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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 20:1-5

This prayer for David is entitled a psalm of David; nor was it any absurdity at all for him who was divinely inspired to draw up a directory, or form of prayer, to be used in the congregation for himself and those in authority under him; nay it is very proper for those who desire the prayers of their friends to tell them particularly what they would have to be asked of God for them. Note, Even great and good men, and those that know ever so well how to pray for themselves, must not despise,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 20:5

We will rejoice in thy salvation ,.... That is, "so will we", &c.; or "that we may" F16 So Ainsworth; נרננה "ovemus", Vatablus, Piscator, Michaelis; "cantemus", Gejerus. , &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... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 20:5

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 Exodus 15:11 , יהוה באלם כמכה מי 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 ,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 20:5

Verse 5 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; (474) or rather, being already inspired with an assured hope of success, they begin to sing, so to speak, of the victory, even as it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 20:1-9

The psalm divides into two portions—the first of five, and the second of four verses. In the first part, the people chant the whole. In the second, the high priest takes the word, and initiates the strain ( 2 Samuel 10:6 ), while the people join in afterwards ( 2 Samuel 10:7-9 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 20:1-9

Prayer for Israel's king when going forth to battle: a national sermon. In this psalm, as indeed in the rest, there are most suggestive verses, which might be elaborated into useful discourses. £ But in this division of the Commentary we refrain from dealing with isolated texts. We desire rather to show how the whole psalm may be used by the expositor of Scripture as the basis of a national sermon in a time of impending war. No doubt, as Mr. Spurgeon remarks, it has been used by court... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 20:1-9

Help from the sanctuary for the battle of life. A liturgical psalm, which was sung on behalf of the king, who was about to go forth to battle. It was chanted in alternate voices by the congregation and the priest or Levite who led the choir. As the king stands within the sanctuary, offering his sacrifice, the crowd of worshippers in the spacious courts lift up their voices in the prayer of the first five verses; then the answering chant of the priest or leader from Psalms 20:6 to 8;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 20:5

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 Psalms 20:1 and the whole of Psalms 20:4 , but reaching out... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 20:5

The safeguards of prayer. "The Lord fulfil all thy petitions." An amazingly bold wish! Especially if you read it in the light of Psalms 20:4 , "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 ( Psalms 78:29 ). We may be conscious of desires springing up in our own heart, even dwelling deep... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 20:5

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... read more

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