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`The DEFENDING Name' (verse 1).
`The DISPLAYED Name' (verse 5).
`The DELIVERING Name' (verse 7).
These references to the `Name' become more significant if
viewed in the light of the custom associated with the Kinsman-
Redeemer. A man in trouble called upon the `name' of his
kinsman, and ranged himself under his banner for protection. It
is this that the Psalmist is thinking of in these references. He
first prays in verse 1 :
` The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob
defend thee'.
Then, in verse 5, he says :
` We will rejoice in Thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set
up our banners'.
` His banner over me', said the Shulamite, `was love' (Song of Sol. 2:4).
So here, `His banner over me', the Psalmist might have said,
`is my protection'.
And, in verse 7, David contrasts the vain help of man with the
gracious deliverance of the Lord :
` Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the
name of the LORD our God'.
The word zakar, `remember', is also translated `to make
mention', as in Genesis 40:14 : `Make mention of me unto
Pharaoh'. The same word occurs in Isaiah 12 :
` In that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon HIS NAME, declare
His doings among the people, make mention that HIS NAME is exalted' (Isa.
12:4).