Today we study Psalm 20 once again.
Verse 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.”
Speaking directly to God now, “We will rejoice in Thy salvation.” Do note that the “salvation” mentioned here belongs to Jesus. It is not mine, certainly not automatically, because I am “somebody!” I am a worm, a sinner deserving Hell! It is HIS SALVATION! He died to provide it. He “owns” it. He gives it to us repenting sinners!
To “rejoice” is “ranan” in Hebrew. It actually means “to sing.” No wonder so many Christian hymns delight in Calvary, the old rugged Cross, the Blood of Jesus, His Plan of Salvation!
The noun “banners,” as “in the Name of God we will set up our banners,” is “dagal” in Hebrew. It means a “flag, a standard,” and hints at battle. Warfare, with Jesus being the Leader, the Commander in Chief, and of course, the Victor! “Dagal” is only found in the Bible 4 times, total! And once it is translated “chiefest.” That’s Jesus, indeed!
Then the verse shifts from talking to God and about God … and begins to emphasize a singular petition, request. A wish or a desire … ”the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.”
This is intercession at its best. “Filfil,” same as yesterday, means “to accomplish, to replenish, to wholly grant!” Twice it even has the idea of “overflowing.”
And “petitions,” a noun, equals “mishalah” in Hebrew. It just means a “desire, request,” being derived from “shaal,” the main Old Testament verb for “asking,” or “what we ask.”
I think we can even pray this verse for JESUS’ Sake!
“Heavenly Father, help us today (being written on Sunday Morning) to rejoice and sing and delight in the Salvation Thy Son has given us so freely. Lord, help us overcome our enemies, those pesky little sins that so easily beset us. We lift up our banners, our battle flags, in Thy Name. We claim victory in Jesus. And Father, as Jesus daily (hourly, every minute, never missing a second) intercedes for us … grant to him all the desires of His Heart! All His petitions! Amen.”
Wow!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell