What is the meaning of Psalm 66:17? I cried out to Him with my mouth • The psalmist is describing an out-loud, intentional appeal to God. This is no silent musing; it is vocal, personal, and direct. Psalm 3:4 echoes the same dynamic: “I cry aloud to the LORD, and He answers me from His holy mountain.” • The phrase highlights dependency—turning first to the Lord rather than to human solutions (Psalm 18:6). • It shows confidence that God hears literal, audible prayer. Jeremiah 33:3 reminds us, “Call to Me and I will answer you.” • New-Testament resonance surfaces in Romans 10:13: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” The continuity underscores that vocal, heartfelt prayer is a timeless means of communion with God. and praised Him with my tongue • Genuine prayer is inseparable from praise. After petition comes celebration of who God is. Psalm 34:1 models this pattern: “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.” • Praise with the tongue is public and specific, not vague gratitude. Psalm 71:8 speaks similarly: “My mouth is filled with Your praise.” • It is also testimony. When the tongue magnifies God, listeners are invited to trust Him too (Psalm 40:3). • Hebrews 13:15 calls praise “the fruit of lips that confess His name,” showing that vocal worship is a sacrifice pleasing to God. James 3:9 warns against a tongue that blesses God yet curses people, reminding us that praise must be matched by consistent speech. summary Psalm 66:17 captures the whole cycle of vibrant communion: we speak our need aloud to the Lord, and we immediately follow with spoken praise. Scripture presents both actions as literal, audible, and essential. The passage invites every believer to engage mouth and tongue—to call on God boldly and to honor Him openly—confident that He hears and is worthy of all praise. |
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