John Calvin Commentary Psalms 20:8

"They are bowed down and fallen; But we are risen, and stand upright." — Psalms 20:8 (ASV)

They are bowed down. It is probable that the enemies of Israel, whom God had overthrown when they regarded no event as less likely to happen, are pointed out here, as if with a finger. The words contain a tacit contrast: on the one hand, the cruel pride with which they had been lifted up for a time, audaciously rushing forward to make havoc of all things; and on the other, the oppression of the people of God. The expression, to rise, is applied only to those who were previously sunk or fallen; and, on the other hand, the expression, bowed down and fallen, is appropriately applied to those who were lifted up with pride and presumption. The prophet, therefore, teaches by this event how much more advantageous it is for us to place all our confidence in God than to depend upon our own strength.