Psalms 66:17

Psalm 66:17 encapsulates a powerful testimony of personal faith and devotion, highlighting the intimate and reciprocal relationship between a believer's earnest cry to God and the subsequent outpouring of praise. It speaks to the journey from supplication to celebration, rooted in God's faithfulness.

Context

Psalm 66 is primarily a psalm of thanksgiving and praise to God for His mighty deeds, both for the nation of Israel and for the psalmist personally. The opening verses (Psalm 66:1-4) invite all the earth to worship God for His awesome works and power. The psalm then shifts to a more personal testimony of God's deliverance, likely from a significant trial or distress (implied by verses 10-12, which speak of affliction and being brought into a wealthy place). Verse 17, therefore, describes the psalmist's direct appeal to God during this past difficulty and his subsequent response of worship for God's intervention and grace.

Key Themes

• The Efficacy of Earnest Prayer: The phrase "I cried unto him with my mouth" signifies a heartfelt, vocal, and sincere appeal to God in a time of need. It underscores the belief that God hears and responds to the genuine cries of His people.
• The Inseparable Link Between Prayer and Praise: This verse beautifully illustrates how answered prayer naturally leads to praise. The psalmist's experience moves from a cry for help to an extolling of God, demonstrating a complete cycle of faith and thanksgiving. This mirrors the broader biblical pattern where deliverance prompts worship.
• God's Worthiness of Exaltation: The act of "extolling" God with the tongue is a recognition of His supreme power, faithfulness, and goodness. It declares His glory and acknowledges that He alone is worthy of such high praise, confirming His character as seen throughout the Scriptures, such as His great faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "cried" (קָרָא - qara') means to call out, proclaim, or summon. It suggests an urgent and direct appeal, often vocal. The term "extolled" (רוּמַם - rumam, from רוּם - rum) means to lift up, exalt, or glorify. It describes a high and reverent form of praise, elevating God to His supreme position. The use of "mouth" and "tongue" emphasizes the physical, audible expression of both the prayer and the praise, signifying wholehearted engagement in worship.

Practical Application

Psalm 66:17 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

• Vocalize Your Faith: Do not be afraid to express your prayers and praises audibly. There is power and personal impact in declaring your needs and God's greatness with your mouth and tongue.
• Cultivate a Heart of Thanksgiving: Let your prayers naturally flow into praise. When God answers, or even when He sustains you through challenges, remember to extol Him for His character and His works. This is part of offering the sacrifice of praise continually.
• Trust in God's Responsiveness: The psalmist's confidence that God would hear his cry should encourage us to bring our petitions before the Lord with expectation, knowing that He is attentive to the prayers of His righteous ones (1 John 5:14).