Extol him, all you peoples!
For great is his steadfast love towards us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures for ever.
Praise the Lord!
א הַלְלוּ אֶת-יְהוָה, כָּל-גּוֹיִם; שַׁבְּחוּהוּ, כָּל-הָאֻמִּים.
ב כִּי גָבַר עָלֵינוּ, חַסְדּוֹ-- וֶאֱמֶת-יְהוָה לְעוֹלָם:
הַלְלוּ-יָהּ.
To extol - shabach - is to sooth, stroke, still; I think of soothing a baby or stroking a lover.
To praise - halal - is to shine, to flash forth light.
We are meant to reflect the light of God, receiving and returning the warmth and radiance that is freely given.
The psalmist was probably just looking for another word suggesting praise.
But on those rare occasions when I step out of the shadows and stand directly in the light of God, I am calmed, soothed, stilled.
Throughout scripture we are urged to honor God, not because God has any need, but because in doing so we are fulfilled.
Psalm 117
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