Psalms 55:16
But I call to God, and the LORD will save me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Psalms 55:16
But I call to God, and the LORD will save me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just state a future hope; it's a present declaration of commitment. The psalmist is saying, "No matter what happens, my choice is to call on God, and then the Lord will save me," framing his own action as the condition for God's intervention.
The psalmist is pouring out his heart amidst deep betrayal and distress, feeling overwhelmed by enemies and a once-trusted friend's treachery. In response to this crisis, he declares his unwavering commitment to prayer, choosing to cast his burdens upon God rather than despair. This verse marks a turning point from lament to resolute faith, expressing a confident expectation that God will hear and deliver him.
When everything else feels like it's falling apart, where do you turn? This verse is a powerful declaration of an unshakeable anchor.
The Psalmist, David, is in a place of immense distress. He feels betrayed and surrounded by enemies, perhaps even by those closest to him. In this overwhelming situation, he makes a conscious choice: 'As for me, I will call upon God.' This isn't a passive wish, but an active decision to direct his attention and prayers to the Almighty, rather than succumbing to despair or seeking help from unreliable sources. It highlights that even when our circumstances are dire, our response can be one of intentional reliance on God.
It's one thing to call out in a crisis, but another to be absolutely certain of the answer. This verse pulses with profound assurance.
Following the declaration of his intention to pray, David doesn't hesitate: 'and the LORD will save me.' This isn't a hopeful maybe, but a confident expectation. This certainty stems from David's deep knowledge of God's character – His promises, His faithfulness, and His immense power. He trusts that the God who hears him is also the God who is fully capable of delivering him, regardless of the magnitude of the threat. This confidence is rooted in who God IS, not just in David's current circumstances.
Understand the original words
Elohim · Hebrew Noun
A general title for the one true God, denoting His supreme power, authority, and role as Creator and Judge. It reflects His relationship with humanity as the sovereign object of worship and trust.
Yahweh · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel, signifying His self-existence, faithfulness, and eternal nature. He is the God who enters into relationship with His people to deliver and sustain them.
yasha' · Hebrew Verb
To rescue, deliver, or bring into a state of salvation, whether from physical danger, oppression, or spiritual ruin. It implies a divine intervention that provides safety or restoration.
This psalm likely arose during the intense period of Absalom's rebellion, a time when David experienced profound betrayal from those closest to him, including trusted friends and even his own son. The verse reflects his deep distress but also his unwavering conviction that even in the face of such devastating circumstances, his ultimate refuge and salvation would come from God.
c. 1015 BC
David Anointed King
Samuel the prophet anoints David as the future king of Israel, setting the stage for a long and often perilous journey to the throne.
c. 1010 BC
David Flees Saul
Pursued by King Saul, David becomes a fugitive, living in caves and wilderness areas, constantly facing danger and betrayal.
c. 1005 BC
David Reigns in Hebron
After Saul's death, David is crowned king over Judah in Hebron, but the kingdom remains divided.
c. 1002 BC
David Reigns Over All Israel
David captures Jerusalem and unites the tribes, establishing his kingdom and making it a prosperous center.
c. 990 BC
This passage shows David's unwavering reliance on God even in a moment of extreme distress and despair, echoing the psalmist's confidence that God will save him.
Psalm 18:2David here declares, 'The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower.' This strong affirmation of God's saving power directly parallels the conviction expressed in Psalm 55:16.
Romans 8:31This New Testament passage reinforces the psalmist's confidence by asking, 'If God is for us, who can be against us?' This rhetorical question highlights the ultimate security found in God's favor, a truth the psalmist embraced.
1 Corinthians 10:13The promise that God 'will not let you be tempted beyond beyond your ability, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it' speaks to the divine provision that undergirds the psalmist's trust in being saved.
Jeremiah 33:3This prophetic word, 'Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known,' echoes the psalmist's action of calling upon God and his assurance of being heard and saved.
gillPsalms 55:16: "As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me."
As for me, I will call upon God,.... Not upon a creature, on idols and images, on angels or saints departed; but upon God, in his time of trouble, for salvation and deliverance from enemies; who is able to save. This is to be understood of calling upon God in prayer; as Psalm 55:17 explains it, and the Targum here renders it; though sometimes invocation of the name of God takes in the whole of divine worship; and the L…
poolePsalms 55:16: "As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me."
Whilst he destroys them. As they and I differ in the courses of our lives, so shall we in our ends.
The verse doesn't just state a future hope; it's a present declaration of commitment. The psalmist is saying, "No matter what happens, my choice is to call on God, and then the Lord will save me," framing his own action as the condition for God's intervention.
The psalmist is pouring out his heart amidst deep betrayal and distress, feeling overwhelmed by enemies and a once-trusted friend's treachery. In response to this crisis, he declares his unwavering commitment to prayer, choosing to cast his burdens upon God rather than despair. This verse marks a turning point from lament to resolute faith, expressing a confident expectation that God will hear and deliver him.
The psalmist is pouring out his heart amidst deep betrayal and distress, feeling overwhelmed by enemies and a once-trusted friend's treachery. In response to this crisis, he declares his unwavering commitment to prayer, choosing to cast his burdens upon God rather than despair. This verse marks a turning point from lament to resolute faith, expressing a confident expectation that God will hear and deliver him.
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Absalom's Rebellion
David's own son, Absalom, leads a conspiracy and rebellion, forcing David to flee Jerusalem, facing immense betrayal and internal conflict.
c. 990 BC
David's Return to Jerusalem
After Absalom's defeat and death, David returns to Jerusalem, but the trauma of the rebellion and the betrayal of trusted allies leaves deep scars.
"But I call to God, and the LORD will save me." — The verse doesn't just state a future hope; it's a present declaration of commitment. The psalmist is saying, "No matter what happens, my choice is to call on God, and then the Lord will save me,…