What does Psalms 116:4 mean?
"Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul." - Psalms 116:4

The verse Psalms 116:4 in the King James Version of the Bible states "Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul." This verse is part of a larger psalm which is a prayer of thanksgiving and praise for deliverance from a personal crisis. In order to fully understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to explore the themes, context, and symbolism present in the psalm as a whole.
The overarching theme of Psalms 116 is gratitude and trust in the Lord. The psalmist begins by declaring his love for the Lord and gratitude for the Lord's deliverance. He acknowledges that he was in distress and the Lord saved him. The psalmist emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith and trust in the Lord, regardless of the circumstances. This theme of trust and reliance on the Lord is particularly relevant to the verse Psalms 116:4. The psalmist's plea for the Lord to deliver his soul is a testament to his unwavering trust in the Lord's power to save and protect.
The context of Psalms 116 is also crucial for understanding the significance of verse 4. The psalm is believed to have been written by King David, who faced numerous trials and tribulations throughout his life. In this context, the plea for deliverance in verse 4 takes on a deeper meaning. It reflects the psalmist's personal experience of relying on the Lord in times of trouble and his acknowledgement of the Lord's ability to rescue him from danger. This context underscores the universal nature of the psalm, as it speaks to the human experience of facing adversity and seeking divine intervention.
Symbolism is also present in Psalms 116:4. The act of calling upon the name of the Lord is a symbolic expression of the psalmist's faith and dependence on God. In the Bible, calling upon the name of the Lord signifies a deep, personal relationship with God and a willingness to submit to His will. By beseeching the Lord to deliver his soul, the psalmist is expressing his vulnerability and acknowledging God's sovereignty over his life. This act of surrender and trust is a powerful symbol of faith that resonates throughout the entire psalm.
In summary, Psalms 116:4 is a verse that encapsulates the themes of gratitude, trust, and reliance on the Lord found throughout the entire psalm. Its context within the larger psalm, believed to be written by King David, gives it added depth and significance. The symbolism of calling upon the name of the Lord and beseeching Him for deliverance highlights the psalmist's unwavering faith and dependence on God. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the universal human experience of seeking divine intervention in times of trouble and trusting in the Lord's ability to deliver and save.
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Psalms 116:4 - "Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul."
"Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul." - Psalms 116:4
"Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful." - Psalms 116:5
Psalms 116:3 - "The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow."
Psalms 116:9 - "I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living."
Psalms 116:15 - "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."
"I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:" - Psalms 116:10
Psalms 116:11 - "I said in my haste, All men are liars."
Psalms 116:10 - "I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:"
Psalms 116:17 - "I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD."
"I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD." - Psalms 116:17
Psalms 116:5 - "Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful."
Psalms 116:13 (KJV) 13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
Psalms 116:19 - "In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD."
Psalms 116:13 - "I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD."
Psalms 116:14 - "I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people."
Psalms 116:12 - "What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?"
Psalms 116:6 - "The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me."
Psalms 119:116 - "Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope."
"I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living." - Psalms 116:9
Psalms 116:18 - "I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people,"
Psalms 116:1 - "I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications."
Psalms 116:7 - "Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee."
Psalms 116:8 - "For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling."
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." - Psalms 116:15
"I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD." - Psalms 116:13
"I said in my haste, All men are liars." - Psalms 116:11
Psalms 116:2 - "Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live."
"I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications." - Psalms 116:1
Psalms 116:16 - "O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds."