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.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Banner-raising was a common ancient military practice signifying victory, territorial claims, or tribal identity. Egyptian, Assyrian, and Babylonian reliefs depict armies carrying standards into battle and raising them after conquest. Israel adopted similar practices but reinterpreted them theologically—their banner was YHWH Himself, not a tribal emblem or royal insignia.
The Exodus generation learned this lesson when Moses raised his rod during the battle against Amalek (Exodus 17:8-16). Victory came not from military strategy but from Moses' uplifted hands—symbolic dependence on God. Subsequently, Moses named the altar 'Jehovah-nissi,' establishing a theological principle that Israel's banner, standard, and rallying point was YHWH Himself.
In the temple liturgy, this verse would have been sung antiphonally—the congregation responding to priestly intercession with confident declarations of faith. This pattern appears throughout the Psalms and reflects Israel's worship tradition where communal faith was expressed through responsive singing. The confidence expressed here ('we will rejoice') isn't presumption but covenantal faith—trusting God's promises even before seeing their fulfillment. This anticipatory faith became a hallmark of biblical religion and is commended throughout Scripture (Hebrews 11:1).
Questions for Reflection
- How can you cultivate the faith to rejoice in God's salvation before seeing your circumstances change?
- What 'banner' or identity do you rally around—is it truly Christ's victory or something else?
- In what ways have you seen God fulfill your petitions completely, beyond what you asked?
- How does understanding 'the LORD is my banner' transform your approach to spiritual battles?
- What would it look like to publicly 'set up banners' in praise to God in your daily life?
Analysis & Commentary
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. This verse shifts from petition to confident anticipation—the people declare their future celebration as if God has already granted victory. 'Thy salvation' (bishu'atekha, בִּישׁוּעָתְךָ) uses the Hebrew root yasha, the same root as 'Jesus' (Yeshua), meaning deliverance or rescue. The verse anticipates not just victory but salvation—deliverance that comes from God alone.
'Set up our banners' (nidgol, נִדְגֹּל) refers to raising military standards or flags in triumph. Ancient armies used banners to rally troops and signal victory. Here, the banners are raised 'in the name of our God'—the victory is attributed to YHWH, not to human military prowess. This echoes Moses lifting up the rod of God (Exodus 17:15, where Moses built an altar called 'Jehovah-nissi,' meaning 'The LORD is my banner').
The final clause, 'the LORD fulfil all thy petitions,' expresses confidence that God will answer the king's prayers. The Hebrew yemale (יְמַלֵּא) means to fill completely, to bring to fullness. The verse teaches that true rejoicing comes not from circumstances but from faith in God's salvation. For Christians, our ultimate banner is the cross of Christ, where salvation was accomplished. We rejoice not in uncertain earthly victories but in the certain triumph of Christ over sin, death, and Satan.