THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
This Psalm is the first of those that begin with the word Alleluia, which translates as Praise the Lord. Thus, it starts with the call, "Confess unto the Lord, and call upon His Name" (Psalm 103:1). This confession is essentially an act of praise, echoing our Lord's own words, "I confess unto Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth" (Matthew 11:25). Praise is often followed by an invocation of God, where the supplicant may add personal petitions; for instance, the Lord's Prayer begins with a succinct acknowledgment of reverence: "Our Father, who art in heaven" (Matthew 6:9). Consequently, we are urged to "tell men what He has done" (John 21:17), or more accurately, to "Preach the gospel of His works among the Gentiles," as other Latin translations convey. This call is directed towards those who spread the Good News as prophesied.
Let our expressions of worship encompass music and instruments (Psalm 104:2), giving praise both vocally and through our actions. We sing joyfully and play with our hands, celebrating His wondrous works. Praise His holy Name (Psalm 104:3), as these two verses can be seen as acting out the commands mentioned earlier: our conversations about His marvelous works should resonate as a call to sing to Him, while our praises in His holy Name encompass both words and melodies directed toward Him. The former highlights our spoken praises, recounting His wondrous acts, while the latter pertains to our actions that create delightful music for Him, emphasizing that none should seek glory for their accomplished deeds at the expense of divine strength. Thus, when we declare, "Be glorified," it's clear that those who are rightfully praised may only do so "in His holy Name," for "he that glories, let him glory in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:31). This sentiment aligns with another Psalm stating, "My soul shall boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and rejoice." Therefore, "Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice," as the humble rejoice in not engaging in bitter rivalry with those they admire.
"Seek the Lord and be strengthened" (Psalm 103:4) is a phrase that can be directly translated from the Greek, though it may not appear as a recognizable Latin expression. Other versions suggest "confirm." While "Come unto Him, and be enlightened" pertains to gaining sight, this exhortation emphasizes action: "Seek the Lord and be strengthened." But what does it mean to "seek the Lord's face forever"? Certainly, maintaining a connection to God is beneficial; however, if He is perpetually sought, when might we find Him? Could it be that "forever" refers to our entire life here, suggesting a continuous pursuit? Even after finding Him through faith, hope keeps seeking. Yet through love, we find Him in faith and continue to seek Him in vision—there, He becomes our fulfillment, no longer requiring our pursuit. If faith had not encountered Him in this life, the exhortation to "seek the Lord" would not exist. And if after discovering Him through faith, there was no need for continued diligence in seeking, we would not hear, "For if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience" (Romans 8:25). Indeed, this reflects the instruction to "Seek His face forever," indicating an unending search motivated by love, growing stronger even after finding Him.
"Remember His marvelous works that He has done, His wonders and the judgments of His mouth" (Psalm 104:5). This passage evokes a parallel: "Say to the children of Israel: 'I am He who sent Me to you,'" a profound statement often not comprehended at first glance. He reveals His Name, saying, "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; this is My Name forever" (Exodus 3:14-15), illustrating that those whose God He identifies as will live with Him eternally. His message is simple enough for all, demonstrating that those who, through deep affection, consistently seek His face can grasp the significance of "I am who I am."
To whom does it refer when saying, "You descendants of Abraham, His servant, the children of Jacob, His chosen ones" (Psalm 104:6)? Moreover, He affirms, "He is the Lord our God; His judgments are in all the earth" (Psalm 103:7). Is He only the God of the Jews? (Romans 3:29) Certainly not! He is the Lord our God, as His judgments are proclaimed throughout the world.
"He has always remembered His covenant" (Psalm 104:8). Other translations read "forever," reflecting a linguistic nuance in Greek. If we interpret this in the context of this world and not eternity, why specify the covenant as "the word which He gave to a thousand generations"? This may be understood within limitations, but it references the covenant made with Abraham (Psalm 103:9), the oath sworn to Isaac, and the law appointed to Jacob, which became an everlasting covenant for Israel (Psalm 103:10).
If we understand the Old Testament as referring to the land of Canaan (as noted in the text: "To you I will give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance" (Psalm 104:11), then how can we consider it eternal if this physical inheritance cannot last forever? This is why it is termed the Old Testament, as it has been superseded by the New. "A thousand generations" does not imply eternity, as it suggests a limit, though a formidable number for this transient life. Whatever the maximum duration of a generation, let’s say it spans fifteen years, meaning that from the time of Abraham onwards, even to the end of time, who could presume this world would exist for 15,000 years? Therefore, it seems that the Old Covenant referenced here is not the one declared annulled by the New, which proclaims, "Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant" (Jeremiah 31:31-32).
When we say, "He remembered His covenant forever and ever," we imply an everlasting covenant: namely, the covenant of justification and the eternal inheritance promised to faith. The "Word which He commanded to a thousand generations" suggests that the righteous should live by faith (Romans 1:17), which is linked to the promise of an everlasting inheritance. This thousand generations symbolizes the enduring command for lineage to live by faith until the end of each generation—indicating God's people, the children of promise, who are born and pass on, thereby fulfilling the solid square of ten (ten times ten yields one thousand).
He continues to recount how, during times of scarcity, they found themselves diminished and sojourners in the land (Psalm 104:12), specifically referring to Canaan. There is mention of them being very few and foreign, with variations in translation from Greek. The translation captures the essence that they were indeed few and strangers; the phrase "while they were" expresses this accurately, underscoring their condition.
His narrative recounts their transitions from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another (Psalm 103:13). It serves as a reminder that no harm was allowed to befall them, and even kings were rebuked for their sake (Psalm 103:14). "Touch not My anointed ones, nor do My prophets any harm" (Psalm 104:15). These words emanate from God’s protection over His faithful, even if not explicitly noted in historical records, perhaps inferred through divine communication or angelic announcement. Both the king of Gerar and the king of Egypt were divinely warned not to harm Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 26:8-11), just as others were cautioned concerning Jacob, while they were still but a few wanderers before their sojourn in Egypt.
Questions arise regarding how they were designated "anointed" prior to any formal anointing typically conferred on kings. Although they were prophets—this is evident in the recognition of Abraham—these patriarchs are viewed through the lens of prophetic foreshadowing pointing to Christ. Indeed, despite Christ's lineage tracing back to them, He existed prior, as He asserts, "Before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:58). How could they not have acknowledged Him or held faith in Christ? The very essence of their prophetic roles indicated a foreknowledge of the Lord, as clarified when Jesus remarks, "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day; he saw it and was glad" (John 8:56). No one can be reconciled with God apart from the faith found in Christ Jesus, before or after His incarnation, as confirmed by the Apostle: "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5).
He narrates how they transitioned from one nation to another due to famine, as all sources of sustenance were disrupted (Psalm 103:16). Notably, this reveals God's sovereignty over both creation and circumstance; He commanded a famine upon the earth, depicting famine as a figure that responds to His call, akin to deities of old. Yet, it can also be interpreted that He foretold the famine, where calling forth equates to foretelling what He had already set in divine purpose, reflecting God’s omniscience in future events (Isaiah 45:11).
Indeed, famine becomes a means to His providential end. God, having sent a man before them (Psalm 104:17), points to Joseph—who, though sold into slavery by his brothers, was divinely utilized to orchestrate salvation for His people amid adversity. This illustrates a profound truth: God employs human malice for good purpose, juxtaposing the evil intentions of men with His overwhelming goodness.
He recounts Joseph's plight as he was subjected to hardship, with afflictions weighing upon his spirit until his time for vindication arrived (Psalm 103:18). While explicit mentions of his bonds are absent, the sorrow that permeated his soul is apparent. This sentiment resonates with the Gospel where Simeon foretells a piercing sorrow to Mary (Luke 2:35). The depth of loss experienced by our Savior was mirrored in Joseph’s trials—demonstrating that even suffering can serve as a pathway to fulfillment.
Joseph endured until his prophetic insights led to his elevation (Genesis xli), revealing, "Until his word came," indicating divine orchestration rather than mere human effort. "The word of the Lord tested him" (Psalm 104:19) reflects the truth of God’s revelation igniting Joseph’s potential and leading to his exaltation, a testament of glory to God: "Receive praise in His holy Name."
The king summoned Joseph, the chief of nations, and liberated him (Psalm 103:20). The monarch, essentially the prince of the nations, freed him from bondage and elevated him to authority over his household and all his possessions (Psalm 103:21). This ascendance was crafted to mentor his rulers and enlighten his elders, aiming to impart genuine wisdom (Psalm 103:22). The Greek implies a broader understanding of educating those in authority, which serves as a reminder that true knowledge must transcend mere governance—it should compel transformation.
Yet one might ponder how Joseph, a faithful servant of the One True God, could focus solely on the material sustenance of Egypt while disregarding the spiritual nourishment of its people. While only portions of this history are explicitly detailed, they serve the purpose of foreshadowing divine intentions.
As Joseph entered Egypt (Psalm 104:23), Israel wandered in the land of Ham, establishing the connection to the ancestry of Canaan’s lineage through Noah's descendants. Here, "was a stranger" bears the connotation of alien status rather than belonging, aligning with their experience in Canaan which was not yet under their dominion as no kingdom had been established.
The account unfolds how, despite being few in number, God greatly multiplied His people and made them mightier than their oppressors (Psalm 104:24). This assertion is noteworthy, as Israel’s strength was not manifest during the period of oppression when their male children were killed or while they toiled in servitude. Instead, it was through the Lord’s mighty hand—seen in miraculous signs—that they gained fear and respect, ultimately overcoming the defiance of Pharaoh as the Red Sea swallowed his forces.