Psalms 20:5
We will reioyce in thy saluation, and in the Name of our God we will set vp our banners: the Lord fulfill all thy petitions. Psalms 20:5 (KJV)
Context: This verse is part of Psalm 20, a prayer for the success and victory of the people of Israel, particularly in times of battle or conflict. In the Douay‑Rheims translation the same words are rendered with the same sense, underscoring the universal appeal of the psalm’s message.
The verse opens with a declaration of rejoicing in God’s salvation. In biblical usage salvation refers to deliverance, rescue, and redemption. It emphasizes that God is the ultimate source of help and deliverance in times of need, and that the people can confidently celebrate the rescue He provides.
The passage then mentions the setting up of banners in the name of God. Historically banners were used to identify and rally people together, serving as visible symbols of victory and allegiance. By raising banners in God’s name the community publicly declares its trust in Him and unites under His protection.
Finally, the verse concludes with a prayer that the Lord fulfill all petitions. Petitions are requests or prayers made to God, and the psalmist asks that every earnest appeal be answered. The combination of rejoicing, the public display of faith through banners, and the earnest petition for divine fulfillment creates a powerful picture of a people who trust wholly in God’s saving power and who look to Him for victory in every circumstance.
Thus Psalm 20:5 encapsulates a full cycle of worship: gratitude for past deliverance, a public affirmation of allegiance, and a hopeful petition for future help, all rooted in the confidence that the Lord will answer the prayers of His people.
