Psalms 18:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

I will call {H7121} upon 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
Psalms 18:3 stands as a powerful declaration of King David's unwavering faith and proactive reliance on God amidst profound adversity. This verse encapsulates the foundational truth that engaging with the Lord through worship and prayer is the assured pathway to divine intervention and comprehensive deliverance from all forms of opposition, establishing a timeless pattern of confident trust in God's inherent power and saving character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 18 is a monumental psalm of thanksgiving, a "song of deliverance" (as noted in its superscription) attributed to David, celebrating God's mighty rescue from "all his enemies and from the hand of Saul." Its near-identical parallel in [2 Samuel 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance") underscores its historical significance within the Deuteronomistic History, presenting David as the paradigmatic king who trusts God implicitly. The psalm opens with David's passionate affirmation of love for God in [Psalms 18:1](/psalms/18-1 "Psalms 18:1 - David's Love for the Lord") and a litany of divine attributes in [Psalms 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalms 18:2 - God as David's Rock and Fortress"), setting the stage for the strategic declaration in Psalms 18:3. This verse functions as the pivotal statement, articulating David's method for accessing the divine power he describes in the subsequent verses, which vividly portray God's cosmic intervention on his behalf. It is a foundational statement of faith that undergirds the entire narrative of divine rescue that follows, demonstrating that David's deliverance is a direct result of his active invocation of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's life was a relentless saga of conflict, spanning from his anointing as king while Saul still reigned, through years of exile and pursuit, to his eventual establishment as monarch and subsequent wars against surrounding nations. The "enemies" referenced here encompass not only King Saul, who repeatedly sought David's life, but also various Philistine, Amalekite, and other regional adversaries that constantly threatened Israel's nascent kingdom. In the ancient Near East, kings were often seen as divine representatives, and their military successes were routinely attributed to the favor of their patron deities. David, however, consistently attributed his victories not to his own prowess or the strength of his army, but to the direct, covenantal intervention of YHWH, the God of Israel. His declaration to "call upon the LORD" reflects a deep-seated covenantal relationship, where the king, as God's chosen representative, sought divine counsel and aid through prayer and worship—a practice central to Israelite kingship and distinctly monotheistic, setting it apart from the polytheistic practices of surrounding nations. This reliance on YHWH for deliverance was a hallmark of righteous leadership in Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Deliverance**, portraying God as the ultimate rescuer and protector, a "stronghold" and "deliverer" as described in [Psalms 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalms 18:2 - God as David's Rock and Fortress"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Active Dependence and Trust in God**, demonstrating that true security and salvation come not from human strength or strategic planning, but from a proactive, relational reliance on the Lord. David's choice to "call upon the LORD" *before* describing the deliverance emphasizes this crucial point. Thirdly, the phrase "[who is worthy] to be praised" introduces the theme of **God's Inherent Worthiness of Worship**, affirming that praise is not merely a means to an end (deliverance) but an acknowledgment of God's intrinsic character and majesty, a truth echoed throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalms 145:3](/psalms/145-3 "Psalms 145:3 - The Greatness of the Lord")). Finally, it subtly touches upon the theme of **Righteous Kingship**, where the king's success and the nation's well-being are directly tied to his piety and adherence to God's covenant, as seen in the broader narrative of [1 and 2 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "1 and 2 Samuel - The Rise and Reign of David").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **call (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** From H7121, this primitive root means "to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)." It signifies a deliberate act of invoking God's name, a cry for help, an invitation, or a proclamation. In David's context, it implies a personal, intentional, and often urgent appeal to God, demonstrating a deep relational dependence rather than a casual utterance.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the Tetragrammaton, God's personal, covenantal name, often transliterated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." Its use here signifies David's appeal to the God who revealed Himself to Moses (e.g., [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM")) and entered into a covenant relationship with Israel. It emphasizes that David is calling upon a personal, active, and faithful God who is deeply invested in the lives of His people, not a generic deity. This relational aspect is crucial to David's confidence.
* **praised (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** From H1984, this primitive root 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." It carries a sense of active, fervent, and often public declaration of God's excellence, glory, and mighty deeds. It is the root of "Hallelujah" (Praise the Lord!). The KJV's "[who is worthy] to be praised" correctly captures the passive sense of the participle, indicating God's inherent, objective worthiness of such enthusiastic acclamation. David is not praising God *to get* something, but because God *is* praiseworthy.
* **saved (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** From H3467, this primitive root means "to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor." It encompasses a broad range of deliverance, from physical rescue from enemies or danger to spiritual salvation. In this context, it primarily refers to David's literal preservation from physical threats and military defeat. The use of the future tense ("so shall I be saved") expresses not a hopeful wish, but a confident expectation and certainty rooted in God's character and past actions.
* **enemies (Hebrew, _ʼôyêb'_):** From H341, this active participle means "hating; an adversary." It refers to those who are hostile, opposed, or act as foes. For David, this included specific individuals like Saul, as well as foreign armies and internal rebels. The term broadly encompasses all sources of opposition and threat to David's life and reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will call upon the LORD":** This opening clause establishes David's intentional and proactive posture. It signifies a deliberate act of prayer, supplication, and invocation of God's personal name. It is not a passive waiting for help, but an active, relational engagement with the divine, demonstrating David's absolute dependence on God as his first and primary recourse in times of trouble. This "calling" implies a deep, personal relationship and trust, rooted in the covenant.
* **"[who is worthy] to be praised":** This parenthetical phrase, though supplied in the KJV for clarity, accurately reflects the Hebrew participle and its profound theological implication. It provides the *reason* for David's confidence in calling upon the Lord. God is not merely powerful, but inherently good, righteous, glorious, and majestic, deserving of all honor and adoration. This inherent worthiness is the very foundation of David's faith; he calls upon God because God's very nature guarantees His faithfulness, His ability to act, and His desire to intervene on behalf of His covenant people.
* **"so shall I be saved from mine enemies.":** This concluding clause expresses the certain and assured outcome of David's action. The "so" indicates a direct consequence: because he calls upon the praiseworthy Lord, deliverance is not merely possible but absolutely assured. "Saved" here refers to comprehensive rescue, protection, and decisive victory over his adversaries. It is a declaration of unwavering faith, not a conditional plea, demonstrating David's absolute conviction in God's power to deliver him from all opposition, whether physical, political, or personal, and to establish his security.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 18:3 employs several powerful literary devices that amplify its message. The verse functions as a clear **Declaration of Intent**, as David explicitly states his resolve ("I will call upon the LORD"). This declaration is imbued with strong **Anticipation**, as the future tense "so shall I be saved" expresses a confident expectation rather than a mere hope, showcasing David's unwavering **Faith** in God's character and power. The structure itself, moving from the act of calling to the attribute of God and then to the assured outcome, demonstrates a logical and theological **Progression**. The phrase "[who is worthy] to be praised" acts as a powerful **Justification**, providing the theological rationale for David's profound confidence and the certainty of his deliverance. Furthermore, the "enemies" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, representing not just specific individuals but the totality of all threats, dangers, and adversities that David faced throughout his tumultuous life, making the promise of salvation comprehensive and all-encompassing. The verse also exhibits a subtle **Cause and Effect** relationship, where David's action (calling upon the Lord) directly leads to God's intervention (being saved).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 18:3 encapsulates a core biblical truth that resonates throughout redemptive history: God's inherent worthiness of praise is the bedrock for confident prayer and the assurance of divine deliverance. This principle affirms that when believers turn to the Lord with hearts of worship and trust, His character compels Him to act on their behalf. David's experience serves as a paradigm for all who face overwhelming opposition, demonstrating that the pathway to salvation and victory lies in acknowledging God's sovereignty and His unfailing power. It highlights that praise is not merely an emotional response or a ritualistic act but a profound theological statement that aligns the worshiper with God's truth, unlocking His saving power and inviting His intervention. This verse underscores that God's glory and His people's salvation are inextricably linked.

* [Psalms 50:15](/psalms/50-15 "Psalms 50:15 - Call on Me in the Day of Trouble")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")
* [Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13 - Calling on the Name of the Lord for Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 18:3 offers a timeless blueprint for navigating life's inevitable challenges and adversaries. It challenges us to re-evaluate our initial response to adversity: do we first resort to our own strength, human strategies, or despair, or do we immediately "call upon the LORD"? This verse encourages a proactive, worshipful approach to prayer, reminding us that our confidence in deliverance stems not from the magnitude of our faith, but from the infinite worthiness, power, and faithfulness of the God we address. To praise God even *in* the midst of our struggles shifts our focus from the problem to the Problem-Solver, aligning our perspective with His omnipotence and sovereignty. It cultivates a spirit of confident expectation, knowing that the God who is worthy of all praise is also the God who hears, intervenes, and saves. This isn't a magical formula, but an invitation to deepen our relational dependence on the One who is our ultimate refuge and deliverer, transforming our anxieties into acts of worship and our fears into confident trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is your immediate, instinctive response when faced with a significant challenge or "enemy" in your life, and how might Psalms 18:3 challenge that response?**
* **How does recognizing God as "[who is worthy] to be praised" deepen your understanding of His character and change your approach to prayer and worship during difficult times?**
* **In what specific areas of your life—be they internal struggles, external pressures, or relational conflicts—do you need to more fully trust God for deliverance, rather than relying on your own efforts or despair?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper habit of calling upon the Lord with confident expectation, even before you see the solution, embodying David's proactive faith?**

### FAQ
**Does "saved from mine enemies" only refer to physical deliverance?**

Answer: While David's immediate context in [Psalms 18](/psalms/18 "Psalms 18 - David's Song of Deliverance") primarily concerns physical and military deliverance from his adversaries (like Saul and the Philistines), the Hebrew word *yashaʻ* ("saved") has a broader theological scope in Scripture. It can encompass rescue from any form of distress, danger, or oppression, including spiritual and eternal salvation. For the believer today, "enemies" can represent not only external threats but also internal struggles (e.g., sin, doubt), spiritual attacks (e.g., from the devil), or overwhelming circumstances (e.g., illness, financial ruin). Thus, the principle extends beyond physical safety to encompass all forms of divine rescue and victory that God provides for His people, ultimately pointing to the comprehensive salvation found in Christ, who delivers us from our greatest enemies: sin, death, and the devil, as promised in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 18:3, a declaration of David's reliance on God for deliverance, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David, as an anointed king and a type of the Messiah, experienced salvation from his earthly enemies, but Christ embodies the perfect "call upon the LORD" and the ultimate "being saved." Jesus, in His earthly life, consistently called upon His Father, demonstrating perfect dependence and trust, even to the point of agonizing prayer in Gethsemane (e.g., [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")) and His final cry from the cross (e.g., [Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus' Last Words")). He is the one truly "worthy to be praised," not only as the eternal Son of God but as the Lamb who was slain, whose worthiness to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise is celebrated eternally in heaven (e.g., [Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - The Lamb is Worthy")). Furthermore, Jesus' resurrection from the dead is the supreme act of God's "saving" Him from the ultimate enemy—death itself—and through His victory, all who call upon His name are likewise "saved from their enemies" of sin, death, and the devil (e.g., [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confess and Believe to Be Saved")). David's song of deliverance becomes a prophetic echo of the greater, eternal salvation achieved by Christ, who perfectly models the call to the praiseworthy God and secures comprehensive salvation for all who believe, fulfilling the promise of [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name").

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 91:15

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

Luke 1:71

That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

Romans 8:39

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Psalms 145:3

Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness [is] unsearchable.

Psalms 62:8

¶ Trust in him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah.

2 Samuel 22:4

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