Psalm 55:16
But I call to God, and the LORD saves me.
But I call to God
The phrase "But I call to God" signifies a deliberate and conscious decision to seek divine intervention. The Hebrew root for "call" is קָרָא (qara), which implies a vocal and earnest plea. This action is not passive; it is an active turning towards God amidst distress. Historically, calling upon God was a common practice for the Israelites, reflecting their covenant relationship with Him. This phrase underscores the psalmist's faith and trust in God's willingness to listen and respond, contrasting human unreliability with divine faithfulness.

and the LORD
The term "LORD" is translated from the Hebrew יהוה (YHWH), the sacred and personal name of God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14. This name signifies God's eternal presence and unchanging nature. In the context of the psalm, invoking the LORD emphasizes a personal relationship and covenantal faithfulness. It reassures the believer of God's sovereignty and His intimate involvement in the lives of His people. The use of "LORD" here is a reminder of God's power and His historical acts of salvation for Israel.

will save me
The phrase "will save me" is a declaration of confidence in God's deliverance. The Hebrew root for "save" is יָשַׁע (yasha), which means to deliver, rescue, or bring to safety. This reflects a future certainty based on past experiences of God's salvation. In the broader biblical narrative, salvation is both physical and spiritual, encompassing deliverance from enemies, sin, and eternal separation from God. The psalmist's assurance in God's saving power is a testament to his faith, encouraging believers to trust in God's promises and His ability to rescue them from any peril.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 55, David is expressing his distress and trust in God amidst betrayal and turmoil.

2. God (Yahweh)
The central figure to whom David calls for deliverance, emphasizing His role as a savior and protector.

3. Enemies/Betrayers
Though not named in this specific verse, the context of the psalm involves David's adversaries and those who have betrayed him.

4. Jerusalem
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the setting of many of David's psalms, including this one, is often in or around Jerusalem.

5. Prayer
The act of calling upon God, which is a central theme in this verse and throughout the psalm.
Teaching Points
The Power of Prayer
David's immediate response to distress is to call upon God, highlighting the importance of prayer as a first resort rather than a last.

God's Faithfulness
The assurance that "the LORD will save me" underscores God's faithfulness to His people, encouraging believers to trust in His promises.

Dealing with Betrayal
David's experience of betrayal teaches us to turn to God for comfort and justice rather than seeking revenge.

Confidence in Salvation
The verse assures believers of God's willingness and ability to save, encouraging a confident faith in His deliverance.

Consistency in Faith
David's example shows the importance of maintaining a consistent relationship with God, especially in times of trouble.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's response to his situation in Psalm 55:16 serve as a model for handling personal crises today?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a habit of turning to God first in times of distress, as David did?

3. How does the assurance of God's salvation in this verse encourage you in your current life circumstances?

4. What other biblical examples can you find where individuals called upon God and experienced His deliverance?

5. How can understanding the original Hebrew context of "call" and "save" deepen our appreciation of this verse's message?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 18:6
This verse also speaks of calling upon the Lord in distress and being heard, reinforcing the theme of God as a responsive savior.

Philippians 4:6-7
Encourages believers to present their requests to God through prayer, promising peace, which aligns with David's reliance on God for salvation.

1 Peter 5:7
Advises casting all anxieties on God because He cares, echoing David's trust in God's deliverance.

Romans 10:13
Declares that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, paralleling the assurance of salvation found in Psalm 55:16.

Hebrews 4:16
Invites believers to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, similar to David's confident appeal to God for help.
The Compassionable, the Commendable, and the Censurable in LifeHomilistPsalm 55:1-23
The Outcry of a Soul in DistressT. W. Chambers, D. D.Psalm 55:1-23
Contrasts in the Character and Experience of the Righteous and the WickedC. Short Psalm 55:16-23
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Prayer, Save, Saveth, Saviour
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 55:16

     8640   calling upon God

Psalm 55:16-17

     4960   noon

Psalm 55:16-18

     8486   spiritual warfare, armour

Library
July 9. "Cast Thy Burden on the Lord" (Ps. Lv. 22).
"Cast thy burden on the Lord" (Ps. lv. 22). Dear friends, sometimes we bring a burden to God, and we have such a groaning over it, and we seem to think God has a dreadful time, too, but in reality it does not burden Him at all. God says: It is a light thing for Me to do this for you. Your load, though heavy for you, is not heavy for Him. Christ carries the whole on one shoulder, not two shoulders. The government of the world is upon His shoulder. He is not struggling and groaning with it. His mighty
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Out of the Deep of Fear and Anxiety.
My heart is disquieted within me. Tearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and an horrible dread hath overwhelmed me.--Ps. lv. 4. Thou hast proved and visited my heart in the night season--Ps. xvii. 3. Nevertheless though I am sometimes afraid, yet put I my trust in Thee.--Ps. lv. 3. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?--Ps. xxvii. 1. I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fear.--Ps.
Charles Kingsley—Out of the Deep

The Arrest
Our study of the closing scenes of the life of our Lord begins at the point where He fell into the hands of the representatives of justice; and this took place at the gate of Gethsemane and at the midnight hour. On the eastern side of Jerusalem, the ground slopes downwards to the bed of the Brook Kedron; and on the further side of the stream rises the Mount of Olives. The side of the hill was laid out in gardens or orchards belonging to the inhabitants of the city; and Gethsemane was one of these.
James Stalker—The Trial and Death of Jesus Christ

If Then to Sin, that Others May not Commit a Worse Sin...
21. If then to sin, that others may not commit a worse sin, either against us or against any, without doubt we ought not; it is to be considered in that which Lot did, whether it be an example which we ought to imitate, or rather one which we ought to avoid. For it seems meet to be more looked into and noted, that, when so horrible an evil from the most flagitious impiety of the Sodomites was impending over his guests, which he wished to ward off and was not able, to such a degree may even that just
St. Augustine—Against Lying

Patrick, the Apostle of the Irish.
THIS remarkable man was prepared by very peculiar circumstances for his important work; and in his instance also it may be seen, how that infinite wisdom which guides the development of the kingdom of God amongst men, is able to bring great things out of what seems insignificant to the eyes of men. Patrick, called in his native tongue Succath, was born A. D. 372, in a village between the Scottish towns of Dumbarton and Glasgow, (then appended to England,) in the village of Bonaven, since named in
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

Concerning Persecution
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 We are now come to the last beatitude: Blessed are they which are persecuted . . '. Our Lord Christ would have us reckon the cost. Which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have enough to finish it?' (Luke 14:28). Religion will cost us the tears of repentance and the blood of persecution. But we see here a great encouragement that may
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
1. Introduction, showing the necessity of proving the similarity of both dispensations in opposition to Servetus and the Anabaptists. 2. This similarity in general. Both covenants truly one, though differently administered. Three things in which they entirely agree. 3. First general similarity, or agreement--viz. that the Old Testament, equally with the New, extended its promises beyond the present life, and held out a sure hope of immortality. Reason for this resemblance. Objection answered. 4.
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Letter Xlv (Circa A. D. 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards was Archdeacon of Langres
To a Youth Named Fulk, Who Afterwards Was Archdeacon of Langres He gravely warns Fulk, a Canon Regular, whom an uncle had by persuasions and promises drawn back to the world, to obey God and be faithful to Him rather than to his uncle. To the honourable young man Fulk, Brother Bernard, a sinner, wishes such joy in youth as in old age he will not regret. 1. I do not wonder at your surprise; I should wonder if you were not suprised [sic] that I should write to you, a countryman to a citizen, a monk
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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