Did Jesus Die? (Psalm 20:6)

According to some Muslims, Psalm 20:6 shows Jesus was likely saved on the cross, as it reads: "Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand," (Psalm 20:6 NASB1995). A large issue with this claim is it is not referring to the Messiah; rather, it is speaking of Israel. This is a Psalm of requesting victory against the foes of Israel. As verse 5 says: "We will sing for joy over your victory, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners. May the Lord fulfill all your petitions," (Psalm 20:5 NASB1995).

The verse states they have banners and that they will "sing for joy over your victory". This is not the language of the crucifixion; rather, it is one of battle. As Barnes writes: "We will set up our banners - We will erect our standards; or, as we should say, we will unfurl our flag. All people, when they go to war, have standards or banners, whether flags or some other ensigns, around which they rally; which they follow; under which they fight; and which they feel bound to defend," (Barnes).

David is not saying that Jesus will be saved; rather, this is a prayer as to ask the Lord to bring victory, to save his anointed people: "Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel," (Exodus 19:5-6 NASB1995).

References:

Barnes' Notes on the New Testament. United Kingdom, Kregel Publications, 1962.

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