THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
This psalm extols the mercies of God that have been personally experienced, making it particularly poignant for those who have undergone such trials. It is indeed a marvel if anyone can appreciate the sentiments expressed here except those who have been taught through personal reflection. This psalm was not penned for a select few but rather for the entire community of God’s people, inviting them to recognize their own reflections as in a mirror. The title is straightforward—Hallelujah—repeated for emphasis. It is woven into our worship during certain occasions, in line with the long-standing customs of the Church, and there is profound significance in its repetition. While we sing Alleluia on designated days, we keep it in our hearts daily, as this term signifies our praise to God, which resides in our innermost being. The repeated Hallelujah is not unique to this psalm; it appears similarly in the first. Based on its content, it seems to have been sung by the Israelites and continues to be echoed by the worldwide Church. The reason for the double Alleluia might lie in our own cries of Abba, Father, as the Apostle reminds us in Romans 8:15, depicting two walls calling out to the Father in unison through Christ, the Cornerstone that unifies us all.
Let those redeemed by the Lord proclaim His sweetness, acknowledging His everlasting mercy as captured in Psalm 105:1. If you have genuinely experienced His sweetness, you must testify to it. However, one unable to appreciate this sweetness has failed to make the choice to taste it. For those who have experienced the Lord's goodness as in 1 Peter 2:3, let your confession flow forth before Him. His mercy is eternal, as denoted by the Greek term εἰς αἰῶνα, which conveys a sense of forever. His mercy endures, aiming for humanity's eternal companionship with the angels.
Those who have experienced the Lord's redemption should declare it, for He has saved them from their adversaries, as noted in Psalm 105:2. The Israelites were liberated from slavery in Egypt, from exhausting labor and sinful actions; yet, those declaring this freedom are not just the ancient Israelites but rather all those whom He has redeemed. He has gathered them from various lands, potentially referring to Egypt and beyond, encompassing people from all directions—east and west, north and sea, as illustrated in Psalm 105:3. Hence we see the redeemed from every corner of the earth, led through their spiritual Red Sea—Baptism—which purifies them from the sins of their oppressors, just as scripture reveals it's all a foreshadowing for our learning, as stated in 1 Corinthians 10:11.
They wandered in desolate places, without finding a dwelling city, as lamented in Psalms 105:4. Their plight of aimless wandering underscores their hunger and thirst, leading their spirits to despair, as mentioned in Psalm 106:5. Why did their spirits faint? God does not intend cruelty; rather, He seeks to reveal His goodness, prompting the weary to turn to Him, finding relief and love in the process. After this hunger and thirst, they cried to the Lord during their distress and He rescued them (Psalm 105:6). What did He do while they were lost? He guided them along a straight path (Psalm 106:7). They lacked a pathway to settle, were drained from hunger and thirst, yet He directed them toward the city of rest.
Though scripture does not detail how He satisfied their cravings, it encourages His mercies and wonders to be acknowledged (Psalm 105:8). Share this with the inexperienced; those already journeying toward the city can now fulfill their hunger with His good gifts (Psalm 105:9).
Those sitting in darkness and shadowy depths, bound by poverty and iron (Psalm 105:10), have perhaps attributed their plight to themselves, neglecting God's grace and rejecting His guidance (Luke 7:30). They rebelled against the words of the Lord in pride (Psalm 105:11), unaware of God's righteousness and striving to establish their own (Romans 10:3), thus hardening themselves against divine counsel. Their hearts were burdened by labor (Psalm 105:12). Struggling against temptation, if God's assistance falters, they may fight, but cannot prevail. When crushed by sin, their hearts break with toil, leading them to echo, "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:24). Upon deliverance, they will extol the mercy of the Lord.
They cried to the Lord during their tribulation, and He freed them from their distress (Psalm 105:13). He helped them to overcome their trials, liberating them from darkness and death’s shadow, breaking their chains (Psalm 105:14). Let them extol the Lord for His mercies and wonders (Psalm 105:15). What challenges did He conquer? He shattered the gates of bronze and tore apart iron bars (Psalm 105:16), guiding them away from their sinful paths; humbled by their unrighteous acts (Psalm 105:17). By honoring themselves instead of God, they claimed their own righteousness, unaware of God's standard, leading them to devastation. They discovered their helplessness without divine aid, relying solely on their own might.
Their souls loathed all sustenance (Psalm 105:18), suffering from overindulgence. They faced danger not just from hunger, but also from their excesses. Recognize that when their souls abhorred food, they were not simply protected from excess but at risk of dying from it. Thus we must ensure that when the Word of God delights us, we do not fall victim to arrogance and disdain those vulnerable to their own appetites. They cried out to the Lord during their distress, and He rescued them from their troubles (Psalm 105:19). Discontent proved to be a sickness; hence He sent His Word and healed them (Psalm 106:20). Reflect on the evil found in excess; comprehend from where He rescues those who resent their food. He dispatched His Word to restore them, rescuing them not merely from wandering, hunger, or sin but from their degradation. A loathing for sweetness signals a corrupt mind. Thus, like the preceding examples, let them thank the Lord for His mercies, declaring His wonders to humankind (Psalm 105:21). Offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving (Psalm 105:22). Therefore, they should joyfully proclaim His goodness, free from weariness, sorrow, worry, or disdain.
They who traverse the seas in ships, conducting their toils in tumultuous waters (Psalm 105:23), face various nations, as John revealed in the Revelation that these waters symbolize the nations. Those navigating through mighty waters have witnessed the Lord’s works and wonders in the sea’s depths (Psalm 105:24). After all, what is deeper than human hearts? Winds often stir from here, and tempests of rebellion and conflict disturb the vessel. In these moments, God calls upon both rulers and the ordinary to seek Him, proclaiming, "Be still!" (Psalm 106:25). What does “stood” signify? It remained calm amid chaos, persisting and stirring, raging yet not fading. When He spoke, the winds subsided. The sailors ascend to the heavens and plunge into the depths with trepidation, their souls troubled as if intoxicated (Psalm 105:26-27). Those at the helm, loyal to their craft, comprehend this struggle. Though appearing wise, in the throes of the storm their knowledge proves futile. All human counsel fails; the waves crash, and the storm rages, leaving them powerless. What remains is to call out to the Lord when faced with calamities, and He will rescue them (Psalm 105:28). He commanded the storm, and tranquility returned to the waters (Psalm 105:29). In this moment, listen to the voice of those who have been in peril but were saved. I would not wish you to remain unaware of our trials in Asia, for we were burdened beyond our strength and endured unbearable hardships, feeling even life itself weigh heavily upon us (2 Corinthians 1:8). They rejoiced once calm, and He guided them to their desired haven (Psalm 105:30). Let all create a chorus of praise for His mercies and miracles to the children of humankind (Psalm 105:31). Always acknowledge not your merits, strength, or wisdom, but the mercies of the Lord. Love Him with every deliverance; trust Him in each moment of trouble.
Exalt Him among the gathering of His people and praise Him in the assembly of the elders (Psalm 106:32). Let nations and leaders give praise; for what has He accomplished? What has He established? From what adversity did He redeem them? What grace has He shown? He opposes the proud while extending grace to the humble (James 4:6). The proud—namely, the exalted sect of Judah, proud of their lineage from Abraham and the custody of God’s revelations (Romans 3:2)—used this privilege to foster pride instead of humility. Thus, in opposing the proud and gracing the humble, He severed natural branches and grafted in the wild olive due to their humility. He turned rivers into wastelands (Psalm 105:33). Where once waters flowed, prophecies have since faltered among the Jews. Now, examine the presence of a prophet within them; none to be found. Where once there was abundance, now they languish in thirst. Declare openly, “There is no prophet, no knowledge of us.” Fertile lands turn into salt flats (Psalm 105:34). Seek faith in Christ, witness a lack of prophets, sacrifices, or temples. Why this void? Because of the wickedness of its inhabitants. Observe how He stands against the proud: He gives grace to the humble. He turned a parched wilderness into a reservoir of life and the dry places into flowing waters (Psalm 105:35). And therein, He dwells among the hungry (Psalm 105:36), as it is written, "Thou art a Priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek." You seek sacrifice among the Jews but find none of the Aaronic order. Seek instead the order of Melchizedek, and you’ll find it thriving throughout the world’s Church, glorifying the Lord from dawn till dusk.
They cultivated fields, planted vineyards, and reaped bountiful harvests (Psalm 106:37). What joy the laborer finds, seeking not the gift but the yield (Philippians 4:17). He bestowed His blessing upon them, multiplying their offspring and ensuring their livestock thrived (Psalm 105:38). His foundation stands firm since the Lord knows His own (2 Timothy 2:19). Those with invisible burdens represent the faithful yet unlearned among us. He blessed both spiritual and earthly communities.
They diminished in number and faced adversity (Psalm 105:39). How so? Not because of external elements but internal strife. They departed from our midst but belonged not to us (1 John 2:19). Thus, similar language describes both groups, exposing the need for discernment, as they share outward appearances of godliness without true virtue. From the Apostle, we understand: "In the last times perilous days will come, men shall be lovers of themselves." (2 Timothy 3:2). The foremost error lies in self-love. If they were captivated by God instead, they would cry out in their trials and find deliverance. Yet, in their conceit, they turned few. This is clear: the disunified diminish in strength. United, they were many, but in fractured numbers, they become less significant. When unity ceases, as in heresy and schism, they become fragmented. They endured contempt and anguish (Psalm 105:40). They were rejected by God's assembly; although they aspired for prominence, they were mocked and rendered worthless, like salt that has lost its flavor (Matthew 5:13).
He led them into uncharted paths, not toward the way of light. Those elevated along the way toward the city remain unled astray; but these wander in the vast void. What does it mean to be led astray? God surrendered them to their hearts' desires (Romans 1:24). To be ‘led astray’ implies they were given over to their own designs. Examined closely, they misguide themselves. He aided the impoverished (Psalm 105:41). What’s the implication here? The mighty are overlooked, but the lowly are uplifted. The proud are cast aside, while the humble receive care.