THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
This psalm extols the compassion of God that has been personally experienced, making it particularly resonant for those who have lived through such trials. It is remarkable if anyone can find joy in this psalm unless they have learned through their own experiences. It was not composed for a few individuals, but for the entire community of believers, so they might see themselves reflected in it. The title speaks for itself, being a joyful reiteration of Hallelujah. It is customary for us to sing this at various times during our observances, in line with the longstanding traditions of the Church, and our singing on specific days holds significant spiritual meaning. Though Alleluia is sung on particular occasions, we remember it daily. If this word denotes the adoration of God, it exists not just on our lips but within our hearts. His praise is ever-present within me. The repetition of Hallelujah is not unique to this psalm; it appears similarly in the opening psalm as well. Historically, it has been sung by the Israelites and continues to resonate with the global Church. Perhaps this double invocation of Alleluia is fitting, reflecting our cries of Abba, Father. For Abba is simply another expression for Father, and as Paul noted, we call upon Him as we are united as one in Christ, the cornerstone that binds us together.
Let us acknowledge the Lord’s sweetness, as you are immersed in His grace. Psalm 105:1. In this recognition, confess His goodness; if you have experienced His sweetness, share this truth. However, one cannot testify to sweetness without first choosing to experience it. If you have truly tasted how delightful the Lord is, as noted in 1 Peter 2:3, then boldly declare that He is sweet. When you have relished His grace, let your confession flow freely. His mercy lasts forever. In many passages of Scripture, the Greek term εἰς αἰῶνα is understood as eternally enduring. His mercy is not temporary; it is everlasting, serving to unite individuals in eternal fellowship with the angels.
Let the redeemed of the Lord proclaim His deliverance, as expressed in Psalm 105:2. While Israel was released from Egypt's bondage and the afflictions of slavery and despair, we should consider who truly lays claim to this redemption. It includes all whom He has saved. Let it be made known what they represent, as this Psalm celebrates God’s redemption. He has gathered them from various lands, including Egypt, as even within one region there are many territories. Let it be proclaimed—“From the east and the west, from the north and the sea” (Psalm 105:3), indicating the entirety of God’s redeemed people from every corner of the earth. This chosen community, removed from the great Egypt, has been led through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:22) so they can overcome their foes through the waters of Baptism. Through this sacrament, which is akin to the Red Sea, and sanctified by Christ's shed blood, the transgressions of the oppressors are washed away.
But all these events occurred as types for our instruction, as the culmination of the ages has come to us (1 Corinthians 10:11). The people wandered in a desolate wilderness, searching for a city to inhabit (Psalms 105:4). They endured miserable nomadism, suffering from hunger and thirst until their spirits grew faint within them (Psalm 106:5). Why did they despair? God reveals Himself not with cruelty but through goodness so that their weary hearts shall call upon Him, and in His assistance, they may find love. Thus, amid their wandering, hunger, and thirst, they cried out to the Lord in their tribulation, and He rescued them from their anguish (Psalm 105:6). What did He do for them in their aimless journey? He guided them along a direct path (Psalm 106:7). Though they found no way to the city, being worn out from hunger and thirst, He led them straightforwardly toward their final destination. The details of how He alleviated their physical needs are not given, but one can anticipate this: let His mercy and wonders be declared by the sons of men (Psalm 105:8). Speak to those who have wisdom—share with the inexperienced those who tread towards their city, freed from hunger and thirst. For He fills the longing soul and satisfies the hungry heart with good (Psalm 105:9).
Those dwelling in darkness and deep gloom, shackled by poverty and iron chains (Psalm 105:10)—could this result from taking credit for themselves? Have they failed to embrace God’s grace? Have they rejected the counsel of God directed towards them (Luke 7:30)? For it follows that they rebelled against the word of the Lord out of pride (Psalm 105:11), unaware of God’s righteousness and longing to establish their own (Romans 10:3), hardening themselves against the Most High's wisdom. Their hearts were overwhelmed with labor (Psalm 105:12). Now, strive against temptation; if God withdraws His support, you may resist, but true victory rests in Him. When your wickedness weighs heavily upon you, labor will leave you wearied until with humility you cry, "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:24). Upon rescue, you will testify to the Lord’s mercy. When they were troubled, they called upon the Lord, and He freed them from their afflictions (Psalm 105:13). He liberated them from the second trial, yet weariness and repulsion remained. Look at what He accomplished for them in their escape: "He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their chains" (Psalm 105:14). Let them acknowledge the Lord for His mercies and wonders to humanity (Psalm 105:15). Why? What adversities has He vanquished? Because He has shattered the gates of bronze and disarmed the iron bars (Psalm 105:16). He led them from their iniquitous paths; through their unrighteous behavior, they were bowed low (Psalm 105:17). Exalting themselves over God, they sought their own righteousness, ignorant of divine righteousness (Romans 10:3); thus, they were stripped of their strength, realizing their impotence without His aid.
Their souls loathed all sustenance (Psalm 105:18). They were plagued by excess, weary to their core, but it is essential to remember that hunger, rather than satiety, poses a threat to them. Observe that when it states, "Their soul rejected all food," this should inspire caution. They are at risk of being lost to satiety rather than suffering from deprivation, potentially leading them to the brink of death. So when God’s word seems sweet, do not allow arrogance to infiltrate your thoughts, or treat disdainfully those in peril from excess. In trouble, they called upon the Lord, who saved them out of their tribulations (Psalm 105:19). When they faced discontent, which is a form of illness, He sent His Word and brought healing to them (Psalm 106:20). Consider the malady of fullness; contemplate the source of deliverance for those who cry out and detest their food. He sent His Word and restored them, drawing them away not from wandering, nor hunger, nor the challenges of sin, but from their corrupt nature. A disdain for sweetness indicates a decay of the spirit. Therefore, as in previous episodes, let them declare to the Lord His mercies and wonders to mankind (Psalm 105:21). Let them offer a sacrifice of praise (Psalm 105:22). As they rejoice in the Lord's goodness, let them recount His works with delight—not with fatigue, sorrow, anxiety, or aversion, but with joy.
They who traverse the sea in vessels, engaged in labor amidst chaotic waters (Psalm 105:23)—indeed, the waters symbolize nations. This correlation is affirmed in the Revelation of John, who was told that the waters represented various nations. Those who labor upon treacherous waters have witnessed the Lord's deeds and His wonders within the deep (Psalm 105:24). What depths rival the human heart? Within these depths, winds often arise and storms of dissent shake the vessel. What transpires? God yearns for both rulers and subjects to call upon Him; He spoke, and the tempest calmed (Psalm 106:25). What does it mean that it calmed? It ceased, remaining steadfast yet tumultuous for long; raging and refusing to relent. When He spoke, the storm subsided. And what did that stillness achieve? They ascended fearfully towards heaven; they descended into the abyss (Psalm 105:26). Their souls where beleaguered by strife, moving like frantic men (Psalm 105:27). Those at the helm and those devoted to the vessel surely relate to this experience. When they speak, read, or interpret, they seem wise. But when the storm roars, their wisdom is swallowed up. At times, all human counsel fails; regardless of the direction one turns, the waves crash, the tempests rage, the crew is powerless: they cannot foresee where the bow will strike, how the body will be exposed to the waves, or how to navigate the perilous journey. What recourse exists? They cried out to the Lord amidst their turmoil, and He saved them from their distress (Psalm 105:28). He commanded the storm, transforming it into clear skies (Psalm 105:29), with calm waves following. Listen to the voice of the helmsman who has faced peril, overwhelmed and saved. He confesses, "I would not have you ignorant, brethren, of our struggles in Asia, for we were burdened beyond our strength and measure" (2 Corinthians 1:8). They rejoiced when tranquility returned, as He led them to their desired haven (Psalm 105:30). Let His mercies and miracles be declared to humanity (Psalm 105:31). In everything, let us confess not our merits, strength, or wisdom, but His mercy, loving Him in every deliverance and calling upon Him in all our tribulations.
Let them exalt Him in the gathering of the faithful and praise Him on the elders’ throne (Psalm 106:32). Exalt Him, praise Him; let nations, elders, merchants, and helmsmen declare His greatness. What has He done within this assembly? What has He established? From what has He rescued it? What has He generously provided? He resisted the arrogant and bestowed grace upon the humble (James 4:6). The proud—referring to Judah, that lofty nation of Abraham’s lineage, who were entrusted with God’s word (Romans 3:2)—received no help from their pride, which fostered arrogance rather than wisdom. What has God done against the proud? He cut away the natural branches due to their arrogance and grafted in the wild olive, honoring humility. He transformed rivers into wastelands (Psalm 105:33), indicators of unfulfilled prophecies. Seek a prophet among the Jews, and you shall find none, for the waters have run dry, leaving them thirsty. They lament, "Where is the prophet? Will He no longer acknowledge us?" The once fertile land is now salt marshes (Psalm 105:34). Seek the faith of Christ there, and it is absent; look for a prophet, and you shall find none; seek a sacrifice, and it is nowhere to be found; look for a sanctuary, and you will encounter nothing. Why does this occur? Because of the evil of those inhabiting the land. Observe how He confronts the prideful: savor how He extends grace to the humble. He transformed the wasteland into pools of water and the dry ground into flourishing streams (Psalm 105:35), where the hungry may dwell (Psalm 105:36). For it has been proclaimed, "You are a Priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek," indicating that though you might seek sacrifices among the Jews, they are devoid of what belongs to the order of Aaron. Instead, pursue it in the order of Melchizedek and you shall find it celebrated universally across the Church. From dawn to dusk, the name of the Lord is honored.
And they farmed the fields, planted vineyards, and reaped the bounty of their labor (Psalm 106:37). A laborer rejoices to say, "Not for the gift I desire but rather the yield" (Philippians 4:17). He blessed them, and they flourished greatly, without depletion of their livestock (Psalm 105:38). This stands firm. For God’s foundation remains unwavering, as "the Lord knows those who are His" (2 Timothy 2:19). Those who walk within the Church, although perhaps less learned, yet filled with faith, are considered as pack animals and cattle. Thus, whether spiritual or mundane, He blesses them.