Psalms 91:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall call {H7121}{H8799)} upon me, and I will answer {H6030}{H8799)} him: I will be with him in trouble {H6869}; I will deliver {H2502}{H8762)} him, and honour {H3513}{H8762)} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him when he is in trouble. I will extricate him and bring him honor.

Berean Standard Bible

When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 91:15 is a profound divine declaration, shifting the psalm's general assurances of protection to a deeply personal pledge from God Himself. It articulates God's unwavering commitment to those who trust in Him, promising immediate responsiveness to their calls, His constant presence amidst trouble, and ultimate deliverance and honor. This verse underscores the intimate, reciprocal relationship between the believer and their divine Protector, offering a powerful foundation for faith, comfort, and security in all circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 91 is a magnificent psalm of divine protection and security, celebrated for its vivid imagery of God as a refuge and fortress. The preceding verses (e.g., [Psalms 91:3-13](/psalms/91-3 "Psalm 91:3-13 - God's Protection from Dangers")) describe various perils—from the fowler's snare and deadly pestilence to the terror of night and the arrow by day—from which God shields His devoted. The psalm initially speaks *about* God's protective actions, but in [Psalms 91:14-16](/psalms/91-14 "Psalm 91:14-16 - God's Personal Promises to His Beloved"), there is a dramatic shift. God Himself begins to speak in the first person, directly addressing the one who "sets his love upon me" ([Psalms 91:14](/psalms/91-14 "Psalm 91:14 - The Condition for God's Promise")). Verse 15 is the heart of this divine oracle, a direct, intimate promise that serves as the climax of the psalm's assurances, moving from a general description of divine care to a specific, personal covenantal pledge.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific authorship or historical occasion of Psalm 91 remains debated, its themes resonate deeply with the ancient Near Eastern worldview. In a precarious world marked by constant threats—warfare, disease, famine, and the unpredictable forces of nature—the concept of a powerful deity offering absolute sanctuary was profoundly significant. The imagery of dwelling "in the secret place of the Most High" ([Psalms 91:1](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1 - Dwelling in God's Secret Place")) would have evoked the sacred space of the temple or a secure fortress, places of ultimate safety. The promises of deliverance and honor were not merely spiritual; they had tangible implications for survival, well-being, and social standing in a society where divine favor was often seen as the source of prosperity and vindication. The cultural expectation was that a true and living God would indeed respond to the earnest cries of His worshippers and uphold their dignity.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 91:15 powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Accessibility and Responsiveness**, emphasizing that the Almighty is not distant but intimately involved and attentive to the cries of His people. This reinforces the biblical call to prayer, assuring that earnest invocation is met with divine answer, as seen in [Jeremiah 33:3](/jeremiah/33-3 "Jeremiah 33:3 - Call to Me and I Will Answer"). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Divine Presence in Adversity**, promising God's unwavering companionship *through* trials, not merely deliverance *from* them. This profound assurance of God's "with-ness" provides comfort and strength in the midst of suffering, echoing the promise in [Isaiah 43:2](/isaiah/43-2 "Isaiah 43:2 - God's Presence in Trials"). Finally, it speaks to **God's Power to Deliver and Exalt**, affirming His ultimate authority to rescue His people from distress and to bestow dignity and vindication upon them. This theme of divine honor is also found in [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - God Honors Those Who Honor Him"), where God declares, "those who honor me I will honor."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Call upon (Hebrew, _qārā'_)**: This verb signifies more than a casual utterance; it implies an earnest, often desperate, invocation or cry for help. It denotes an act of seeking a personal, active response from God, acknowledging one's dependency and God's supreme authority and power to intervene. It is a deep, sincere appeal to the divine.
* **Answer (Hebrew, _ʿānāh_)**: This word conveys a full and attentive response, indicating that God not only hears the call but actively attends to it and acts upon it. It implies a reciprocal engagement, where God validates the sincerity of the prayer and demonstrates His active involvement in the life of the one who calls.
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _ḥālaṣ_)**: Meaning "to draw out," "to rescue," or "to set free," this verb emphasizes God's active and powerful intervention to extricate someone from danger, bondage, or distress. It speaks to a divine act of liberation, often from circumstances that are humanly inescapable, highlighting God's role as a rescuer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall call upon me, and I will answer him":** This opening clause establishes the foundation of a responsive relationship between God and the individual. It is a divine guarantee that earnest prayer, a sincere invocation of God's name and character, will not go unheard. God pledges to actively attend to and respond to the cries of His faithful, emphasizing His accessibility and willingness to engage personally.
* **"I [will be] with him in trouble":** This phrase offers a profound assurance of God's unwavering presence during times of affliction, distress, or hardship. It signifies more than eventual rescue; it is a commitment to companionship *through* the ordeal. God does not abandon His devoted in their darkest moments but walks with them, providing comfort, strength, and solace in the very midst of adversity, transforming the nature of the trouble itself by His presence.
* **"I will deliver him, and honour him."** This final declaration encapsulates God's ultimate power and benevolent intent towards His people. "Deliver" speaks to God's active intervention to rescue, liberate, or extricate the individual from their difficulties, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. "Honour" signifies God's intention to bestow dignity, respect, and perhaps public vindication or elevation upon the one who has trusted Him. This honor is a divine affirmation of their worth and faithfulness, often elevating them above their circumstances and reversing their previous state of distress or shame.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 91:15 is rich with literary artistry that enhances its powerful message. The most striking device is **Personification**, as God Himself speaks directly in the first person ("I will answer him," "I will be with him," "I will deliver him, and honour him"). This direct divine address creates an intimate, personal tone, making the promise feel immediate and deeply relevant to the individual believer. **Parallelism** is evident in the balanced structure of the promises, particularly in the complementary actions of "deliver him, and honour him," which reinforces the comprehensive nature of God's commitment. Furthermore, the verse employs **Anaphora** through the repeated "I will," emphasizing God's resolute will, active participation, and unwavering commitment to His promises. The entire verse functions as a **Divine Oracle**, a direct pronouncement from the Almighty, lending it ultimate authority, weight, and certainty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 91:15 encapsulates a core theological truth: the personal, active, and faithful character of God in relation to His covenant people. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent but intimately involved in the lives of those who seek Him, demonstrating His divine attributes of omnipresence, omnipotence, and profound compassion. This verse resonates with the broader biblical narrative of a God who hears the cries of the oppressed, sustains His children through suffering, and ultimately brings about their vindication and exaltation. It affirms the efficacy of prayer as a genuine means of communion with the divine and underscores the transformative power of God's presence in the face of human vulnerability and distress. It is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His promises, providing a secure foundation for faith and hope.

* [Jeremiah 33:3](/jeremiah/33-3 "Jeremiah 33:3 - Call to Me and I Will Answer")
* [Isaiah 43:2](/isaiah/43-2 "Isaiah 43:2 - God's Presence in Trials")
* [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - God Honors Those Who Honor Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 91:15 offers profound encouragement and a compelling invitation to deeper faith for every believer. In a world often characterized by overwhelming challenges, fear, and uncertainty, this verse serves as a steadfast anchor, reminding us that our God is not a silent or passive observer but an active, responsive, and intimately involved Father. It assures us that when we earnestly "call upon" Him, He hears and will "answer," transforming our anxieties into confident expectation. The promise of His unwavering presence "in trouble" is particularly potent, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles; God walks *with* us through the darkest valleys, providing comfort, strength, and solace that transcends circumstances. Furthermore, the ultimate promise of "deliverance" and "honor" empowers us to face adversity with resilience, knowing that our ultimate vindication, restoration, and exaltation come from Him. This verse calls us to cultivate a life of confident, dependent prayer, to rest in the profound assurance of God's unfailing companionship, and to trust in His ultimate power to bring us through every challenge, leading to a life marked by His glory and peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of God's personal presence "in trouble" transform your perspective on current or future difficulties?**
* **In what specific ways can you more intentionally "call upon" God, moving beyond casual requests to earnest, dependent invocation?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to be "honored" by God, and how might this promise shape your aspirations and identity?**
* **How can the assurance of God's answer and deliverance deepen your trust and reduce anxiety in the face of daily challenges?**

### FAQ
**Does "deliver" always mean physical rescue from a problem?**

Answer: Not necessarily. While "deliver" (Hebrew, _ḥālaṣ_) certainly can imply physical rescue from danger, oppression, or illness, its meaning in biblical contexts is broader and more comprehensive. It encompasses spiritual liberation from sin's power, emotional healing, vindication from false accusations, or even the divine strength to endure and overcome a trial without the external circumstance changing. For example, God delivered Paul through his suffering, not always *from* it, demonstrating His grace perfected in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Grace in Weakness")). The ultimate deliverance is often spiritual, rescuing us from the dominion of sin and death.

**How does God "honor" someone who calls upon Him?**

Answer: To be "honored" by God (Hebrew, _kābad_) means to be given dignity, respect, and elevated status or esteem. This can manifest in various ways: public vindication after a period of suffering, restoration of reputation, spiritual blessings, increased influence for His kingdom, or the bestowal of divine favor that sets one apart. It is often a recognition of faithfulness, obedience, and perseverance, echoing the principle found in [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - God Honors Those Who Honor Him"): "those who honor me I will honor." Ultimately, the greatest honor is to be called a child of God and to dwell in His eternal presence, sharing in His glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 91:15 finds its most profound and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies God's promises of presence, deliverance, and honor. Jesus is the ultimate demonstration of God's unwavering presence "in trouble," as He willingly entered into the deepest human suffering, experiencing temptation ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")), betrayal, and even death on the cross to deliver humanity. In Gethsemane, Jesus "called upon" the Father in agony ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")), and though the cup of suffering was not removed, He was strengthened to endure, demonstrating God's presence *through* the trial. His resurrection is the ultimate "deliverance" from the power of sin and death ([Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ's Resurrection and New Life")), and His ascension to the right hand of the Father is His ultimate "honor" and exaltation, receiving a name above every name ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). For believers, Christ embodies these promises: through Him, we have direct access to "call upon" God as Father ([Ephesians 3:12](/ephesians/3-12 "Ephesians 3:12 - Access to God Through Christ")), His Holy Spirit is "with us in trouble" as our Comforter and Helper ([John 14:16-18](/john/14-16 "John 14:16-18 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")), and we are promised ultimate "deliverance" from all evil and "honor" as co-heirs with Him in glory ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Thus, Psalm 91:15 is not merely an ancient promise, but a living reality for those who are in Christ, who is our refuge, our deliverer, and the source of our eternal honor.

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

Jeremiah 33:3

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Psalms 50:15

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

Isaiah 65:24

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Psalms 138:7

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

1 Samuel 2:30

Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed [that] thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

John 12:26

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will [my] Father honour.

Psalms 10:17

LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: