2 Samuel 22:4

KJV

I will call on the LORD, [who is] worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will call {H7121} on the LORD {H3068}, who is worthy to be praised {H1984}: so shall I be saved {H3467} from mine enemies {H341}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I call on ADONAI, who is worthy of praise; and I am saved from my enemies.

Berean Standard Bible

I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.

American Standard Version

I will call upon Jehovah, who is worthy to be praised: So shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 22:4 encapsulates King David's profound declaration of faith and reliance on God, expressed as a confident resolution to call upon the Lord, recognizing His inherent praiseworthiness, and anticipating certain deliverance from all his adversaries. This verse, a foundational statement within David's magnificent song of thanksgiving, articulates a deep-seated trust in God's character and His consistent faithfulness as a rescuer and protector throughout a lifetime of conflict and triumph.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands at the very beginning of a lengthy and powerful psalm of thanksgiving, recorded in 2 Samuel 22, which is almost identical to [Psalm 18](/psalm/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Song of Deliverance"). The preceding verses, particularly [2 Samuel 22:2-3](/2_samuel/22-2-3 "2 Samuel 22:2-3 - God as David's Rock and Fortress"), establish a series of vivid metaphors for God as David's deliverer—his rock, fortress, deliverer, God, strength, shield, horn of salvation, high tower, and refuge. Thus, [2 Samuel 22:4](/2_samuel/22-4 "2 Samuel 22:4 - David's Confident Declaration of Trust") is not a desperate cry for help in the midst of a current crisis, but rather a retrospective declaration of David's lifelong practice and a testament to God's consistent intervention. It sets the tone for the entire psalm, which recounts God's mighty acts of salvation and David's unwavering confidence in Him, culminating in a celebration of God's righteous rule and covenant faithfulness, as seen in [2 Samuel 22:50-51](/2_samuel/22-50-51 "2 Samuel 22:50-51 - David's Praise and God's Covenant Faithfulness").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed "in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul" ([2 Samuel 22:1](/2_samuel/22-1 "2 Samuel 22:1 - David's Deliverance")), this psalm reflects David's entire tumultuous reign. From his early persecution by King Saul, through numerous battles against the Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, and other surrounding nations, to internal rebellions like Absalom's, David's life was marked by constant threat. In ancient Near Eastern kingship, a king's success was often attributed to the favor of his deity. David, however, consistently attributes his victories not to his own military prowess or strategic genius, but to the direct intervention of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This perspective underscores a covenantal worldview where God actively participates in the history of His people and their chosen leader, fulfilling His promises and delivering His anointed one, a theme foundational to understanding the relationship between the king and God in Israel.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Samuel 22:4](/2_samuel/22-4 "2 Samuel 22:4 - David's Confident Declaration of Trust") contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Samuel and the broader Old Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Deliverance**, portraying God as the ultimate rescuer who actively intervenes on behalf of His faithful servants. David's experience reinforces the concept of God's **Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, demonstrating that He is not only capable but also willing to save those who call upon Him. The phrase "worthy to be praised" highlights the theme of **God's Praiseworthiness and Glory**, emphasizing that His character inherently demands adoration, regardless of circumstances. Finally, David's resolve, "I will call on the LORD," underscores the theme of **Active Trust and Dependence**, illustrating that human faith, expressed through prayer and reliance, is the proper response to God's character and power, echoing the wisdom found in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Call (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** This primitive root (H7121) means "to call out to," "address by name," or "summon." In this context, it signifies a deliberate, intentional act of invoking God's name, seeking His presence, and appealing for His intervention. It implies a relationship of dependence and trust, not a mere utterance, but a heartfelt turning to God in prayer and supplication, a recognition of His accessibility and willingness to hear.
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** This primitive root (H1984) means "to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make ashow, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate." The form used here, _mehullal_, is a Pual participle, indicating "one who is praised" or "one who is to be praised." It conveys that God is inherently, intrinsically praiseworthy; His very being and character demand and elicit praise. His actions flow from His praiseworthy nature, making Him the fitting object of all adoration.
* **Saved (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** This primitive root (H3467) properly means "to be open, wide or free," and by implication, "to be safe." Causatively, it means "to free or succor." It denotes comprehensive deliverance, not just from physical enemies but from all forms of distress, danger, and oppression. David's confident assertion "so shall I be saved" reflects an absolute conviction in God's power to provide complete and decisive salvation, based on a lifetime of experiencing God's unfailing deliverance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will call on the LORD":** This opening clause expresses David's personal resolve and commitment. It is an active, volitional choice to seek God's presence and intervention. The use of "I will" signifies a settled habit and a firm determination, reflecting a life lived in conscious dependence on Yahweh. It is a declaration of his spiritual discipline and reliance, a proactive engagement with the divine.
* **"[who is] worthy to be praised":** This parenthetical phrase explains *why* David calls on the Lord. It is not out of desperation alone, but out of a deep understanding and acknowledgment of God's inherent nature. God is not just powerful; He is supremely good, righteous, and glorious, making Him the fitting object of all praise and adoration. This intrinsic attribute of God fuels David's confidence and grounds his expectation of divine action.
* **"so shall I be saved from mine enemies":** This concluding clause states the certain outcome of David's action and God's character. The "so shall I be saved" is a statement of absolute conviction, not a hopeful wish. It is a declaration of assured deliverance, a testament to God's unfailing power to rescue His servant from all adversaries, whether physical foes, political rivals, or the challenges of life. This salvation is comprehensive and certain because it stems from the character of a praiseworthy God.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Samuel 22:4, and indeed the entire chapter, is the **Hymn of Thanksgiving**. This genre, common in the Psalms, is characterized by an initial declaration of praise or intent to praise, followed by a recounting of God's mighty acts of deliverance, and concluding with renewed praise and vows of faithfulness. David's opening statement, "I will call on the LORD, [who is] worthy to be praised," immediately establishes this hymnic structure, setting the expectation for the ensuing narrative of God's saving power. Furthermore, the verse employs **Assertion** and **Declaration**, as David confidently states his intention and the certain outcome, rather than posing a question or expressing doubt. This confident tone contributes to the overall message of unwavering faith. While not explicitly a **Metaphor** in this specific verse, the broader context of [2 Samuel 22:2-3](/2_samuel/22-2-3 "2 Samuel 22:2-3 - God as David's Rock and Fortress") uses a rich array of metaphors (rock, fortress, shield, etc.) that underpin the concept of God's saving power referenced here, providing a powerful backdrop for David's confident declaration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 22:4 provides a foundational theological statement regarding the nature of God and humanity's proper response to Him. It establishes that God is inherently worthy of praise, not merely for what He does, but for who He is—a truth that transcends circumstance. This intrinsic praiseworthiness makes Him the ultimate source of salvation and the only reliable refuge. David's commitment to "call on the LORD" demonstrates the principle of active faith, where human initiative in prayer and dependence is met by divine deliverance. This relationship highlights God's covenant faithfulness to His people, ensuring that those who seek Him in truth will find Him to be a present help in trouble. The verse thus serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty, His unwavering character, and the efficacy of prayer rooted in trust.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")
* [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 22:4 offers profound encouragement and a timeless model for believers today. David's life, marked by intense trials and glorious triumphs, teaches us that the posture of faith is one of active reliance on God. To "call on the LORD" means to bring every aspect of our lives—our fears, our needs, our battles, and our praises—before Him in prayer and dependence. Recognizing God as "worthy to be praised" shifts our perspective from our problems to His unchanging character and boundless power. This acknowledgment is not conditional on our circumstances but flows from a deep understanding of His inherent glory. When we truly grasp that God is intrinsically praiseworthy, our trust in His ability to save us from our "enemies"—be they spiritual strongholds, emotional distress, relational conflicts, or physical ailments—becomes unshakable. This verse invites us to cultivate a lifestyle of prayerful dependence and joyful praise, confident that our God, who has delivered in the past, remains faithful to deliver us in the present and future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to actively "call on the LORD" today?**
* **How does recognizing God as "worthy to be praised" change your perspective on your current challenges or trials?**
* **What past experiences of God's deliverance can strengthen your confidence in His ability to save you from present "enemies"?**
* **How can you cultivate a more consistent practice of both calling on God and praising Him, regardless of your circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why is this psalm found in both 2 Samuel 22 and Psalm 18?**

Answer: The presence of this nearly identical psalm in both 2 Samuel and the Book of Psalms highlights its profound significance and enduring theological importance. In [2 Samuel 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance"), it serves as a climactic summary of David's life, a personal testament to God's faithfulness at the end of his reign, reinforcing the narrative of God's covenant with David. In [Psalm 18](/psalm/18 "Psalm 18 - A Psalm of David"), it is presented as a standalone hymn, intended for broader liturgical and devotional use within Israel's worship. The slight variations between the two versions are common in ancient texts and likely reflect different transmission histories or adaptations for specific contexts, but the core message of God's mighty deliverance remains consistent. This dual preservation underscores the psalm's status as a foundational expression of faith and divine intervention, demonstrating its enduring relevance for both historical narrative and communal worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 22:4, while a powerful declaration by King David, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's experience of being "saved from mine enemies" foreshadows the far greater salvation accomplished by the Messiah. David called upon the Lord for deliverance from earthly foes, but Jesus, the true and greater Davidic King, calls us to call upon Him for deliverance from the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the power of the devil. The Lord Jesus is supremely "worthy to be praised," not merely as a deliverer of a nation, but as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the one through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). When we "call on the Lord" Jesus, as [Romans 10:9-13](/romans/10-9-13 "Romans 10:9-13 - Confession and Belief Lead to Salvation") declares, confessing Him as Lord and believing in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead, "we shall be saved." This salvation is not just from physical threats but from eternal condemnation, bringing us into a new covenant relationship with God through His atoning sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Atoning Sacrifice")). Thus, David's confident expectation of deliverance becomes a glorious reality for all who put their faith in Christ, the one who triumphed over all principalities and powers on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")) and is now exalted as Lord of all ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 18:3

I will call upon the LORD, [who is worthy] to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Psalms 96:4

For the LORD [is] great, and greatly to be praised: he [is] to be feared above all gods.

Psalms 116:2

Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon [him] as long as I live.

Romans 10:13

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Psalms 48:1

¶ A Song [and] Psalm for the sons of Korah. Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, [in] the mountain of his holiness.

Revelation 5:12

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Psalms 148:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights.