Psalm 20 (19):6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Triumph over death We will celebrate that death has inflicted no injury upon you, demonstrating that it will not harm us either.

Let us celebrate the gift of your salvation. The Son sent from the Father is the salvation offered to the world; the cross belonging to the Son is likewise this salvation. As the Psalmist proclaims, you have bestowed salvation upon humanity, revealing it to all through Your resurrection. The Lord will fulfill all your requests. What are these requests if not this one: ‘Holy Father, keep them from the world’ (John 17:11)? It is clear that He petitions for those who place their faith in Him, as well as for David and Hezekiah during the times of priests and kings. He intercedes either for the purpose of the Lord's earthly mission and the resurrection, or because, through our salvation, He identifies Himself as saved and will care for us, seeing that we are one body with Him.

Let us celebrate your deliverance and lift ourselves up in the name of the Lord our God. The Lord will grant all the desires of your heart. When you obtain what you have requested, we will also partake in the joy, being made radiant and renowned through the might of God.

We will celebrate in Your salvation. The king declares that we have unwavering faith that, due to Your goodness and integrity, God will provide deliverance and render you invincible; we, your companions, will rejoice in Your salvation. Through the name of the Lord our God, we shall be uplifted. If the God of Israel crushes and conquers our foes, He will surely instill fear in the hearts of the Assyrians by His great name; and by this formidable name, we too shall gain prominence among them, for alongside God's name, our reputation shall spread. The Lord will grant all your requests. With these words, Hezekiah's allies continue their prayers to God, humbly seeking that He fulfill all his requests through the king's broken spirit.

The believers, seeking to more readily implore God's favor for their monarch, declare a collective joy and gratitude on Wednesday, expressing that their concern extends beyond an individual ruler to encompass the welfare of the entire church. As it is noted in Lamentations 4:20, when a community is led by righteous leaders, they enjoy a sense of peace akin to living in a protective shadow. Therefore, the faithful affirm that when their king thrives and is well, they will all experience joy and blessings. To differentiate their spiritual joy from worldly celebrations, it is emphasized that they will be lifted up, or as the Hebrew text suggests, they will raise a banner in the name of the Lord their God. In doing so, they will acknowledge God's mercy with heartfelt gratitude and offer praises, especially when the Lord answers their king’s petitions.

Psalm 19 serves as a fervent appeal from the entirety of Israel, pictured as a united entity, seeking triumph for their sovereign, who is preparing to confront formidable foes. It remains uncertain whether this psalm was composed for a specific event, such as preceding the conflict with the Syro-Amonites, or if it was intended for any occasions of warfare. However, it is clear that it was designated to be chanted at the tabernacle during sacrificial offerings, particularly in the presence of the king heading into battle. The citizens fervently wish for the king to be heard by God in his time of need, offering prayers and sacrifices for success in the face of adversity, acknowledging that in moments of distress, God graciously receives such offerings.

Rejoice, O faithful ones of Christ's Resurrection, for salvation has been granted to you. The term 'Christian' derives from Christ's name, which elevates believers to a status akin to the most esteemed nobility. Those born of water and the Spirit shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven as God's children, truly reflecting their divine heritage.