The “genre” of Psalm 66 must be that of a “Poem of Praise.” And today’s verse proves such an assertion. The writer, a lover of God, a sincere worshipper, pens: “I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.” The pronouns, both “him” and “he,” have the same Antecedent … our Lord Himself!

In fact, to make that more apparent, I will restate the verse, capitalizing the two references to God. “I cried unto Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue.” Psalm 66:17

The first clause might be simple prayer; intercession or supplication or even thanksgiving. The verb “cried” is vocal, audible speech. Not silent at all! The Hebrew noun “mouth” is interesting. It is derived from a root verb meaning “to crush to pieces!” That’s exactly what many of our mouths do, “hurt” and “demolish” others, their reputations and testimonies and character.

Then again, if the verse’s two clauses are parallel (as is most often the case in Hebrew poetry), the Psalmist’s plea is one of adoration and exultation, magnifying the Lord in prayer. “I cried unto Him with my mouth …” Asking nothing, just thanking Him, uplifting Him!

Then the last part of verse 17 … “He was extolled with my tongue.”

The verb “extolled” is “rum” in Hebrew, pronounced “room.” It means “raised up, made lofty, heaved higher.” The verb here is written in an “intensive” form, too. Diligently, emotionally, fervently, praising God!

This is as good as Psalm 119:164. “Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.”

Wow!

This is worship, indeed.

Maybe each of us today could do the same.

“I cried unto Him, my Lord, with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue.”

What a lifestyle.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell