bodes well to any prince and people, and may justly be taken as a happy presage, when God pours upon them a spirit of prayer. If he see us seeking him, he will be found of us; if he cause us to hope in his word, he will establish his word to us. Now that so many who have an interest in heaven are praying for him he doubts not but that God will hear him, and grant him an answer of peace, which will, 1. Take its rise from above: He will hear him from his holy heaven, of which the sanctuary was a type (Heb 9:23), from the throne he hath prepared in heaven, of which the mercy-seat was a type. 2. It shall take its effect here below: He will hear him with the saving strength of his right hand; he will give a real answer to his prayers, and the prayers of his friends for him, not by letter, nor by word of mouth, but, which is much better, by his right hand, by the saving strength of his right hand. He will make it to appear that he hears him by what he does for him.
II. His people triumphing in God and their relation to him, and his revelation of himself to them, by which they distinguish themselves from those that live without God in the world. 1. See the difference between worldly people and godly people, in their confidences, Psa 20:7. The children of this world trust in second causes, and think all is well if those do but smile upon them; they trust in chariots and in horses, and the more of them they can bring into the field the more sure they are of success in their wars; probably David has here an eye to the Syrians, whose forces consisted much of chariots and horsemen, as we find in the history of David's victories over them, Sa2 8:4; Sa2 10:18. "But," say the Israelites, "we neither have chariots and horses to trust to nor do we want them, nor, if we had them, would we build our hopes of success upon that; but we will remember, and rely upon, the name of the Lord our God, upon the relation we stand in to him as the Lord our God and the knowledge we have of him by his name," that is, all that whereby he makes himself known; this we will remember and upon every remembrance of it will be encouraged. Note, those who make God and his name their praise may make God and his name their trust. 2. See the difference in the issue of their confidences and by that we are to judge of the wisdom of the choice; things are as they prove; see who will be ashamed of their confidence and who not, Psa 20:8. "Those that trusted in their chariots and horses are brought down and fallen, and their chariots and horses were so far from saving them that they helped to sink them, and made them the easier and the richer prey to the conqueror, Sa2 8:4. But we that trust in the name of the Lord our God not only stand upright, and keep our ground, but have risen, and have got ground against the enemy, and have triumphed over them." Note, A believing obedient trust in God and his name is the surest way both to preferment and to establishment, to rise and to stand upright, and this will stand us in stead when creature-confidences fail those that depend upon them.
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III. They conclude their prayer for the king with a Hosanna, "Save, now, we beseech thee, O Lord!" Psa 20:9. As we read this verse, it may be taken as a prayer that God would not only bless the king, "Save, Lord, give him success," but that he would make him a blessing to them, "Let the king hear us when we call to him for justice and mercy." Those that would have good of their magistrates must thus pray for them, for they, as all other creatures, are that to us (and no more) which God makes them to be. Or it may refer to the Messiah, that King, that King of kings; let him hear us when we call; let him come to us according to the promise, in the time appointed; let him, as the great Master of requests, receive all our petitions and present them to the Father. But many interpreters give another reading of this verse, by altering the pause, Lord, save the king, and hear us when we call; and so it is a summary of the whole psalm and is taken into our English Liturgy; O Lord! save the king, and mercifully hear us when we call upon thee.
In singing these verses we should encourage ourselves to trust in God, and stir up ourselves to pray earnestly, as we are in duty bound, for those in authority over us, that under them we may lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Gill1763 · Public DomainOn vv5–7We will rejoice in thy salvation,.... That is, "so…
We will rejoice in thy salvation,.... That is, "so will we", &c. or "that we may" (p), &c. or "let us"; these words, with what follow, point at the end of the church's requests, and what she resolved to do upon the accomplishment of the above things; for instance, she would rejoice in the salvation of the Messiah; meaning either the salvation and deliverance from death and the grave, and all other enemies, which he himself is possessed of, and which enters into, and is the occasion of the joy of his people; for not his sufferings and death only, but chiefly his resurrection from the dead, session at God's right hand, and intercession for them, cause the triumph of faith in him, and further the joy of it, Rom 8:33; or else the salvation he is the author of, which being so great, so suitable, so complete and perfect, and an everlasting one; is matter of joy to all sensible of their need of it, and who have a comfortable hope of interest in it;
and in the name of our God we will set up our banners; either as a preparation for war; see Jer 51:27; so when Caesar (q) set up his banner, it was a sign to his soldiers to run to their arms and prepare to fight; and then the sense is, putting our trust in the Lord, relying on his strength, and not on our own, we will cheerfully and courageously engage with all his and our enemies, sin, Satan, and the world; as good soldiers of Christ, we will endure hardness, fight his battles under the banners of the Lord of hosts, in whose service we are enlisted; or as a sign of victory, when standards were set up, and flags hung out (r); see Jer 50:2; and then the meaning is, Christ, the great Captain of our salvation, having obtained a complete victory over all enemies, and made us more than conquerors thereby, we will set up our banners, hang out the flag, and in his name triumph over sin, Satan, the world, death, and hell;
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the Lord fulfil all thy petitions: the same as in Psa 20:4; this is put here to show that the church will be in such a frame as before described, when the Lord shall have fulfilled all the petitions of his Anointed; of which she had a full assurance, as appears from the following words.
(p) So Ainsworth; "ovemus", Vatablus, Piscator, Michaelis; "cantemus", Gejerus. (q) De Bello Gallico, l. 2. c. 20. (r) Schindler. Pentaglott. col. 1126.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley1765 · Public DomainOn vv5–7Rejoice - Hereby they shew their confidence in God,…
Rejoice - Hereby they shew their confidence in God, and their assurance of the victory. Name - To the honour of God. Set up - In way of triumph.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke1810 · Public DomainOn vv5–7Verse 5. We will rejoice in thy salvation] We…
Verse 5. We will rejoice in thy salvation] We expect help from thee alone; it is in thy cause we engage; and to thee, as our war is a just one, we consecrate our banners, inscribed with thy name. It is said that the Maccabees had their name from the inscription on their banners; which was taken from Ex 15:11, מי כמכה באלם יהוה mi camochah baelim Yehovah, "Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods?" The word being formed from the initial letters מ M, כ C, ב B, י I, מכבי Ma Ca B I, whence Maccabeus and Maccabees.
The words of this verse were spoken by David and his officers; immediately after which I suppose the high priest to have added, The Lord fulfil all thy petitions!
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson1811 · Public DomainOn vv5, 7Psa 20:5-6. We will rejoice in thy salvation —…
Psa 20:5-6. We will rejoice in thy salvation — Hereby they show their confidence in God, and their assurance of the victory. In the name of our God — That is, to the honour of God, we will set up our banners — In the way of triumph, which, among other ways, was celebrated by the setting up of banners, or trophies. Now know I, &c. — I am already assured of victory by the consideration of God’s power and faithfulness, and love to his people. These words seem to have been spoken by David himself; or rather, by the high-priest. The Lord saveth his anointed — Will certainly save, with the saving strength of his right hand — This shows how God would hear him, even by saving him with a strong hand.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes1834 · Public DomainOn vv5–7We will rejoice in thy salvation - According to…
We will rejoice in thy salvation - According to the idea of the psalm suggested in the introduction, this is a response of the king and those associated with him in going forth to battle. It expresses the joy which they would have in the expected deliverance from danger, and their conviction that through his strength they would be able to obtain it. The word salvation here means deliverance; to wit, from the anticipated danger. The phrase implies that God would interpose to save them; it expresses alike their confidence in that, and the fact that such a deliverance would fill their hearts with joy and rejoicing.
And in the name of our God - This indicates a sense of dependence on God, and also that the enterprise undertaken was in order to promote his honor and glory. It was not in their own strength, nor was it to promote the purposes of conquest and the ends of ambition; it was that God might be honored, and it was with confidence of success derived from his anticipated aid.
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We will set up our banners - We will erect our standards; or, as we should say, we will unfurl our flag. All people, when they go to war, have standards or banners, whether flags or some other ensigns, around which they rally; which they follow; under which they fight; and which they feel bound to defend. Each nation has its own standard; but it is difficult to determine what precisely was the form of the standards used among the ancient Hebrews. Military standards, however, were early used (compare Num 1:52; Num 2:2-3, Num 2:10, Num 2:18, Num 2:25; Num 10:14, Num 10:25), and indeed were necessary whenever armies were mustered for war, For the forms of ancient standards, see the article in Kitto’s Cyclopaedia of the Bible, “Standards.”
The Lord fulfil all thy petitions - The prayers offered in connection with the sacrifice referred to in Psa 20:3 (compare Psa 20:4). This, according to the view suggested in the introduction, is the response of the people, expressing their desire that the king might be successful in what he had undertaken, and that the prayers which had been offered for success might be answered.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown1871 · Public DomainOn vv5–7salvation--that wrought and experienced by him.
salvation--that wrought and experienced by him.
set up our banners-- (Num 2:3, Num 2:10). In usual sense, or, as some render, "may we be made great."
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon1874 · Public DomainOn vv5–75. Salvation—The deliverance, or victory, given by God.
5. Salvation—The deliverance, or victory, given by God.
Set up our banners— “We shall have a triumphant procession upon the victory, with shouts, and banners displayed.”—Mudge.
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Fulfil all thy petitions—A repetition of Psa_20:4, closing the first strophe, embracing the people’s prayer for the king.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges1878 · Public DomainOn vv5–75. The prayer is still continued. Let us (or,…
5. The prayer is still continued. Let us (or, That we may) shout for joy at thy salvation; Jehovah Himself was Israel’s Saviour (Psa_21:1; 1Sa_10:19), and the king was His chosen instrument for saving His people (2Sa_3:18).
set up our banners] Rather, wave them in token of triumph, than set them up as a memorial of the victory. The cognate substantive is specially used of the standards of the tribes (Num_1:52; Num_2:2 ff.). Cp. Son_6:4; Son_6:10.
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The LXX however has, we shall be magnified.
petitions] Cp. Psa_21:2.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers1878 · Public DomainOn vv5–7(5) We will set up our banners.—Rather, we will…
(5) We will set up our banners.—Rather, we will wave our banners. (Comp. Son_6:10.) The whole army, or their representatives, assembled in the Temple courts, raise the encouraging shout.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary1880 · Public DomainOn vv5–7We will rejoice in thy salvation. David"s" salvation" is…
We will rejoice in thy salvation. David"s" salvation" is here his triumph over his enemies, which the people confidently anticipate, and promise themselves the satisfaction of speedily celebrating with joy and rejoicing. And in the Name of our God we will set up our banners. Plant them, i.e. , on the enemy"s forts and strongholds. The Lord fulfil all thy petitions. A comprehensive prayer, re-echoing the first clause of ver. 1 and the whole of ver. 4, but reaching out further to all that the monarch may at any future time request of God, The first part of the psalm here ends, and the people pause for a while.
The safeguards of prayer.
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"The Lord fulfil all thy petitions." An amazingly bold wish! Especially if you read it in the light of ver. 4, "Grant thee thy heart"s desire!" It might be the worst wish we could express even for a good man that God would grant him all he desires. It is written of the rebellious, ungrateful Israelites, "He gave them their own desire." But it was their ruin. (Psa_78:29) We may be conscious of desires springing up in our own heart, even dwelling deep there, which, though we do not know them to be wrong, we ourselves would scarcely venture to put into our prayers. Nevertheless, this bold wish is not larger than our Saviour"s promise to prayer. (Mat_21:22Jo Mat_14:13, Mat_14:14) The text, therefore, suggests
I GOD"S INFINITE POWER TO ANSWER PRAYER. Nature, with its innumerable forms, mighty forces, all-comprehending laws, undisclosed secrets, is his. He designed, created, controls it. All hearts and lives are in his hand. All holy creatures do his will. With God all things are possible. (Rom_8:28) To some minds, amazing difficulty and doubt beset this glorious fact, that God hears and answers prayer. The special stumbling-block, the objection most frequently urged, is that God works by law governs all nature by unchanging law. Of course he does. So does man work by law; and, instead of governing, is governed by, the laws of nature. What then? This does not hinder men from answering prayer granting, every minute, the requests of children, friends, customers, clients. Can anything, seriously considered, be more absurd than to suppose that God cannot do what he has enabled us to do? that he has so made his universe that he cannot manage it; though, so far as our needs require, we can? Or is it anything less than childish narrowness of thought to suppose that, because we do not understand how the thing asked for can be done the healing of a disease, e.g. , or averting a danger, or giving a prosperous wind to a ship, or converting a sinner therefore God does not know how to effect it? If there is one lesson the discoveries of modern science should teach, it is that our ignorance is not the measure of possibility, It is no business of ours to scheme how God can grant our prayers; only to see to it, as far as we can, that they are such as he can wisely, justly, and for our true welfare, grant. Infinite power, guided by infinite wisdom and love, suffices. This brings us to speak of
II THE LIMITS AND SAFEGUARDS OF PRAYER. All thy petitions" would be too bold and rash a wish, were there no tacit limitation, no fence of safety in the background. We cannot possibly be certain what is best for ourselves, even in the near future; still less how the granting of our petition would affect others. Much more ignorant are we of far-off results. Many a Christian locks back on the unwise prayers he offered, with shuddering thankfulness that his request was denied. Yet, at the time, it seemed so reasonable. In this ignorance we should not dare to pray the hazard would be too great if we knew that God would give what we asked, whether it were wise or foolish, right or wrong. "With God all things are possible;" but it is certain he will do nothing but what is wise and good. He will not grant his child"s request to his ruin, or to the breaking off of his own gracious purpose. (Psa_138:8) It is ours to ask, his to judge. Therefore we may ask boldly, never forgetting," Not as I will, hut as thou wilt.
III THE PLEA AND WARRANT OF OUR PRAYERS IS THE ALLPREVAILING INTERCESSION OF CHRIST. The title "Anointed" (ver. 6) though often applied to David and his descendants, suggests a higher application. (as in Psa_2:7, Psa_2:8) So the best Jewish as well as Christian interpreters. (comp. Joh 2) His prayers must always be in perfect accord with both the mind and the will of God, his wisdom and his goodness. When he says to the weakest disciple, "I have prayed for thee", (Luk_22:32) that disciple cannot perish. Our weak, unworthy prayers are mighty and acceptable in his Name. (Joh_15:7 Joh_16:23, Joh_16:24) The glory of heaven is waiting to fulfil his prayer. (Joh_17:20-24)
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Charles H. Spurgeon1885 · Public DomainOn vv5–7Ver. 5. We will rejoice in thy salvation. In…
Ver. 5. We will rejoice in thy salvation. In Jesus there is salvation; it is his own, and hence it is called thy salvation; but it is ours to receive and ours to rejoice in. We should fixedly resolve that come what may, we will rejoice in the saving arm of the Lord Jesus. The people in this psalm, before their king went to battle, felt sure of victory, and therefore began to rejoice beforehand; how much more ought we to do this who have seen the victory completely won! Unbelief begins weeping for the funeral before the man is dead; why should not faith commence piping before the dance of victory begins? Buds are beautiful, and promises not yet fulfilled are worthy to be admired. If joy were more general among the Lord's people, God would be more glorified among men; the happiness of the subjects is the honour of the sovereign.
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners. We lift the standard of defiance in the face of the foe, and wave the flag of victory over the fallen adversary. Some proclaim war in the name of one king, and some of another, but the faithful go to war in Jesu's name, the name of the incarnate God, Immanuel, God with us. The times are evil at present, but so long as Jesus lives and reigns in his church we need not furl our banners in fear, but advance them with sacred courage.
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"Jesu's tremendous name
Puts all our foes to flight; Jesus, the meek, the angry Lamb
A lion is in fight."
The church cannot forget that Jesus is her advocate before the throne, and therefore she sums up the desires already expressed in the short sentence,
The Lord fulfil all thy petitions. Be it never forgotten that among those petitions is that choice one, "Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am."
Ver. 5. (first clause). Whosoever do partake with Christ's subjects in trouble, shall share with them also in the joy of their deliverance; therefore it is said, We will rejoice in thy salvation. David Dickson.
Ver. 5. In the name of our God. As those cried out, Jud 7:20, "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon; "and as we have it in Jos 6:20, "And the people shouted, and the walls of Jericho fell down; "and king Abiah, crying out with his men in the same, killed five hundred thousand of the children of Israel; and so now also, according to the military custom in our day, the soldiers boast in the name and glory of their general, in order to encourage themselves against their enemies. And it is just this custom that the present verse is now teaching, only in a godly and religious manner. Martin Luther.
Ver. 5. In the name of our God we will set up our banners. The banners formerly so much used were a part of military equipage, borne in times of war to assemble, direct, distinguish, and encourage the troops. They might possibly be used for other purposes also. Occasions of joy, splendid processions, and especially a royal habitation, might severally be distinguished in this way. The words of the psalmist may perhaps be wholly figurative: but if they should be literally understood, the allusion of erecting a banner in the name of the Lord, acknowledging his glory, and imploring his favour, might be justified from an existing practice. Certain it is that we find this custom prevalent on this very principle in other places, into which it might originally have been introduced from Judea. Thus Mr. Turner (Embassy to Thibet, p. 31), says, "I was told that it was a custom with the Soobah to ascend the hill every month, when he sets up a white flag, and performs some religious ceremonies, to conciliate the favour of a dewata, or invisible being, the genius of the place, who is said to hover about the summit, dispensing at his will, good and evil to every thing around him." Samuel Burder's "Oriental Customs, "1812.
Ver. 5. In the name of our God we will set up our banners. In all religious as well as warlike processions the people carry banners. Hence, on the pinnacles of their sacred cars, on the domes or gateways of their temples, and on the roof of a new house, may be seen the banner of the caste of sect, floating in the air. Siva the Supreme, also, is described as having a banner in the celestial world. Joseph Robert's "Oriental Illustrations".
Ver. 5. In the name of our God we will set up our banners. 1. We will wage war in his name, we will see that our cause be good, and make his glory our end in every expedition; we will ask counsel at his mouth, and take him along with us; we will follow his conduct, implore his aid, and depend upon it, and refer the issue to him. David went against Goliath in the name of the Lord of hosts. 1Sa 17:45. 2. We will celebrate our victories in his name. When "we lift up our banners" in triumph, and set up our trophies, it shall be "in the name of our God, "he shall have all the glory of our success, and no instrument shall have any part of the honour that is due to him. Matthew Henry.
Ver. 5. We will set up our banners. Confession of Christ, as the only name whereby we can be saved, is the "banner" which distinguishes his faithful people. O that this confession were more distinct, more pure, more zealous, in those who seem to be his followers, then would they be more united, more bold, in the profession of their religion, more successful in the cause of Christ, terrible as an army with "banners." So 5:4. W. Wilson.
Ver. 5. Our banners. Will you know the staff, the colours, and the flag or streamer of this ensign? Why, the staff is his cross, the colours are blood and water, and the streamer the gospel, or preaching of them to the world. The staff that carried the colours, was of old time fashioned like a cross, a cross bar near the top there was, from which the flag or streamer hung; so as it were prefiguring, that all the hosts and armies of the nations were one day to be gathered under the banner of the cross, to which soldiers should daily flow out of all the nations and kingdoms of the earth. Mark Frank, 1613-1664.
Ver. 5. The Lord fulfil all thy petitions, for thyself and for others, now that thou sittest on the right hand of the Father, pleading for us and showing thy side and thy wounds. Dionysius, quoted by Isaac Williams.
Ver. 5. Joy in salvation, to be resolved on and practised.
Ver. 5. Setting up the banner. Open avowal of allegiance, declaration of war, index of perseverance, claim of possession, signal of triumph.
Ver. 5. (last clause). The prevalence of our Lord's intercession, and the acceptance of our prayers through him.
Psalms 20:6*
Charles H. Spurgeon's The Treasury of David (1869–1885) — public domain. Psalms only. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
The Biblical Illustrator1887 · Public DomainOn vv5–7We will rejoice in Thy salvation.
Psa_20:5
We will rejoice in Thy salvation.
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Joy in Gods salvation
The joy, the gladness, the rhapsody, the exultation, the young heaven begun in the heart of the newborn convert is the nearest thing to Paradise that earth ever saw. On the day that our sins are pardoned God sets all the bells of heaven ringing, and then the bells of our heart chime in melody. On the day when God is pleased to blot out our sins, He hangs every lane and every alley of Mansoul with splendid flags and colours, and gilded lamps and bright jewels; then He bids sweet music play in every part of the city, and He makes the fountains run with wine. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
In the name of our God we will set up our banners.
The banners of the Temperance Reformation
There is the battle of life and its hard struggle, with which we are familiar. And there is that other battle of a higher kind--the battle of salvation, in which we have to carry on a warfare against our spiritual foes. And every great reform has been of the nature of a battle, because of the opposing forces arrayed against it. The Temperance Reformation is no exception to this rule. Many and mighty are the forces arrayed against it: ignorance and appetite, custom and fashion, prejudices and vested interests, and yet more. This is the battle we have to wage. But we survey the field of this warfare not at all with discouragement, but rejoicing in the salvation which God has wrought by the temperance cause.
I. Enumerate some of the great truths which are the banners of the temperance reformation. We know how useful signs, banners, and such symbols are in any warfare. What great service they render.
1. Now, amongst ours are abstinence and health. No one imperils their health by joining our cause, though some think they will. But it is altogether a mistake. There is no need for their coming as martyrs, for no ones health will be injured by abstinence. And how vastly health is promoted by it is a fact becoming more recognised day by day.
2. Temperance and safety. Perfect safety is not the lot of man, but relative safety is largely within our own power; and abstinence from all intoxicating drinks is one great aid to such safety. Wine is a mocker, and the victims of its deceptions are gathered from every rank, age, and calling, the most sacred not excepted. Therefore it is well to make ourselves, by abstinence from strong drink, as safe as we can in order that we may more fully execute the will of God and the work of life.
3. Temperance and charity; that is, love for our fellow man. For the sake of others we should keep from that which does others so great harm. Love will ever swell the ranks of the temperance cause.
4. Temperance and piety. The one does not involve the other, but it is a great helper thereto. A practical connection exists between them, and temperance has brought multitudes to cast in their lot with the godly, and to walk with them in the heavenly way.
5. Temperance and prosperity. What hinders national and individual prosperity so much as intoxicating drink Y What, then, could more help than abstinence from it?
II. Exaltation of these banners is binding upon us. We are to set them up, not as the only things to be exalted, but yet as certainly amongst them.
1. Why shall we set them up?
(1) As a protest against prevailing errors and fallacies which still are held by multitudes of people.
(2) For publicity--that all may know what we believe and teach.
(3) For the sake of propagandism. We want these truths spread.
2. Where shall we set them up? In the home, the school, the church, the press, the legislature, wherever, indeed, we may.
3. The means. By the living voice, by the printing press, by personal example, by social influence, by the franchise.
III. The Divine sanction under which we act. We care for such sanction and we have it: His authority, honour, service, all sanction our efforts. Let us all be of those who take our text as their own resolve. (J. Dawson Burns.)
A holy warfare
I. Publicly declared. A banner is a military ensign, and to set it up is a declaration of war. To set up our banner and to declare a moral war against wrong is what all should do. It is indispensable. We are ruined else.
1. Righteous. There are unrighteous wars, but this is not one of them.
2. Life long. It will not end until the last enemy be destroyed.
3. Glorious. It has a glorious Leader, glorious examples and victories. Unfurl your banner, then. It should be--
4. Public. Let it be seen floating over the scene of your everyday life.
II. Its animating spirit. In the name of our God. This may imply--
1. A conscious need of Divine help. Jehoshaphats prayer is suited to us (2Ch_20:12).
2. A determination to follow the Divine direction. He is the Captain of our salvation. What a magnificent description we have of Him as a Chieftain in Rev_19:11-16. (D. Thomas, D. D. )
The religious banquet
A banner is a symbol. Hence its significance and value. Every country, every nationality has its banner, from the Roman Empire with its eagles, that aspired to universal dominion, to the smallest principality. The banner symbolises what is dear to the patriot heart, and every patriot is prompted to cling to it. Every soldier stands by his colours. Every religious body has its banners. They may not be visible flags; they may be symbols of different kinds. The creeds were formerly called symbols. Every Church has a creed or symbol of some kind. Some Churches may not have authoritative statements of faith and opinion to which subscription is required as a condition of membership, but every Church, every organisation, has its controlling thought, its characteristic faith, which in some form or other it expresses and makes its symbol or banner. Such banner every religious body ought to have, and it should set it up in the name of its God; that is, under deep conviction that its banner symbolises and sets forth truths, principles, duties accordant with the will of God and helpful to mans highest interest and truest welfare--mental, moral, and spiritual. And to the banner thus set up it should be unfalteringly true. It should stand by its colours. Better have no colours than to have them without the manliness to stand by them. Neutrality, where important principles are involved, is pitiable; but better be neutral, better openly declare that you have no convictions, than not to have courage to maintain those you profess to have. If you have a faith, never be ashamed of it. Be ashamed of not having a faith, or of not bravely defending the faith you have. (J. H. Heywood.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
C. I. Scofield1917 · Public DomainOn v6from his
from his
Heb. "from the heaven of his holiness."
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0On vv5, 7we will rejoice in your victory
we will rejoice in your victory
Here "we" refers to the people. They will rejoice in the king's victory. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive "We")
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in the name of our God
Here "name" represents honor or reputation. AT: "in honor of our God" or "for the reputation of our God" (See: Metonymy)
we will raise banners
"we will raise victory flags." They would do this to show that they were praising God because he gave their king victory over his enemies. (See: Symbolic Action)
grant all your petitions
"give you everything you request from him"
Now
This word is used here to mark a break in the psalm. It transitions from the people speaking to the king speaking.
I know
The word "I" probably refers to the king who is speaking in this section.
his anointed one ... answer him ... rescue him
The king is speaking about himself in the third person. This can be stated in first person. AT: "me, his anointed one ... answer me ... rescue me" (See: First, Second, or Third Person)
from his holy heaven
God dwells in heaven as well as in the temple in Jerusalem. (See: Psalms 20:2)
with the strength of his right hand that can rescue him
God's right hand represents his power. AT: "with his great strength he will rescue him" (See: Metonymy)
GEBible — Godless Engineer's Bible App
John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On vv5–7 5. That we may rejoice in thy salvation. This…
5. That we may rejoice in thy salvation. This verse may be explained in two other ways, besides the sense it bears according to the translation which I have given. Some consider it to be a prayer, as if it had been said, Lord, make us to rejoice. Others think that the faithful, after having finished their prayer, encourage themselves to entertain good hope; Meaning, “We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God will we set up our banners.”
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv5–6 Granted to the King in whose wealth our felicity…
Granted to the King in whose wealth our felicity standeth.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv5–7 Psa 20:5 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and…
Psa 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.
Ver. 5. We will rejoice in thy salvation] i.e. We are well assured that God will save us by thee, O king; and that shall produce a general joy among us. This confidence prayer hath begotten in him; for it is a sure grain, and if man would sow more of it in God’s bosom, they shall not fail to reap the fruit and comfort of it in their greatest need. Pray, that your joy may be full.
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And in the name of our God will we set up our banners] Our flags of defiance to the enemy, or our tokens of triumph to God’s glory, who hath given us the victory. The Romans, when they had conquered an enemy, rode in triumph to the Capitol, where in all humility they presented a palm, or laurel bush, to Jupiter.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv5–7 We will rejoice: hereby they show their confidence in…
We will rejoice: hereby they show their confidence in God, and their assurance of the victory.
In the name of our God, i.e. to the honour of God, as the Conqueror.
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We will set up our banners, in way of triumph; which among other ways was celebrated by the setting up of banners or trophies.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On v6 Here is, I. Holy David himself triumphing in the…
Here is, I. Holy David himself triumphing in the interest he had in the prayers of good people (Psa 20:6): "Now know I (I that pen the psalm know it) that the Lord saveth his anointed, because he hath stirred up the hearts of the seed of Jacob to pray for him." Note, It bodes well to any prince and people, and may justly be taken as a happy presage, when God pours upon them a spirit of prayer. If he see us seeking him, he will be found of us; if he cause us to hope in his word, he will establish his word to us. Now that so many who have an interest in heaven are praying for him he doubts not but that God will hear him, and grant him an answer of peace, which will, 1. Take its rise from above: He will hear him from his holy heaven, of which the sanctuary was a type (Heb 9:23), from the throne he hath prepared in heaven, of which the mercy-seat was a type. 2. It shall take its effect here below: He will hear him with the saving strength of his right hand; he will give a real answer to his prayers, and the prayers of his friends for him, not by letter, nor by word of mouth, but, which is much better, by his right hand, by the saving strength of his right hand. He will make it to appear that he hears him by what he does for him.
II. His people triumphing in God and their relation to him, and his revelation of himself to them, by which they distinguish themselves from those that live without God in the world. 1. See the difference between worldly people and godly people, in their confidences, Psa 20:7. The children of this world trust in second causes, and think all is well if those do but smile upon them; they trust in chariots and in horses, and the more of them they can bring into the field the more sure they are of success in their wars; probably David has here an eye to the Syrians, whose forces consisted much of chariots and horsemen, as we find in the history of David's victories over them, Sa2 8:4; Sa2 10:18. "But," say the Israelites, "we neither have chariots and horses to trust to nor do we want them, nor, if we had them, would we build our hopes of success upon that; but we will remember, and rely upon, the name of the Lord our God, upon the relation we stand in to him as the Lord our God and the knowledge we have of him by his name," that is, all that whereby he makes himself known; this we will remember and upon every remembrance of it will be encouraged. Note, those who make God and his name their praise may make God and his name their trust. 2. See the difference in the issue of their confidences and by that we are to judge of the wisdom of the choice; things are as they prove; see who will be ashamed of their confidence and who not, Psa 20:8. "Those that trusted in their chariots and horses are brought down and fallen, and their chariots and horses were so far from saving them that they helped to sink them, and made them the easier and the richer prey to the conqueror, Sa2 8:4. But we that trust in the name of the Lord our God not only stand upright, and keep our ground, but have risen, and have got ground against the enemy, and have triumphed over them." Note, A believing obedient trust in God and his name is the surest way both to preferment and to establishment, to rise and to stand upright, and this will stand us in stead when creature-confidences fail those that depend upon them.
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III. They conclude their prayer for the king with a Hosanna, "Save, now, we beseech thee, O Lord!" Psa 20:9. As we read this verse, it may be taken as a prayer that God would not only bless the king, "Save, Lord, give him success," but that he would make him a blessing to them, "Let the king hear us when we call to him for justice and mercy." Those that would have good of their magistrates must thus pray for them, for they, as all other creatures, are that to us (and no more) which God makes them to be. Or it may refer to the Messiah, that King, that King of kings; let him hear us when we call; let him come to us according to the promise, in the time appointed; let him, as the great Master of requests, receive all our petitions and present them to the Father. But many interpreters give another reading of this verse, by altering the pause, Lord, save the king, and hear us when we call; and so it is a summary of the whole psalm and is taken into our English Liturgy; O Lord! save the king, and mercifully hear us when we call upon thee.
In singing these verses we should encourage ourselves to trust in God, and stir up ourselves to pray earnestly, as we are in duty bound, for those in authority over us, that under them we may lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv5–7 We will rejoice in thy salvation,.... That is, "so…
We will rejoice in thy salvation,.... That is, "so will we", &c. or "that we may" (p), &c. or "let us"; these words, with what follow, point at the end of the church's requests, and what she resolved to do upon the accomplishment of the above things; for instance, she would rejoice in the salvation of the Messiah; meaning either the salvation and deliverance from death and the grave, and all other enemies, which he himself is possessed of, and which enters into, and is the occasion of the joy of his people; for not his sufferings and death only, but chiefly his resurrection from the dead, session at God's right hand, and intercession for them, cause the triumph of faith in him, and further the joy of it, Rom 8:33; or else the salvation he is the author of, which being so great, so suitable, so complete and perfect, and an everlasting one; is matter of joy to all sensible of their need of it, and who have a comfortable hope of interest in it;
and in the name of our God we will set up our banners; either as a preparation for war; see Jer 51:27; so when Caesar (q) set up his banner, it was a sign to his soldiers to run to their arms and prepare to fight; and then the sense is, putting our trust in the Lord, relying on his strength, and not on our own, we will cheerfully and courageously engage with all his and our enemies, sin, Satan, and the world; as good soldiers of Christ, we will endure hardness, fight his battles under the banners of the Lord of hosts, in whose service we are enlisted; or as a sign of victory, when standards were set up, and flags hung out (r); see Jer 50:2; and then the meaning is, Christ, the great Captain of our salvation, having obtained a complete victory over all enemies, and made us more than conquerors thereby, we will set up our banners, hang out the flag, and in his name triumph over sin, Satan, the world, death, and hell;
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the Lord fulfil all thy petitions: the same as in Psa 20:4; this is put here to show that the church will be in such a frame as before described, when the Lord shall have fulfilled all the petitions of his Anointed; of which she had a full assurance, as appears from the following words.
(p) So Ainsworth; "ovemus", Vatablus, Piscator, Michaelis; "cantemus", Gejerus. (q) De Bello Gallico, l. 2. c. 20. (r) Schindler. Pentaglott. col. 1126.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv5–7 Rejoice - Hereby they shew their confidence in God,…
Rejoice - Hereby they shew their confidence in God, and their assurance of the victory. Name - To the honour of God. Set up - In way of triumph.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv5–7 Verse 5. We will rejoice in thy salvation] We…
Verse 5. We will rejoice in thy salvation] We expect help from thee alone; it is in thy cause we engage; and to thee, as our war is a just one, we consecrate our banners, inscribed with thy name. It is said that the Maccabees had their name from the inscription on their banners; which was taken from Ex 15:11, מי כמכה באלם יהוה mi camochah baelim Yehovah, "Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods?" The word being formed from the initial letters מ M, כ C, ב B, י I, מכבי Ma Ca B I, whence Maccabeus and Maccabees.
The words of this verse were spoken by David and his officers; immediately after which I suppose the high priest to have added, The Lord fulfil all thy petitions!
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv5, 7 Psa 20:5-6. We will rejoice in thy salvation —…
Psa 20:5-6. We will rejoice in thy salvation — Hereby they show their confidence in God, and their assurance of the victory. In the name of our God — That is, to the honour of God, we will set up our banners — In the way of triumph, which, among other ways, was celebrated by the setting up of banners, or trophies. Now know I, &c. — I am already assured of victory by the consideration of God’s power and faithfulness, and love to his people. These words seem to have been spoken by David himself; or rather, by the high-priest. The Lord saveth his anointed — Will certainly save, with the saving strength of his right hand — This shows how God would hear him, even by saving him with a strong hand.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv5–7 We will rejoice in thy salvation - According to…
We will rejoice in thy salvation - According to the idea of the psalm suggested in the introduction, this is a response of the king and those associated with him in going forth to battle. It expresses the joy which they would have in the expected deliverance from danger, and their conviction that through his strength they would be able to obtain it. The word salvation here means deliverance; to wit, from the anticipated danger. The phrase implies that God would interpose to save them; it expresses alike their confidence in that, and the fact that such a deliverance would fill their hearts with joy and rejoicing.
And in the name of our God - This indicates a sense of dependence on God, and also that the enterprise undertaken was in order to promote his honor and glory. It was not in their own strength, nor was it to promote the purposes of conquest and the ends of ambition; it was that God might be honored, and it was with confidence of success derived from his anticipated aid.
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We will set up our banners - We will erect our standards; or, as we should say, we will unfurl our flag. All people, when they go to war, have standards or banners, whether flags or some other ensigns, around which they rally; which they follow; under which they fight; and which they feel bound to defend. Each nation has its own standard; but it is difficult to determine what precisely was the form of the standards used among the ancient Hebrews. Military standards, however, were early used (compare Num 1:52; Num 2:2-3, Num 2:10, Num 2:18, Num 2:25; Num 10:14, Num 10:25), and indeed were necessary whenever armies were mustered for war, For the forms of ancient standards, see the article in Kitto’s Cyclopaedia of the Bible, “Standards.”
The Lord fulfil all thy petitions - The prayers offered in connection with the sacrifice referred to in Psa 20:3 (compare Psa 20:4). This, according to the view suggested in the introduction, is the response of the people, expressing their desire that the king might be successful in what he had undertaken, and that the prayers which had been offered for success might be answered.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv5–7 salvation--that wrought and experienced by him.
salvation--that wrought and experienced by him.
set up our banners-- (Num 2:3, Num 2:10). In usual sense, or, as some render, "may we be made great."
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv5–7 5. Salvation—The deliverance, or victory, given by God.
5. Salvation—The deliverance, or victory, given by God.
Set up our banners— “We shall have a triumphant procession upon the victory, with shouts, and banners displayed.”—Mudge.
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Fulfil all thy petitions—A repetition of Psa_20:4, closing the first strophe, embracing the people’s prayer for the king.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv5–7 5. The prayer is still continued. Let us (or,…
5. The prayer is still continued. Let us (or, That we may) shout for joy at thy salvation; Jehovah Himself was Israel’s Saviour (Psa_21:1; 1Sa_10:19), and the king was His chosen instrument for saving His people (2Sa_3:18).
set up our banners] Rather, wave them in token of triumph, than set them up as a memorial of the victory. The cognate substantive is specially used of the standards of the tribes (Num_1:52; Num_2:2 ff.). Cp. Son_6:4; Son_6:10.
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The LXX however has, we shall be magnified.
petitions] Cp. Psa_21:2.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv5–7 (5) We will set up our banners.—Rather, we will…
(5) We will set up our banners.—Rather, we will wave our banners. (Comp. Son_6:10.) The whole army, or their representatives, assembled in the Temple courts, raise the encouraging shout.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv5–7 We will rejoice in thy salvation. David"s" salvation" is…
We will rejoice in thy salvation. David"s" salvation" is here his triumph over his enemies, which the people confidently anticipate, and promise themselves the satisfaction of speedily celebrating with joy and rejoicing. And in the Name of our God we will set up our banners. Plant them, i.e. , on the enemy"s forts and strongholds. The Lord fulfil all thy petitions. A comprehensive prayer, re-echoing the first clause of ver. 1 and the whole of ver. 4, but reaching out further to all that the monarch may at any future time request of God, The first part of the psalm here ends, and the people pause for a while.
The safeguards of prayer.
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"The Lord fulfil all thy petitions." An amazingly bold wish! Especially if you read it in the light of ver. 4, "Grant thee thy heart"s desire!" It might be the worst wish we could express even for a good man that God would grant him all he desires. It is written of the rebellious, ungrateful Israelites, "He gave them their own desire." But it was their ruin. (Psa_78:29) We may be conscious of desires springing up in our own heart, even dwelling deep there, which, though we do not know them to be wrong, we ourselves would scarcely venture to put into our prayers. Nevertheless, this bold wish is not larger than our Saviour"s promise to prayer. (Mat_21:22Jo Mat_14:13, Mat_14:14) The text, therefore, suggests
I GOD"S INFINITE POWER TO ANSWER PRAYER. Nature, with its innumerable forms, mighty forces, all-comprehending laws, undisclosed secrets, is his. He designed, created, controls it. All hearts and lives are in his hand. All holy creatures do his will. With God all things are possible. (Rom_8:28) To some minds, amazing difficulty and doubt beset this glorious fact, that God hears and answers prayer. The special stumbling-block, the objection most frequently urged, is that God works by law governs all nature by unchanging law. Of course he does. So does man work by law; and, instead of governing, is governed by, the laws of nature. What then? This does not hinder men from answering prayer granting, every minute, the requests of children, friends, customers, clients. Can anything, seriously considered, be more absurd than to suppose that God cannot do what he has enabled us to do? that he has so made his universe that he cannot manage it; though, so far as our needs require, we can? Or is it anything less than childish narrowness of thought to suppose that, because we do not understand how the thing asked for can be done the healing of a disease, e.g. , or averting a danger, or giving a prosperous wind to a ship, or converting a sinner therefore God does not know how to effect it? If there is one lesson the discoveries of modern science should teach, it is that our ignorance is not the measure of possibility, It is no business of ours to scheme how God can grant our prayers; only to see to it, as far as we can, that they are such as he can wisely, justly, and for our true welfare, grant. Infinite power, guided by infinite wisdom and love, suffices. This brings us to speak of
II THE LIMITS AND SAFEGUARDS OF PRAYER. All thy petitions" would be too bold and rash a wish, were there no tacit limitation, no fence of safety in the background. We cannot possibly be certain what is best for ourselves, even in the near future; still less how the granting of our petition would affect others. Much more ignorant are we of far-off results. Many a Christian locks back on the unwise prayers he offered, with shuddering thankfulness that his request was denied. Yet, at the time, it seemed so reasonable. In this ignorance we should not dare to pray the hazard would be too great if we knew that God would give what we asked, whether it were wise or foolish, right or wrong. "With God all things are possible;" but it is certain he will do nothing but what is wise and good. He will not grant his child"s request to his ruin, or to the breaking off of his own gracious purpose. (Psa_138:8) It is ours to ask, his to judge. Therefore we may ask boldly, never forgetting," Not as I will, hut as thou wilt.
III THE PLEA AND WARRANT OF OUR PRAYERS IS THE ALLPREVAILING INTERCESSION OF CHRIST. The title "Anointed" (ver. 6) though often applied to David and his descendants, suggests a higher application. (as in Psa_2:7, Psa_2:8) So the best Jewish as well as Christian interpreters. (comp. Joh 2) His prayers must always be in perfect accord with both the mind and the will of God, his wisdom and his goodness. When he says to the weakest disciple, "I have prayed for thee", (Luk_22:32) that disciple cannot perish. Our weak, unworthy prayers are mighty and acceptable in his Name. (Joh_15:7 Joh_16:23, Joh_16:24) The glory of heaven is waiting to fulfil his prayer. (Joh_17:20-24)
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Charles H. Spurgeon 1885 · Public Domain On vv5–7 Ver. 5. We will rejoice in thy salvation. In…
Ver. 5. We will rejoice in thy salvation. In Jesus there is salvation; it is his own, and hence it is called thy salvation; but it is ours to receive and ours to rejoice in. We should fixedly resolve that come what may, we will rejoice in the saving arm of the Lord Jesus. The people in this psalm, before their king went to battle, felt sure of victory, and therefore began to rejoice beforehand; how much more ought we to do this who have seen the victory completely won! Unbelief begins weeping for the funeral before the man is dead; why should not faith commence piping before the dance of victory begins? Buds are beautiful, and promises not yet fulfilled are worthy to be admired. If joy were more general among the Lord's people, God would be more glorified among men; the happiness of the subjects is the honour of the sovereign.
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners. We lift the standard of defiance in the face of the foe, and wave the flag of victory over the fallen adversary. Some proclaim war in the name of one king, and some of another, but the faithful go to war in Jesu's name, the name of the incarnate God, Immanuel, God with us. The times are evil at present, but so long as Jesus lives and reigns in his church we need not furl our banners in fear, but advance them with sacred courage.
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"Jesu's tremendous name
Puts all our foes to flight; Jesus, the meek, the angry Lamb
A lion is in fight."
The church cannot forget that Jesus is her advocate before the throne, and therefore she sums up the desires already expressed in the short sentence,
The Lord fulfil all thy petitions. Be it never forgotten that among those petitions is that choice one, "Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am."
Ver. 5. (first clause). Whosoever do partake with Christ's subjects in trouble, shall share with them also in the joy of their deliverance; therefore it is said, We will rejoice in thy salvation. David Dickson.
Ver. 5. In the name of our God. As those cried out, Jud 7:20, "The sword of the Lord and of Gideon; "and as we have it in Jos 6:20, "And the people shouted, and the walls of Jericho fell down; "and king Abiah, crying out with his men in the same, killed five hundred thousand of the children of Israel; and so now also, according to the military custom in our day, the soldiers boast in the name and glory of their general, in order to encourage themselves against their enemies. And it is just this custom that the present verse is now teaching, only in a godly and religious manner. Martin Luther.
Ver. 5. In the name of our God we will set up our banners. The banners formerly so much used were a part of military equipage, borne in times of war to assemble, direct, distinguish, and encourage the troops. They might possibly be used for other purposes also. Occasions of joy, splendid processions, and especially a royal habitation, might severally be distinguished in this way. The words of the psalmist may perhaps be wholly figurative: but if they should be literally understood, the allusion of erecting a banner in the name of the Lord, acknowledging his glory, and imploring his favour, might be justified from an existing practice. Certain it is that we find this custom prevalent on this very principle in other places, into which it might originally have been introduced from Judea. Thus Mr. Turner (Embassy to Thibet, p. 31), says, "I was told that it was a custom with the Soobah to ascend the hill every month, when he sets up a white flag, and performs some religious ceremonies, to conciliate the favour of a dewata, or invisible being, the genius of the place, who is said to hover about the summit, dispensing at his will, good and evil to every thing around him." Samuel Burder's "Oriental Customs, "1812.
Ver. 5. In the name of our God we will set up our banners. In all religious as well as warlike processions the people carry banners. Hence, on the pinnacles of their sacred cars, on the domes or gateways of their temples, and on the roof of a new house, may be seen the banner of the caste of sect, floating in the air. Siva the Supreme, also, is described as having a banner in the celestial world. Joseph Robert's "Oriental Illustrations".
Ver. 5. In the name of our God we will set up our banners. 1. We will wage war in his name, we will see that our cause be good, and make his glory our end in every expedition; we will ask counsel at his mouth, and take him along with us; we will follow his conduct, implore his aid, and depend upon it, and refer the issue to him. David went against Goliath in the name of the Lord of hosts. 1Sa 17:45. 2. We will celebrate our victories in his name. When "we lift up our banners" in triumph, and set up our trophies, it shall be "in the name of our God, "he shall have all the glory of our success, and no instrument shall have any part of the honour that is due to him. Matthew Henry.
Ver. 5. We will set up our banners. Confession of Christ, as the only name whereby we can be saved, is the "banner" which distinguishes his faithful people. O that this confession were more distinct, more pure, more zealous, in those who seem to be his followers, then would they be more united, more bold, in the profession of their religion, more successful in the cause of Christ, terrible as an army with "banners." So 5:4. W. Wilson.
Ver. 5. Our banners. Will you know the staff, the colours, and the flag or streamer of this ensign? Why, the staff is his cross, the colours are blood and water, and the streamer the gospel, or preaching of them to the world. The staff that carried the colours, was of old time fashioned like a cross, a cross bar near the top there was, from which the flag or streamer hung; so as it were prefiguring, that all the hosts and armies of the nations were one day to be gathered under the banner of the cross, to which soldiers should daily flow out of all the nations and kingdoms of the earth. Mark Frank, 1613-1664.
Ver. 5. The Lord fulfil all thy petitions, for thyself and for others, now that thou sittest on the right hand of the Father, pleading for us and showing thy side and thy wounds. Dionysius, quoted by Isaac Williams.
Ver. 5. Joy in salvation, to be resolved on and practised.
Ver. 5. Setting up the banner. Open avowal of allegiance, declaration of war, index of perseverance, claim of possession, signal of triumph.
Ver. 5. (last clause). The prevalence of our Lord's intercession, and the acceptance of our prayers through him.
Psalms 20:6*
Charles H. Spurgeon's The Treasury of David (1869–1885) — public domain. Psalms only. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On vv5–7 We will rejoice in Thy salvation.
Psa_20:5
We will rejoice in Thy salvation.
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Joy in Gods salvation
The joy, the gladness, the rhapsody, the exultation, the young heaven begun in the heart of the newborn convert is the nearest thing to Paradise that earth ever saw. On the day that our sins are pardoned God sets all the bells of heaven ringing, and then the bells of our heart chime in melody. On the day when God is pleased to blot out our sins, He hangs every lane and every alley of Mansoul with splendid flags and colours, and gilded lamps and bright jewels; then He bids sweet music play in every part of the city, and He makes the fountains run with wine. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
In the name of our God we will set up our banners.
The banners of the Temperance Reformation
There is the battle of life and its hard struggle, with which we are familiar. And there is that other battle of a higher kind--the battle of salvation, in which we have to carry on a warfare against our spiritual foes. And every great reform has been of the nature of a battle, because of the opposing forces arrayed against it. The Temperance Reformation is no exception to this rule. Many and mighty are the forces arrayed against it: ignorance and appetite, custom and fashion, prejudices and vested interests, and yet more. This is the battle we have to wage. But we survey the field of this warfare not at all with discouragement, but rejoicing in the salvation which God has wrought by the temperance cause.
I. Enumerate some of the great truths which are the banners of the temperance reformation. We know how useful signs, banners, and such symbols are in any warfare. What great service they render.
1. Now, amongst ours are abstinence and health. No one imperils their health by joining our cause, though some think they will. But it is altogether a mistake. There is no need for their coming as martyrs, for no ones health will be injured by abstinence. And how vastly health is promoted by it is a fact becoming more recognised day by day.
2. Temperance and safety. Perfect safety is not the lot of man, but relative safety is largely within our own power; and abstinence from all intoxicating drinks is one great aid to such safety. Wine is a mocker, and the victims of its deceptions are gathered from every rank, age, and calling, the most sacred not excepted. Therefore it is well to make ourselves, by abstinence from strong drink, as safe as we can in order that we may more fully execute the will of God and the work of life.
3. Temperance and charity; that is, love for our fellow man. For the sake of others we should keep from that which does others so great harm. Love will ever swell the ranks of the temperance cause.
4. Temperance and piety. The one does not involve the other, but it is a great helper thereto. A practical connection exists between them, and temperance has brought multitudes to cast in their lot with the godly, and to walk with them in the heavenly way.
5. Temperance and prosperity. What hinders national and individual prosperity so much as intoxicating drink Y What, then, could more help than abstinence from it?
II. Exaltation of these banners is binding upon us. We are to set them up, not as the only things to be exalted, but yet as certainly amongst them.
1. Why shall we set them up?
(1) As a protest against prevailing errors and fallacies which still are held by multitudes of people.
(2) For publicity--that all may know what we believe and teach.
(3) For the sake of propagandism. We want these truths spread.
2. Where shall we set them up? In the home, the school, the church, the press, the legislature, wherever, indeed, we may.
3. The means. By the living voice, by the printing press, by personal example, by social influence, by the franchise.
III. The Divine sanction under which we act. We care for such sanction and we have it: His authority, honour, service, all sanction our efforts. Let us all be of those who take our text as their own resolve. (J. Dawson Burns.)
A holy warfare
I. Publicly declared. A banner is a military ensign, and to set it up is a declaration of war. To set up our banner and to declare a moral war against wrong is what all should do. It is indispensable. We are ruined else.
1. Righteous. There are unrighteous wars, but this is not one of them.
2. Life long. It will not end until the last enemy be destroyed.
3. Glorious. It has a glorious Leader, glorious examples and victories. Unfurl your banner, then. It should be--
4. Public. Let it be seen floating over the scene of your everyday life.
II. Its animating spirit. In the name of our God. This may imply--
1. A conscious need of Divine help. Jehoshaphats prayer is suited to us (2Ch_20:12).
2. A determination to follow the Divine direction. He is the Captain of our salvation. What a magnificent description we have of Him as a Chieftain in Rev_19:11-16. (D. Thomas, D. D. )
The religious banquet
A banner is a symbol. Hence its significance and value. Every country, every nationality has its banner, from the Roman Empire with its eagles, that aspired to universal dominion, to the smallest principality. The banner symbolises what is dear to the patriot heart, and every patriot is prompted to cling to it. Every soldier stands by his colours. Every religious body has its banners. They may not be visible flags; they may be symbols of different kinds. The creeds were formerly called symbols. Every Church has a creed or symbol of some kind. Some Churches may not have authoritative statements of faith and opinion to which subscription is required as a condition of membership, but every Church, every organisation, has its controlling thought, its characteristic faith, which in some form or other it expresses and makes its symbol or banner. Such banner every religious body ought to have, and it should set it up in the name of its God; that is, under deep conviction that its banner symbolises and sets forth truths, principles, duties accordant with the will of God and helpful to mans highest interest and truest welfare--mental, moral, and spiritual. And to the banner thus set up it should be unfalteringly true. It should stand by its colours. Better have no colours than to have them without the manliness to stand by them. Neutrality, where important principles are involved, is pitiable; but better be neutral, better openly declare that you have no convictions, than not to have courage to maintain those you profess to have. If you have a faith, never be ashamed of it. Be ashamed of not having a faith, or of not bravely defending the faith you have. (J. H. Heywood.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On v6 from his
from his
Heb. "from the heaven of his holiness."
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv5, 7 we will rejoice in your victory
we will rejoice in your victory
Here "we" refers to the people. They will rejoice in the king's victory. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive "We")
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in the name of our God
Here "name" represents honor or reputation. AT: "in honor of our God" or "for the reputation of our God" (See: Metonymy)
we will raise banners
"we will raise victory flags." They would do this to show that they were praising God because he gave their king victory over his enemies. (See: Symbolic Action)
grant all your petitions
"give you everything you request from him"
Now
This word is used here to mark a break in the psalm. It transitions from the people speaking to the king speaking.
I know
The word "I" probably refers to the king who is speaking in this section.
his anointed one ... answer him ... rescue him
The king is speaking about himself in the third person. This can be stated in first person. AT: "me, his anointed one ... answer me ... rescue me" (See: First, Second, or Third Person)
from his holy heaven
God dwells in heaven as well as in the temple in Jerusalem. (See: Psalms 20:2)
with the strength of his right hand that can rescue him
God's right hand represents his power. AT: "with his great strength he will rescue him" (See: Metonymy)
translationWords
joy
raise
anoint
holy
heaven
right hand
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv5–7 20:5 Troops carried a victory banner to battle, under…
20:5 Troops carried a victory banner to battle, under which they gathered and roused one another to action (see Isa 11:10, 12).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.