Psalms 50:15

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

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.

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

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

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

Commentary

Psalms 50:15 (KJV): "And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me."

Context

Psalm 50 is a dramatic divine oracle, often attributed to Asaph, where God Himself addresses His people. Unlike many psalms that are prayers or laments, this one features God as the judge, challenging the superficiality of religious worship. It critiques those who offer external sacrifices but lack true obedience, sincere hearts, and a life of righteousness. In this context, verse 15 stands out as a profound invitation, shifting from God's rebuke of empty ritual to His desire for a genuine, personal relationship characterized by prayer, trust, and thanksgiving, especially in times of distress.

Key Themes

  • The Divine Invitation to Prayer: God personally invites His people to "call upon me in the day of trouble." This isn't a command but a gracious invitation, assuring His accessibility and willingness to hear the cries of His children. It emphasizes that God desires an active, trusting relationship, particularly when we face challenges.
  • The Promise of Deliverance: Following the invitation, God declares, "I will deliver thee." This is a powerful, sovereign promise of rescue. It assures believers that their earnest prayers are not in vain and that God actively intervenes in their circumstances. Deliverance can manifest in various ways: removal from the trouble, provision of strength to endure it, or guidance through it, all demonstrating His faithfulness and care.
  • The Purpose of Deliverance – Glorifying God: The ultimate goal of God's intervention is not just our relief, but that "thou shalt glorify me." When we experience God's rescue, our natural and intended response should be to praise Him, share His goodness, and live in a way that brings honor to His name. This reinforces the psalm's broader message that true worship involves a life that consistently testifies to God's character, not just outward religious acts.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew phrase for "call upon" is qara' (קרא), which signifies an earnest cry, an invoking, or a proclaiming. It implies a deep, heartfelt appeal rather than a casual request.
  • "Deliver" comes from the Hebrew chalats (Χ—ΧœΧ₯), meaning to draw out, rescue, set free, or even to equip for battle. It conveys the idea of being pulled out of a dangerous or restrictive situation.
  • "Glorify" is translated from the Hebrew kabad (Χ›Χ‘Χ“), which literally means to be heavy or weighty. In this context, it refers to giving weight, honor, reverence, and respect to God, acknowledging His true worth and majesty.

Practical Application

Psalms 50:15 provides timeless encouragement for believers today. It assures us that in every trial, challenge, or moment of distress, God is not distant or uncaring. Instead, He extends a personal invitation to draw near to Him in prayer. Our troubles can become opportunities to experience God's active presence and power. When we genuinely cry out to Him, He promises to respond with deliverance. This experience, in turn, becomes a powerful reason for us to glorify Him, not only with our words but also through our transformed lives, shifting our focus from our problems to God's immense capability and His ultimate purpose for us: to bring Him honor and praise.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 107:28 (44 votes)

    Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
  • Psalms 91:15 (42 votes)

    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 (35 votes)

    O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
  • Psalms 34:4 (35 votes)

    I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
  • Psalms 107:19 (30 votes)

    Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, [and] he saveth them out of their distresses.
  • Psalms 81:7 (29 votes)

    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 (29 votes)

    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.