But I call to God
This phrase emphasizes the act of calling upon God in times of distress, a common theme throughout the Psalms. The psalmist, traditionally believed to be David, often found himself in situations where he needed divine intervention. The act of calling to God signifies a personal relationship and trust in God's ability to hear and respond. This reflects the broader biblical theme of prayer as a means of communication with God, seen in other scriptures such as Psalm 18:6 and Jeremiah 33:3. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a strong emphasis on prayer and supplication, often in the form of lament, as a way to seek God's help and guidance.

and the LORD saves me
The use of "LORD" in all caps indicates the Hebrew name Yahweh, the covenant name of God, highlighting His personal and relational nature. The assurance of salvation here is both immediate and eschatological, pointing to God's deliverance from present troubles and ultimate salvation. This reflects the historical context of David's life, where he experienced God's deliverance from enemies like Saul and Absalom. Theologically, this phrase connects to the broader biblical narrative of salvation, seen in passages like Isaiah 43:11 and Romans 10:13. It also typologically points to Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate Savior, fulfilling the promise of deliverance for all who call upon Him, as noted in Acts 4:12.

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.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.Verses 16-23. - In conclusion, the psalmist turns altogether to God, whom he now addresses as "Jehovah" (vers. 16, 22), and expresses his confidence that, in answer to his continual prayers (ver. 17), God will come to his aid, will deliver his soul from the machinations of his enemies, and will visit them with "affliction" (ver. 19) and "destruction" (ver. 23). Still grieved chiefly by the defection of his unfaithful friend, he once more describes the treachery and heinousness of his conduct (vers. 20. 21), before winding up with a word of comfort for all the righteous (ver. 22), and of menace against all the ungodly (ver. 23). Verse 16. - As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord (Jehovah) shall save me. The call is upon the God known to man by nature as the Almighty Ruler of the universe; the answer is from the covenant God of Israel, the Self-existent One, in whom Israel trusts. The two are different aspects of one and the same Being.

Parallel Commentaries ...


But I
אֲ֭נִי (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

call
אֶקְרָ֑א (’eq·rā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

God,
אֱלֹהִ֣ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

and the LORD
וַ֝יהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

will save me.
יוֹשִׁיעֵֽנִי׃ (yō·wō·šî·‘ê·nî)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor


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OT Poetry: Psalm 55:16 As for me I will call (Psalm Ps Psa.)