I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David doesn't just hope God will save him; he calls on God specifically because He is worthy of praise, seeing God's inherent worthiness as the very reason for his salvation. This isn't just about getting out of trouble, but about acknowledging God's supreme value as the source of deliverance.
I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is David's song of thanksgiving, a powerful declaration of God's deliverance written after he was rescued from King Saul and other enemies. It's a reflection on God's faithfulness throughout his life, culminating in his ascension to the throne. The song isn't just about past victories, but a confident statement of trust in God's continued protection against all adversaries.
David isn't just calling out to anyone; he's calling out to someone specific. What does it mean that God is 'worthy to be praised'?
David's prayer starts with a declaration of God's worthiness. This isn't a casual remark; it's the foundation of his confidence.
God's Inherent Value
When we say God is 'worthy to be praised,' we're acknowledging that His worth is not dependent on our circumstances. He is supremely valuable, excellent, and deserving of all honor and adoration, regardless of whether we are experiencing victory or defeat.
Fueling Faith
Recognizing God's inherent worthiness transforms our prayers from mere requests to expressions of deep trust. It reminds us that the One we are calling upon has the power and the right to act, not because we demand it, but because of who He is.
David's enemies are real and pressing. How does his prayer connect his calling to God with his actual deliverance?
The verse links two crucial elements: calling on the LORD and being saved from enemies.
A Plea and a Promise
David's prayer isn't just a cry for help; it's an expression of confident expectation based on God's character. He calls on God, knowing that this God is worthy of praise and knowing that this same God saves.
God's Initiative
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The phrasing implies that God's salvation is a direct response to David's cry. It’s not that David saves himself and then praises God; rather, his praise is intertwined with the act of being saved by God. This highlights that our deliverance, in every sense, is God's work.
This psalm (which is also found in Psalm 18) is a powerful declaration of David's deliverance. It reflects his personal experiences of being hunted, betrayed, and facing overwhelming odds, yet consistently finding salvation through his faith in God.
c. 1050 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel, marking the transition from a tribal confederacy to a monarchy.
c. 1040 BC
David Anointed King
Samuel, under God's direction, secretly anoints David, the youngest son of Jesse, as the future king while Saul is still reigning.
c. 1020 BC
David and Goliath
David, a young shepherd, courageously defeats the Philistine giant Goliath, earning fame and the jealousy of King Saul.
c. 1010 BC
David Flees Saul
David is forced to flee from King Saul, who relentlessly hunts him. David lives as a fugitive, gathering followers.
c. 1005 BC— this verse
David Becomes King of Judah
Following Saul's death, David is made king over the tribe of Judah in Hebron. He continues to be threatened by Saul's remaining loyalists and the Philistines.
c. 1005 BC
David Becomes King of All Israel
After a period of civil war and the death of Saul's son Ish-bosheth, David is finally recognized as king over all twelve tribes of Israel. He establishes Jerusalem as his capital.
This Psalm is a parallel account to 2 Samuel 22, showing David's praise for God's deliverance from his enemies.
Romans 10:13This New Testament passage echoes David's conviction, stating that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, emphasizing the universal accessibility of God's salvation.
Psalm 145:3This verse highlights the greatness and praiseworthiness of the Lord, aligning with David's declaration that God is worthy of praise.
Acts 16:25Even in prison, Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God, demonstrating a deep trust in His power to save and praise Him in difficult circumstances.
David doesn't just hope God will save him; he calls on God specifically because He is worthy of praise, seeing God's inherent worthiness as the very reason for his salvation. This isn't just about getting out of trouble, but about acknowledging God's supreme value as the source of deliverance.
This psalm is David's song of thanksgiving, a powerful declaration of God's deliverance written after he was rescued from King Saul and other enemies. It's a reflection on God's faithfulness throughout his life, culminating in his ascension to the throne. The song isn't just about past victories, but a confident statement of trust in God's continued protection against all adversaries.
This psalm is David's song of thanksgiving, a powerful declaration of God's deliverance written after he was rescued from King Saul and other enemies. It's a reflection on God's faithfulness throughout his life, culminating in his ascension to the throne. The song isn't just about past victories, but a confident statement of trust in God's continued protection against all adversaries.
"I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies." — David doesn't just hope God will save him; he calls on God specifically because He is worthy of praise, seeing God's inherent worthiness as the very reason for his salvation. This isn't just ab…
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Last reviewed October 2026