Psalm 105 (104):39Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Our prayers arise after such praise, hence we are called to "tell men what He has done" (John 21:17), or more literally in some translations, to "proclaim the gospel of His works among the Gentiles." This charge is directed toward the evangelists found in prophetic scripture.

"Sing to Him and play instruments to Him" (Psalm 104:2) underscores the call to worship through both vocal and instrumental expression. Our discussions should revolve around His wondrous deeds; let us exalt His holy Name (Psalm 104:3). These two verses can be interpreted as a rephrasing of the earlier quoted exhortations: our conversations about His marvelous works affirm the command to "Sing to Him"; the subsequent call to praise His holy Name signifies both verbal acknowledgment and the solemn offering of music played for Him. Thus, individuals should not seek praise for good deeds originating from their own abilities. Having declared "Be glorified," a sentiment fitting for those who rightfully labor, the phrase "in His holy Name" signifies that anyone who is glorified should be honored through the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31). Therefore, recognition is to be given in His holy Name.

We also read in another Psalm: "My soul shall glory in the Lord; let the meek hear and rejoice." Indeed, it follows: "Let the heart of them that seek the Lord rejoice." The meek find joy not in bitter rivalry but in imitation of those who do good. "Seek the Lord, and be strengthened" (Psalm 103:4) reflects a literal translation from the Greek, though it may not appear distinctly Latin; other versions interpret it as "confirm." Words like "Come unto Him, and be enlightened" pertain to sight, while "Seek the Lord, and be strengthened" emphasizes action. The phrase "Seek the Lord's face forever" presents a seemingly paradoxical inquiry. It leads us to realize that continuously seeking God is a form of spiritual pursuit; despite having found Him through faith, we still await the fuller realization of His presence through hope. Yet love, through faith, fully discovers Him and seeks further fulfillment in His divine sight.

"Remember," it is said, "His marvelous works which He hath wrought, the wonders of His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth" (Psalm 104:5). This resonates with the declaration made to the Israelites: "I am He that sent Me unto you," highlighting the invisible power of His presence. By naming Himself the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, He conveys that those who know Him as such are eternally connected to Him (Exodus 3:14-15). This serves to illustrate that those who sought His face with abundant love are able to understand the meaning of "I am what I am."

Thus, the proclamation is made: "Ye seed of Abraham, His servant, the children of Jacob, His chosen ones" (Psalm 104:6). In affirmation, "He is the Lord our God; His judgments are in all the universe" (Psalm 103:7). The assertion is clear; He is not the God of the Jews alone (Romans 3:29); He embraces the entirety of His Church across the globe.

He has perpetually remembered His covenant (Psalm 104:8). Though some copies refer to Him remembering it forever, this ambivalence derives from the intricacies of Greek translation. In establishing what covenant He recalls, the text mentions "the word which He gave to a thousand generations." This phrase could imply limited understanding; conversely, it explicitly refers to the covenant made with Abraham (Psalm 103:9), the oath sworn to Isaac, and the law appointed to Jacob, forming an everlasting covenant with Israel (Psalm 103:10).

When considering the Old Testament in this context, it relates to the land of Canaan, which raises questions about its eternal significance, since earthly inheritance does not last indefinitely. Hence, it is labeled as the Old Testament, rendered obsolete by the New. While a thousand generations may not denote eternity, as they imply a conclusion, they also encompass more years than can be comprehensively counted, extending from Abraham to the New Testament, and all the way back to Adam. Truly, the enduring implications of God's covenant are not confined to the Old Covenant, which the prophet foretold would be replaced by the New: "Behold, the days are coming, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant" (Jeremiah 31:31-32).

In calling to remembrance His everlasting covenant, we recognize it in terms of justification and the eternal inheritance promised to those who believe. His command to live by faith (Romans 1:17) extends to all generations, guiding the faithful until the completion of history, thus advancing from generation to generation, through faith, toward the ultimate inheritance. This enduring legacy is exemplified through the patriarchs, whom He identifies as His own God, and affirmed again in the New Testament where He states: "Many shall come from east and west and shall lie down with Abraham, and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 8:11).

The narrative continues, illustrating that when they were few and strangers in the land (Psalm 104:12), He guided them through adversity. Despite their limited numbers, God ensured their protection: "Let no man do them any harm" (Psalm 103:14), affirming to kings "Touch not my anointed, nor do my prophets evil" (Psalm 104:15). Although these assertions might not align with recorded history, they represent the truth of God's protection over the forefathers of the faith.

In examining the nature of the anointed ones, we question how these patriarchs bore the title of "anointed" prior to official consecration. They were prophets, foretold through Abraham, who desired to witness the Lord’s day and rejoiced upon its glimpse. Just as early believers were reconciled with God through faith in Christ Jesus, so too were these patriarchs.

As history unfolds, we learn of the famine that led them from one nation to another (Psalm 103:16). It is crucial to recognize the intention behind God's call for a famine, indicating His sovereign will over all creation. He initiated events to fulfill His divine purpose, which is exemplified through how He sent Joseph ahead of them into Egypt (Psalm 104:17).

Joseph’s tribulations and eventual exaltation serve as a testament to God’s providence, illustrating how men’s wrongdoing can lead to divine good, showing the interplay of human choices under God's sovereignty. He was bound until the appointed moment when God's word fulfilled its purpose. Ultimately, Joseph’s trials were redeemed through the very sovereignty of God (Psalm 103:19).

In the end, Joseph's rise to prominence illustrates the turning of the heart; he became lord over his master's house (Psalm 103:21) and extended wisdom to the elders of the land (Psalm 103:22). Through these trials endured in faith, God orchestrated His plan for His chosen people. Hence, the journey from Canaan to Egypt and back again marks a significant moment in the unfolding narrative of redemption as God works through history for the glory of His Name.

Chrysostom remarks on the abundance of life without want, marveling at God's magnificent works and the way creation serves humanity. When the sun's intense heat troubled them during the day, the cloud provided them with cover, and the pillar of fire illuminated their nights, acting as both light and guidance. The cloud served as their shelter by day, while the fire lit their path by night, together directing them onward. Isychius explains that although the manna is termed "heavenly," it did not originate directly from heaven but descended from the atmosphere overhead—referred to in Scripture as heaven—and served as a symbol of the true heavenly bread given in the Sacrament of the Church.

The prophet offers a perspective on these events with a purpose distinct from that typically held by others; it is recognized that this miracle is often seen as stemming more from God's wrath than His grace, as evidenced by the punishment of the Israelites mentioned in Psalm 77:27. Nevertheless, the prophet, overlooking their ingratitude, celebrates God's unwavering grace towards them. There follows the mention of the heavenly bread, renowned for its exceptional quality. Just as it is natural for humanity to partake of earthly bread, so too did God generously provide for the Israelites by sending down bread from heaven. Recognizing that bread alone would not suffice for the ungrateful, God also offered them drink, miraculously bringing forth water from a rock in the wilderness.