Psalms 50:15

KJV

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And call {H7121}{H8798)} upon me in the day {H3117} of trouble {H6869}: I will deliver {H2502}{H8762)} thee, and thou shalt glorify {H3513}{H8762)} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

and call on me when you are in trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."

Berean Standard Bible

Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”

American Standard Version

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 50:15 stands as a profound invitation from God amidst a divine courtroom scene, where He critiques His people's superficial worship. While the broader psalm rebukes those who offer external sacrifices without genuine obedience, this verse shifts focus, revealing God's desire for a deep, personal relationship. It assures that in times of distress, a sincere call to Him will be met with His powerful deliverance, leading to the ultimate and intended response: the glorification of His name, thereby transforming trials into testimonies of His faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 50 is a "psalm of Asaph," uniquely structured as a divine oracle or a courtroom drama where God Himself is the judge, summoning heaven and earth as witnesses (50:1-6). Unlike many psalms that are human prayers, this one features God directly addressing His people, Israel. He begins by clarifying His non-need for their material sacrifices (50:7-13), emphasizing that true worship is not about outward ritual but about "thanksgiving" and fulfilling vows (50:14). Verse 15 then offers the alternative to empty formalism, presenting a direct, personal, and relational path to God. It contrasts sharply with the judgment pronounced against the wicked and hypocritical in the latter part of the psalm (50:16-23), highlighting that genuine faith, expressed through prayer in trouble and subsequent glorification, is what God truly desires.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm reflects a period in Israel's history where the elaborate sacrificial system, instituted under the Mosaic Covenant, was susceptible to becoming a mere ritualistic exercise rather than an expression of heartfelt devotion. The people might have believed that performing sacrifices alone appeased God, neglecting the internal transformation and obedience that the Law truly demanded. This was a common pitfall in ancient Near Eastern religions, where deities were often seen as needing appeasement through offerings. Against this backdrop, Psalm 50:15 reasserts the unique nature of Israel's God: He is not a deity to be manipulated by ritual, but a personal God who desires a relationship characterized by trust, especially in "the day of trouble." The concept of calling upon a deity in distress was universal, but here, the God of Israel promises direct, personal intervention and expects a response of glorification, not just relief.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 50:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **True Worship vs. Empty Ritual**, where God prioritizes a sincere heart and obedient life over mere external religious practices, as articulated in [Psalm 50:8-14](/psalms/50-8-14 "Psalm 50:8-14 - God's Critique of Ritualistic Sacrifice"). Verse 15 offers the pathway to this true worship: calling upon God in times of need, which demonstrates trust and dependence. This highlights **God's Sovereignty and Accessibility**, portraying Him as both the majestic judge of all the earth ([Psalm 50:1-6](/psalms/50-1-6 "Psalm 50:1-6 - God as Judge")) and a compassionate Father who invites His children to draw near in their distress. Finally, the verse underscores the **Purpose of Deliverance**, which is not merely human relief but ultimately the **Glorification of God**. This aligns with other biblical passages that emphasize thanksgiving and praise as the proper response to divine intervention, such as [Psalm 116:1-19](/psalms/116-1-19 "Psalm 116:1-19 - A Psalm of Thanksgiving for Deliverance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Call upon (Hebrew, _qara'_):** This verb signifies more than a casual request; it implies an earnest, often desperate, cry for help, an invoking, or a proclaiming. It suggests a deep, heartfelt appeal, acknowledging complete dependence on the one being called upon. In this context, it highlights the relational and personal nature of the prayer God desires, moving beyond mere formal address to a genuine outpouring of the heart.
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _chalats'_):** This word carries the meaning of drawing out, rescuing, setting free, or even equipping for battle. It conveys the idea of being pulled out of a dangerous, restrictive, or oppressive situation. It speaks to God's active, powerful intervention on behalf of the one in distress, demonstrating His ability to provide rescue and liberation, whether from physical peril, emotional anguish, or spiritual bondage.
* **Glorify (Hebrew, _kabad'_):** Literally meaning "to be heavy" or "to be weighty," _kabad_ in this context refers to giving weight, honor, reverence, and respect to God. It is about acknowledging His inherent worth, majesty, and power, and demonstrating that recognition through words, actions, and a transformed life. It is the proper and intended response to experiencing God's deliverance, ensuring that the focus remains on Him as the source of all good.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And call upon me in the day of trouble:"** This clause presents a direct, personal invitation from God to His people. "Call upon me" signifies an earnest, dependent prayer, a turning to God as the sole source of help. "In the day of trouble" acknowledges the inevitable reality of human suffering, distress, and hardship, establishing the specific context for this divine invitation. It implies that God is not distant or indifferent but desires His people to seek Him precisely when they feel most vulnerable and desperate.
* **"I will deliver thee,"** This is God's powerful, sovereign promise. It is a declarative statement of His active intervention and rescue. The "I will" emphasizes divine certainty and faithfulness. "Deliver thee" signifies a powerful act of extraction from a difficult or dangerous situation, a liberation from distress, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to those who trust Him and call upon His name.
* **"and thou shalt glorify me."** This final clause articulates the ultimate purpose and expected outcome of God's deliverance. It is not merely about the individual's relief, but about the recognition and exaltation of God's character and power. "Glorify me" means to give Him the honor, praise, and respect due to Him, often through testimony, thanksgiving, and a life lived in obedience, thereby demonstrating His worth to others and fulfilling the very purpose of their existence.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 50:15 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as God speaks personally ("me," "thee"), making the invitation deeply intimate and immediate, fostering a sense of personal relationship rather than distant decree. This direct address also functions as an **Imperative** ("call upon me"), which, while a command, is framed as a gracious invitation, highlighting God's desire for communion. The verse also showcases a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship: calling upon God (cause) leads to His deliverance (effect), which in turn leads to the glorification of God (further effect and ultimate purpose). This structure reinforces the theological link between human dependence, divine action, and the appropriate response of worship. Furthermore, the verse uses **Covenantal Language**, echoing the reciprocal nature of God's relationship with His people, where His faithfulness is met by their trust and obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully encapsulates the essence of biblical prayer and divine faithfulness. It teaches that God is not only accessible but desires our earnest appeal in times of distress. Our troubles are not meant to isolate us from God but to drive us deeper into His presence, revealing His power and faithfulness. The promise of deliverance underscores God's active involvement in the lives of His people, reminding us that He hears and responds. Crucially, the ultimate purpose of this divine intervention is not just our comfort, but His glory. When we experience God's rescue, our lives become living testimonies to His character, transforming our trials into opportunities to honor Him, thereby fulfilling the very purpose for which we were created. This moves beyond a transactional view of faith to a relational one, where our dependence and His deliverance culminate in His exaltation.

* [Jeremiah 33:3](/jeremiah/33-3 "Jeremiah 33:3 - Call to Me and I Will Answer")
* [Psalm 91:15](/psalms/91-15 "Psalm 91:15 - God's Promise to Deliver and Honor")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 50:15 offers profound encouragement and a practical pathway for every believer facing life's inevitable challenges. It assures us that in moments of deepest trouble—whether personal crisis, spiritual struggle, or societal upheaval—God is not a distant observer but an ever-present, inviting Father. Our trials are not meant to be endured in isolation or despair, but to become prompts for earnest, dependent prayer. This verse calls us to shift our focus from the overwhelming nature of our problems to the immense capability and unwavering faithfulness of God. When we genuinely "call upon" Him, trusting in His promise, we open ourselves to His powerful intervention. This deliverance, in turn, is designed to transform our perspective, moving us from self-pity to praise, from anxiety to adoration. Our experience of His rescue becomes a powerful testimony, compelling us to "glorify" Him not only with our words but also through our transformed lives, reflecting His goodness and power to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "day of trouble" are you currently finding yourself, and how has this verse challenged or encouraged your approach to it?**
* **How does understanding that God's deliverance is ultimately for His glory change your perspective on prayer and suffering?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "call upon" God more earnestly and consistently in your daily life, even when trouble is not immediately apparent?**

### FAQ
**Does "deliver" always mean the removal of the problem?**

Answer: No, "deliverance" (Hebrew _chalats'_) is broader than just the immediate removal of a difficulty. While it certainly can mean rescue from a situation, it often encompasses God's provision of strength and endurance *in* the midst of trouble, wisdom *through* a trial, or even a change of perspective that allows one to find peace and purpose despite ongoing hardship. The ultimate deliverance is often spiritual or relational, deepening faith and dependence on God, rather than merely circumstantial. The goal is always God's glory, which can be achieved through endurance and faithfulness in suffering as much as through immediate rescue, as seen in the Apostle Paul's experience in [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Grace is Sufficient").

**How does Psalm 50:15 relate to the overall message of Psalm 50, which seems to be about judgment?**

Answer: While Psalm 50 is indeed a divine judgment against superficial and ritualistic worship, verse 15 offers a profound alternative and a path to true worship that stands in stark contrast to the empty practices God condemns. The preceding verses (50:7-14) clarify that God does not need their sacrifices but desires thanksgiving and obedience. Verse 15 then presents the genuine response God seeks: a personal, dependent call to Him in times of distress, promising deliverance that leads to authentic glorification. It's a gracious invitation embedded within a stern rebuke, showing God's desire for His people to turn from false worship to a true, living relationship, where their lives reflect His worth, as highlighted in [Psalm 50:23](/psalms/50-23 "Psalm 50:23 - The Way to Glorify God") which states, "Whoever offers praise glorifies me."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 50:15 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's accessibility in "the day of trouble," being Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")). In His earthly life, Jesus Himself experienced profound trouble and earnestly "called upon" the Father in Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")), demonstrating perfect reliance. His crucifixion and resurrection represent the ultimate act of divine deliverance, not merely rescuing humanity *from* suffering, but *through* His suffering, defeating sin and death once and for all. Through Christ's finished work, believers now have direct and confident access to the Father's throne of grace in their own "day of trouble" ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). Our "calling upon" God is now made possible and effective through our High Priest, Jesus, who intercedes for us ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us")). Furthermore, our "glorifying" God is inextricably linked to glorifying Christ, who is the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). Through Him, we offer acceptable worship and live lives that bring honor to the Father ([Colossians 3:17](/colossians/3-17 "Colossians 3:17 - Do Everything in the Name of Jesus")).

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 107:28

Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.

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.

Psalms 34:3

O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.

Psalms 34:4

I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Psalms 107:19

Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, [and] he saveth them out of their distresses.

Psalms 81:7

Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah.

Zechariah 13:9

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.