What is the meaning of Psalm 116:4?

Then I called on the name of the LORD

- “Then” points back to verse 3, where “the cords of death encompassed me.” The sequence is clear: danger first, prayer second (cf. Psalm 18:6; Jonah 2:2).

- Calling “on the name of the LORD” means invoking His revealed, covenant name—turning to the only One who can help (Genesis 4:26; Psalm 99:6; Romans 10:13).

- This is a conscious act of faith, not a last-ditch superstition. The psalmist trusts that the Lord is listening and able (Isaiah 55:6; Hebrews 11:6).

- Practical takeaway: when trouble strikes, the believer’s first instinct is to speak God’s name aloud, anchoring hope in His unchanging character (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17).

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“O LORD, deliver my soul!”

- The prayer itself is short, direct, and urgent—no embellishment, just the essential plea (cf. 2 Kings 20:3; Luke 18:13).

- “Deliver” highlights rescue from both physical peril and spiritual threat. God is seen as Savior of life now and forever (Psalm 34:6; 2 Timothy 4:18).

- “My soul” personalizes the request; faith is never abstract. The psalmist believes God values and preserves the individual life (Psalm 103:4; John 10:28).

- This cry echoes throughout Scripture: “This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him” (Psalm 34:6); “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21).

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summary

Psalm 116:4 captures the believer’s reflex in crisis: turn immediately to the Lord, speak His name, and plead for rescue. God’s readiness to hear confirms His covenant faithfulness, and the psalmist’s simple cry models the trusting heart that Scripture repeatedly assures will never be put to shame.