Psalms 55:16

KJV

¶ As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.

KJV (with Strong's)

As for me, I will call {H7121}{H8799)} upon God {H430}; and the LORD {H3068} shall save {H3467}{H8686)} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I will call on God, and ADONAI will save me.

Berean Standard Bible

But I call to God, and the LORD saves me.

American Standard Version

As for me, I will call upon God; And Jehovah will save me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 55:16 stands as a profound declaration of unwavering faith and resolute trust in God amidst profound distress, particularly the anguish of betrayal. Within a psalm otherwise steeped in expressions of overwhelming fear and lament, this verse marks a pivotal and conscious decision by the psalmist to turn from despair to active, earnest prayer and confident expectation of divine deliverance. It highlights the transformative power of personal commitment to God as the ultimate source of salvation and refuge, asserting a defiant trust in the Almighty even when human relationships fail and circumstances seem overwhelmingly hostile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 55 is a deeply personal and emotionally charged lament, characterized by the psalmist's intense suffering. The preceding verses (55:1-15) vividly portray his overwhelming fear, anxiety, and a desperate desire to escape his troubles, especially the excruciating pain of betrayal by a trusted friend, described with the intimacy of one who shared counsel and fellowship (55:12-14). This profound personal treachery, more than external threats, appears to be the primary source of his agony. Verse 16, "As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me," signifies a dramatic and deliberate turning point. It is a resolute pivot from lamenting circumstances to actively engaging with God, marking a profound shift from passive suffering to active faith. This declaration sets the psalmist apart from his enemies and betrayers, signifying a personal choice to trust in divine intervention. This theme of confident reliance on God continues through the psalm's concluding verses (55:22-23), which reaffirm trust in God's steadfast care for the righteous and His certain judgment for the wicked.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the superscription attributes Psalm 55 to David, specific historical events are not explicitly detailed. However, the themes of betrayal by a close confidant and widespread opposition strongly resonate with events in David's life, particularly Absalom's rebellion and the treachery of Ahithophel, David's trusted counselor who defected to Absalom (see [2 Samuel 15-17](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15-17 - Absalom's Rebellion and Ahithophel's Treachery")). In ancient Near Eastern culture, betrayal by a trusted friend or family member was considered an exceptionally heinous act, violating the sacred bonds of loyalty, hospitality, and covenant. Such an act would not only inflict profound personal anguish but also threaten an individual's social standing and reputation. The psalmist's appeal to "God" (ʼĕlôhîym) and "the LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh) reflects the Israelite understanding of their covenant-keeping God, who is just, sovereign, and actively intervenes in human affairs, especially on behalf of the righteous who are oppressed. The expectation of divine "saving" or "delivering" was deeply embedded in their worldview, rooted in God's historical acts of salvation, such as the miraculous [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Deliverance at the Red Sea").
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 55:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Prayer as a Primary Response to Crisis**. Rather than succumbing to despair, seeking human vengeance, or attempting self-deliverance, the psalmist's immediate and determined action is to appeal to God. This highlights prayer as a foundational act of faith, dependence, and spiritual warfare, echoing the consistent biblical call to [cry out to the Lord in distress](/psalms/107-6 "Psalm 107:6 - Crying out to the Lord in Distress"). Secondly, the verse expresses **Unwavering Trust in Divine Deliverance**. Despite the severity of his circumstances and the sting of betrayal, the psalmist declares with absolute confidence that "the LORD shall save me." This is not a mere hopeful wish but a declarative statement of conviction in God's power and faithfulness to rescue, reflecting the profound truth that [salvation belongs to the Lord](/psalms/3-8 "Psalm 3:8 - Salvation Belongs to the Lord"). Finally, the emphatic phrase "As for me" emphasizes **Personal Commitment and Resolve**. It signifies a deeply personal and resolute choice to turn to God, regardless of what others do or what the immediate situation dictates. This individual resolve is a testament to the psalmist's enduring faith and serves as an enduring example for all believers to make a conscious choice to trust God, even when facing profound personal anguish, as seen in the steadfastness encouraged in [Psalm 62:5-8](/psalms/62-5 "Psalm 62:5-8 - Trusting God Alone").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Call (Hebrew, _qârâʼ_):** This verb (H7121) signifies more than a casual utterance; it implies crying out, appealing earnestly, invoking, or proclaiming. In the context of prayer, it denotes a desperate, yet hopeful, appeal to a higher power for aid and intervention. It suggests an act of seeking God's presence and action with intentionality and urgency, often in a public or declarative manner. This is not a whisper but a fervent, active engagement, reflecting the biblical call to [call upon the name of the LORD](/joel/2-32 "Joel 2:32 - Calling on the Name of the LORD").
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym_):** This term (H430), though plural in form, is used here with a singular verb, referring to the supreme God. It emphasizes God's universal power, transcendence, and His role as the Creator and Sovereign over all. Its use alongside "LORD" (YHWH) in the broader context suggests a comprehensive understanding of God's nature – both as the universal divine being to whom all creation can appeal and as the covenant-keeping God of Israel. Here, "ʼĕlôhîym" highlights God's ultimate authority and ability to respond to the psalmist's cry.
* **Save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ_):** This primitive root (H3467) encompasses a wide semantic range including deliverance, rescue, victory, and salvation. It speaks to God's comprehensive ability to provide relief from danger, oppression, distress, and even spiritual bondage. It implies a powerful act of divine intervention that brings about a state of safety, well-being, and vindication. The psalmist's use of the future tense ("shall save me") conveys a profound certainty and confident expectation of this divine intervention, not merely a hopeful wish.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As for me":** This opening phrase is a powerful personal declaration, setting the psalmist apart from his enemies and even from the general atmosphere of despair or the unfaithfulness of others. It signifies a deliberate, conscious choice to respond differently to his overwhelming circumstances. It's a statement of individual resolve and commitment, asserting his personal faith and action in contrast to the actions of others or the overwhelming nature of his trials. This emphatic "I" underscores the deeply personal nature of faith and the psalmist's agency in turning to God.
* **"I will call upon God":** This clause expresses the psalmist's determined intention and active response. It is not a passive wish but a firm, volitional resolve to engage in prayer. The verb "call" (qârâʼ) implies a fervent, earnest appeal, indicating that prayer is his chosen course of action, his primary means of seeking help and intervention in his distress. This is an act of trust, acknowledging God as the only true source of help.
* **"and the LORD shall save me":** This concluding clause expresses the psalmist's absolute confidence in God's power and faithfulness. It is a declarative statement of conviction, not a mere hope. The use of "the LORD" (YHWH, H3068) underscores his trust in the personal, covenant-keeping God, who has historically demonstrated His faithfulness to His people. The future tense "shall save me" conveys a certainty of future deliverance, encompassing rescue from danger, vindication, and restoration. This is the anticipated and guaranteed outcome of his fervent prayer and unwavering trust in the character of YHWH.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices that amplify its impact. The most prominent is **Personal Declaration**, signaled by the emphatic "As for me," which immediately establishes the psalmist's individual resolve and sets his response in stark contrast to the surrounding turmoil and the actions of his enemies. This creates a powerful sense of **Contrast** between the psalmist's steadfast faith and the world's chaos, the betrayer's treachery, or the general human tendency towards despair. The verse also functions as a profound **Affirmation of Faith**, transforming the tone of the psalm from one of lament to one of confident expectation. The use of the future tense in "shall save me" imbues the statement with **Anticipation** and certainty, portraying God's deliverance not as a mere possibility but as a guaranteed outcome of sincere prayer and trust. This concise declaration serves as a pivotal turning point, demonstrating the transformative power of faith in the face of adversity and offering a model of spiritual resilience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 55:16 encapsulates a profound theological truth: that in moments of profound personal distress, heart-wrenching betrayal, or overwhelming opposition, the believer's most potent and appropriate response is to turn to God in earnest, active prayer. This verse affirms God's sovereignty, His active involvement in the lives of His people, and His unwavering promise of deliverance to those who call upon Him in faith. It highlights the deeply personal nature of faith, where an individual's conscious decision to trust and appeal to the Almighty can fundamentally shift their perspective from despair to confident expectation. The psalmist's unwavering conviction that "the LORD shall save me" is a powerful testament to God's character as a faithful deliverer, a truth reiterated throughout Scripture, assuring believers that their cries are heard and answered by a God who is both able and willing to rescue comprehensively.

* [Psalm 18:6](/psalms/18-6 "Psalm 18:6 - Crying to God in Distress")
* [Jeremiah 33:3](/jeremiah/33-3 "Jeremiah 33:3 - Call to Me and I Will Answer")
* [Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13 - Calling on the Name of the Lord for Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 55:16 offers timeless encouragement and a powerful model for believers navigating the complexities and heartaches of life. In a world where betrayal, injustice, and overwhelming circumstances are common, this verse reminds us that our first and most effective recourse is not to despair, retaliate, or flee, but to consciously and actively "call upon God." It challenges us to cultivate a faith that is not contingent on favorable circumstances or the faithfulness of others, but is anchored firmly in the unchanging character and redemptive power of the LORD. When we face our own "Ahithophels"—those who betray our trust—or overwhelming anxieties that threaten to consume us, this verse calls us to make a personal declaration, "As for me," choosing to trust that God, our ultimate Deliverer, will indeed save us. This salvation may manifest as physical rescue, emotional healing, vindication, or spiritual fortitude to endure. It is a call to courageous prayer and confident expectation, knowing that our God hears and acts on behalf of those who sincerely seek Him, transforming our lament into a testimony of His faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "distress" or "betrayal" in your life is Psalms 55:16 speaking to right now, and how does it resonate with your current experience?**
* **How does the psalmist's personal declaration, "As for me," challenge or affirm your own approach to difficult situations, particularly when others around you may react differently?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a more active and confident "calling upon God" in your daily life, even before circumstances become overwhelming?**
* **What does it truly mean for you to believe and declare that "the LORD shall save me" in the midst of your current struggles, and how might that belief change your perspective or actions?**

### FAQ
**Does "save me" in this verse always mean physical deliverance from immediate danger?**

Answer: While "save" (Hebrew: *yashaʻ*, H3467) certainly can include physical deliverance from danger, as seen in many biblical narratives of God rescuing His people from enemies or peril, its meaning is much broader and more comprehensive. In Psalms 55:16, "save me" encompasses holistic deliverance, including emotional relief from profound distress, vindication from false accusations, protection from spiritual attack, and ultimate salvation from sin and its consequences. The psalmist is seeking rescue from his deep anguish and the treachery he faces, which may involve physical threats but primarily concerns his emotional and spiritual well-being. God's salvation is often multifaceted, addressing the full scope of human need, as demonstrated by His promise to [deliver the righteous from all their troubles](/psalms/34-17 "Psalm 34:17 - The Lord Delivers the Righteous"). It speaks to God's ability to bring about wholeness and peace in every dimension of life.

**How can I "call upon God" when I feel too overwhelmed or betrayed to pray?**

Answer: The psalmist's experience in Psalm 55 is a raw portrayal of feeling utterly overwhelmed, yet his "calling upon God" is presented as a determined act amidst deep anguish, not a calm, easy prayer. When you feel too overwhelmed, "calling upon God" can simply mean crying out to Him in your brokenness, even if your words are few or your emotions are chaotic. It's the act of turning your gaze and your heart towards Him, acknowledging your need and His power. The Bible assures us that God understands our groans, even when we cannot articulate them, and that the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words (see [Romans 8:26-27](/romans/8-26 "Romans 8:26-27 - The Spirit Intercedes for Us")). You can start by simply saying, "God, I'm overwhelmed, help me," or by repeating the very words of this psalm. The sincerity of your heart, not the eloquence of your words, is what matters to God, who invites us to [cast all our anxieties on Him, because He cares for us](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast Your Anxieties on Him").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 55:16, with its declaration of personal resolve to call upon God for salvation amidst profound betrayal and distress, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the perfect Man, experienced betrayal far more acutely and comprehensively than any psalmist, being abandoned by His closest disciples and delivered up by a trusted friend, Judas Iscariot, for thirty pieces of silver (see [Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47 "Matthew 26:47-50 - The Betrayal of Jesus")). Yet, in His deepest anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, He did not succumb to despair but "called upon God" with fervent prayer, crying out, "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" (see [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). His entire earthly life was an act of "calling upon God," lived in perfect dependence on the Father. Ultimately, His cry from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (see [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), was the ultimate "call upon God" on behalf of a fallen humanity, bearing the weight of our sin and separation. Through His suffering, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, Jesus became the embodiment of "the LORD shall save me." He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering not merely temporary deliverance from earthly distress, but eternal salvation from sin, death, and the power of darkness. Thus, when we, as believers, "call upon God" in our distress, we do so through Christ, knowing that He has secured our ultimate deliverance and that in Him, God has indeed "saved us by grace through faith" (see [Ephesians 2:8](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). He is our faithful High Priest, interceding for us, and our ultimate Deliverer.

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 50:15

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

Luke 6:11

And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

Luke 6:12

¶ And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

Psalms 73:28

But [it is] good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Psalms 109:4

For my love they are my adversaries: but I [give myself unto] prayer.

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.