Psalm 66:17 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I cried to him with my mouth, and high praise was on my tongue.

NIV: I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue.

NASB: I cried to Him with my mouth, And He was exalted with my tongue.

CSB: I cried out to him with my mouth, and praise was on my tongue.

NLT: For I cried out to him for help, praising him as I spoke.

KJV: I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.

NKJV: I cried to Him with my mouth, And He was extolled with my tongue.

God answered the desperate prayer of this psalmist (Psalm 66:13–15). Now that writer continues to urge others to join in praise (Psalm 66:16). As the passage continues, he will go on to explain how sin can interfere with our ability to communicate with the Lord.

Prayer and praise go well together. A believer is right to cry out to God to hear his prayer. After all, God has urged believers to call out to Him: "Call to me and I will answer" (Jeremiah 33:3). No concern is too small or too big for God to hear and answer. Hebrews 4:16 urges believers to approach God with confident prayer, rather than fear. God will respond with helpful mercy instead of condemnation. Paul urged the believers of Philippi to set aside fear, instead asking God for everything they needed. That trusting attitude would bring a supernatural peace (Philippians 4:6–7).

Psalm 66:13–20 addresses God, then the congregation. This comes after calling upon the nations to worship God because of His marvelous deeds on behalf of Israel. The psalmist wants to tell the assembled people that God heard his prayer and answered it. He concludes this section by praising God for answering prayer and extending His loyal love.

This psalm appeals to the entire world to worship the Lord. His great works, such as giving Israel safe passage through the Red Sea, should be praised. Because God watches the world, no one should presume they can rebel without consequences. God tested Israel heavily but brought the nation to an abundant place. The psalmist declares that he will fulfill his vows and offer sacrifices, because God answered his prayer. Verses 1–9 speak to the nations of earth; verses 10–15 are spoken to God; verses 16–20 are addressed to the congregation.

This is a psalm of thanksgiving, but the occasion that prompted it is unknown. It may have been written after the Lord defeated the Assyrians (Isaiah 36—37). Another possibility is that it was recorded following the return from Babylonian captivity (Ezra 1:2–3).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 5/7/2024 10:54:06 PM