Psalm 105 (104):28Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In this context, we are also reminded to "tell men what He has done" (John 21:17), or more literally from the Greek, "Preach the Gospel of His works among the Gentiles." This directive is aimed directly at the evangelists as foretold in the prophecies.

"Sing to Him and play instruments to Him" (Psalm 104:2). Worship Him through both speech and action; we raise our voices in song and utilize instruments with our hands. Let our discussions revolve around His wondrous deeds. "Praise His holy Name" (Psalm 104:3). Emphatically, these verses reflect the essence of the initial exhortation to sing. To engage in conversation about His marvelous works encapsulates the invitation to sing; likewise, praising His holy Name incorporates both the spoken word and the music created in His honor. The former refers to the vocal praises offered to Him, recounting His wondrous acts, while the latter pertains to the beautiful sounds rendered to Him; thus, none should desire credit for virtuous actions without acknowledging God’s power in enabling them. Therefore, having noted "Be glorified," which is indeed something those who labor faithfully and justly can declare, it is added, "in His holy Name," for anyone glorified should ultimately be celebrated in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31). This points us to the notion of honoring Him in His sacred Name.

We also read in another Psalm, "My soul shall glory in the Lord; let the meek hear and rejoice," indicating that "let the heart of them that seek the Lord rejoice" follows naturally. This is true for those who humble themselves, avoiding confrontation with envy towards those they emulate in goodness.

"Seek the Lord, and be strengthened" (Psalm 103:4). The original Greek conveys this meaning closely, even if it appears unique in Latin; hence, alternative translations include "confirm." The phrase "Come unto Him and be enlightened" relates to vision, while "Seek the Lord and be strengthened" pertains to action.

What might it signify to "Seek the Lord's face forever"? I acknowledge that clinging to God is beneficial; however, if He is perpetually sought, when then shall He be found? Is it suggested that "forever" refers to our entire earthly existence? It might lead us to understand that through faith, we find Him, yet hope remains in pursuit as well. Love encompasses both discovery through faith and quest through sight, wherein ultimately we find satisfaction in Him and cease our seeking. If faith had not recognized Him in this life, the instruction to "Seek the Lord" would not be meaningful. Acknowledging His existence through faith does not eliminate the need for diligent pursuit, as it is written, "For if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience" (Romans 8:25). Thus, the remark to "Seek His face forever" is not about ceasing our search, but nurturing that search as love for the found One intensifies.

"Remember," it is said, "His marvelous works which He has wrought, the wonders of His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth" (Psalm 104:5). This implies a divine instruction similar to, "Say unto the children of Israel: 'I am He that sent Me unto you,'" a phrase that may not be fully grasped at first. By invoking His Name—"I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; this is My Name forever" (Exodus 3:14-15)—He wishes to convey that those He identifies as their God will reside eternally in His presence. He communicates this in a way that even children can grasp; those who earnestly pursue His face through love should understand, "I am what I am."

To whom is it addressed, "Ye seed of Abraham, His servant, the children of Jacob, His chosen ones?" (Psalm 104:6). He further asserts, "He is the Lord our God; His judgments are in all the earth" (Psalm 103:7). Does He belong solely to the Jews? (Romans 3:29) God forbid; He is indeed our Lord, for His judgments are proclaimed throughout the entire world.

"He has always remembered His covenant" (Psalm 104:8). Elsewhere, other translations read forever, indicating nuance in language. Even when discussing the covenant He recalled, the phrase "which He gave to a thousand generations" speaks to a finite yet significant duration. While it can imply limitations, it also references the covenant made with Abraham, the oath sworn to Isaac, and the law appointed to Jacob, establishing an everlasting covenant with Israel (Psalm 103:9-10). Yet if this speaks of the Old Testament in relation to the land of Canaan, then how can it be eternal if this earthly inheritance lacks permanence? This distinction underscores the Old Testament’s inferiority when juxtaposed with the New. The reference to a thousand generations suggests a terminable aspect; consider the span from Abraham to New Testament times, as well as from Adam to the world's end. Would anyone assert that this world will endure for 15,000 years? Thus, it seems prudent to understand that the Old Covenant, superseded by the New as the prophet declared, is called into question (Jeremiah 31:31-32).

Indeed, it is articulated that He remembered His covenant forever—a promise of justification and eternal inheritance as ordained for faith, alongside the decree that the righteous shall live by faith (Romans 1:17). This notion extends across generations, affirming that as long as lineage continues, we are commanded to live by faith. The faithful, offspring of promise, inherit by virtue of birth and transition through death until the end of each generation, symbolized by the number a thousand, reflecting the perfect numerical completeness.

He recounts how they came into Egypt, with Jacob sojourning in the land of Ham (Psalm 104:23). The reference to the Egyptian lineage descending from the seed of Ham indicates interesting historical context. In some translations, the term "strangers" emphasizes their status rather than simply suggesting inhabitation; thus, they passed from one nation to another, an echo of their lack of sovereignty in Canaan at that time.

Upon their arrival in Egypt, they faced significant trials and oppression, even as God strengthened His people against their adversaries (Psalm 104:24). Their power did not lie in numbers but in the divine intervention that would ultimately turn the tide, as seen when Egypt’s male infants were slain or when they strove under harsh labor conditions. The people of God grew more formidable through the miraculous acts of the Lord.

Yet, it begs reflection as to how God could turn hearts toward sin. Their initial nature was not righteous, but envy stirred within them once God’s people multiplied, prompting their negative response. God did not taint their hearts, but rather transformed their existing hostility into active hatred against His chosen ones. The envious were incited to wrong His servants in their malice.

The following lines sung to Him reflect His use of enemy antagonism for both testing His followers and elevating the magnificence of His Name. "He sent Moses His servant, and Aaron whom He chose for him" (Psalm 103:26). The chosen representative, particularly significant, embodies God’s providential plan, amplifying the divine intention throughout Holy Scriptures.

Moreover, "He set forth in them the words of His signs and His wonders in the land of Ham" (Psalm 104:27). These words are not literal commands spoken during miracles but encompass the means through which signs were executed. Many acts occurred without utterance, through instruments like the rod or an outstretched hand.

"He sent darkness and made darkness" (Psalm 104:28), a notion captured among the ten plagues that beset the Egyptians. The continued discourse on their rebellion reveals a persistent struggle against the words of Moses and Aaron—a testament to their patience amidst obstinacy until God’s decrees were fulfilled.

"He turned their water into blood, and struck their fish" (Psalm 104:29). The transformation nearing exaggeration illustrates the severe afflictions imposed upon them, thus providing a poignant reminder of the divine authority exercised through the trials faced by both His people and their oppressors.

This darkness represented profound anguish, for it was a consequence of God’s chastisement against the Egyptians; they had remained obstinate in disobeying His commands that urged their release, allowing the Israelites to exit Egypt. Their refusal to heed the Lord’s commands manifests as a deep offense against Him; however, the term "afflicted" concerning God's words may be interpreted differently. Some suggest that instead of simply causing distress, the Egyptians transgressed against God's instructions. In Hebrew context, "afflicted" might also imply "to transgress." Additionally, certain accounts indicate that the Egyptians did not violate the commands delivered through Moses and Aaron.

The atmosphere was shrouded in darkness, the water was transformed into blood, frogs emerged from the earth, and fire fell amidst rain and hail. The darkness sent by God did not, as the prophet states, defy His commands or cause Him irritation; rather, it obediently spread throughout Egypt alone. Meanwhile, Scripture notes that “all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings” (Exodus 10:23). Indeed, if darkness enveloped the entire world, how could it be said to have persisted for three days and nights? How could one discern between day and night during such an extraordinary night?