May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions!
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's striking here is the declaration, "in the name of our God we will set up our banners!" This isn't just about celebrating victory; it's a bold statement that their entire campaign and every triumph is for God's glory. It's a profound reminder that even in our own struggles and pursuits, the ultimate aim should be to honor Him.
May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes during a prayer for a king about to go into battle, asking for God's favor and victory. Following assurances that sacrifices have been made and petitions are being heard (verses 3-4), this verse expresses the people's confident anticipation of God's deliverance and their commitment to honoring Him publicly once that victory is won. The psalm concludes with a hope that God will answer all the king's requests.
What happens after we pray? This verse shifts from asking God for things to celebrating what He will do.
Psalm 20 is framed as a prayer for a king, likely going into battle. The earlier verses are pleas to God for protection and success. But verse 5 flips the script. It's no longer about asking, but about declaring what God's people will do because they are confident in His answer.
A Confident Declaration
Instead of "May we shout," the psalm says, "May we shout for joy." This isn't a hesitant wish, but a determined declaration of victory. It's the sound of faith that has already seen the end result.
The Fruit of Trust
This joyful shouting is directly linked to "your salvation." The 'your' here refers to God. The salvation He brings is so profound that it births confident rejoicing. It’s the understanding that God’s power and plan are greater than any challenge.
What does it mean to 'set up our banners' and why is it done 'in the name of our God'?
Raising banners was a significant act in ancient warfare and processions. It wasn't just a flag-waving ceremony; it was a public declaration of allegiance and a rallying point.
A Symbol of Victory
When the people declare, "in the name of our God we will set up our banners," it signifies their triumph. It’s like planting a flag on conquered territory. This isn't about human might, but about acknowledging that God is the source of their victory.
Ask a follow-up
Identifying with God's Cause
Doing this 'in the name of our God' means their actions are completely aligned with His purposes and power. It's a public testament that they fight for His glory, not their own. It’s a bold statement that their success is a testimony to who God is.
Understand the original words
yeshu'ah · Hebrew Noun
Deliverance, victory, or rescue provided by God. Biblically, it encompasses physical deliverance from enemies and the ultimate spiritual restoration of the soul before God.
degel · Hebrew Noun
A military symbol or standard raised to mark victory or the presence of a rallying force; biblically, it signifies identifying with God’s victory and truth.
mish'alah · Hebrew Noun
Formal requests or prayers presented to God. They acknowledge human dependency on God’s sovereignty to answer the deep longings and specific needs of the heart.
The imagery of setting up banners in God's name points to a time when warfare was deeply intertwined with religious identity, and victory was seen as a direct sign of divine favor. This psalm reflects a community whose hope and trust were placed squarely on God amidst the very real dangers of ancient Near Eastern politics and warfare.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Monarchy Established
Following King David's successful consolidation of power, Israel becomes a significant regional force. Military campaigns and royal success are often intertwined with national and religious identity.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Reign and Temple Construction
The construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem solidifies the city as the religious and political center of Israel, linking royal endeavors and divine favor directly.
c. 930 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into Israel (North) and Judah (South), leading to ongoing conflicts and the need for divine intervention in warfare.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria to Assyria
The Northern Kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Neo-Assyrian Empire, resulting in mass deportations and serving as a stark warning to the Southern Kingdom of Judah about foreign powers.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The Neo-Babylonian Empire conquers Jerusalem, destroys the First Temple, and exiles a significant portion of the population, profoundly impacting Israelite theology and identity.
c. 539 BC
Persian Empire Conquers Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia allows the exiled Judeans to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple, marking a new era of restoration and national identity.
Date uncertain, likely during periods of conflict or before major military campaigns— this verse
Royal Military Campaign or Royal Petition
This psalm is traditionally understood as being prayed by or for the king, either before embarking on a military campaign, or during a time of national crisis requiring divine intervention. The king and his people offer sacrifices and petitions, seeking God's favor and protection.
This passage parallels David's increasing success and God's presence with him, echoing the sentiment of rejoicing and victory celebrated in Psalm 20:5.
Isaiah 11:10This prophecy speaks of a future ruler (the Messiah) who will stand as a banner for the nations, connecting the imagery of banners in Psalm 20:5 to a grander, eschatological victory.
1 Corinthians 15:57Paul's triumphant declaration of victory through Christ over sin and death directly aligns with the rejoicing and banner-raising spirit of Psalm 20:5, showing that our greatest 'salvation' is found in God.
Philippians 4:6-7This passage encourages bringing petitions to God with thanksgiving, mirroring the context of prayer and confident expectation of God's fulfillment found in Psalm 20:5.
ellicottPsalms 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."
(5) We will set up our banners. —Rather, we will wave our banners. (Comp. Song of Solomon 6:10 .) The whole army, or their representatives, assembled in the Temple courts, raise the encouraging shout.
calvinPsalms 20:3-5: "Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah."
May he remember all thy offerings; and make thy holocaust [or burnt sacrifice] fat! [473] Selah. 4. May he grant thee according to thy heart, and fulfill all thy counsel! 5. That we may rejoice in thy salvation, [or safety;] and set up a banner in the name of our God, when Jehovah shall fulfill all thy petitions.
May he remember. I understand the word remember as meaning to have regard to, as it is to be…
What's striking here is the declaration, "in the name of our God we will set up our banners!" This isn't just about celebrating victory; it's a bold statement that their entire campaign and every triumph is for God's glory. It's a profound reminder that even in our own struggles and pursuits, the ultimate aim should be to honor Him.
This verse comes during a prayer for a king about to go into battle, asking for God's favor and victory. Following assurances that sacrifices have been made and petitions are being heard (verses 3-4), this verse expresses the people's confident anticipation of God's deliverance and their commitment to honoring Him publicly once that victory is won. The psalm concludes with a hope that God will answer all the king's requests.
This verse comes during a prayer for a king about to go into battle, asking for God's favor and victory. Following assurances that sacrifices have been made and petitions are being heard (verses 3-4), this verse expresses the people's confident anticipation of God's deliverance and their commitment to honoring Him publicly once that victory is won. The psalm concludes with a hope that God will answer all the king's requests.
"May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions!" — What's striking here is the declaration, "in the name of our God we will set up our banners!" This isn't just about celebrating victory; it's a bold statement that their entire campaign and every tri…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026