THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
This psalm extols the gracious love of God, which those who have personally experienced it find particularly sweet. It raises the question of whether any person can truly appreciate the message of this psalm unless they have undergone similar experiences themselves. However, this psalm is intended not just for a select few but for the entire community of believers, allowing them to recognize their reflections in it as though in a mirror. The title of the psalm speaks for itself—it shouts Hallelujah! and again Hallelujah! We traditionally sing it during special occasions in our liturgical practices, in keeping with the ancient customs of the Church, and there is sacred significance in its recitation on particular days. Although we may sing Alleluia on certain occasions, we should carry the sentiment of praise in our hearts daily. If Alleluia signifies the magnification of God's name, then it must spring forth from the heart even when our lips are silent. The repetition of Hallelujah in the title is noteworthy and not unique to this psalm; it also appears at the beginning. Its text indicates that it has been sung by the Israelites and continues to be sung by the universal Church across the globe. The double mention of Alleluia could signify the intimacy of our relationship with God, as we call out "Abba, Father." The term "Abba" refers directly to the Father, reaffirmed by the Apostle’s words in Romans 8:15, who said that we cry out "Abba, Father." This expression reflects a duality reminiscent of two walls approaching the Cornerstone, which unites them.
Let us proclaim to the Lord how delightful He is, as we are recipients of His mercy, as stated in Psalm 105:1. In doing so, we affirm His sweetness; those who have experienced it ought to confess it. Yet, one unable to discern His sweetness cannot make such a confession. If you have truly experienced how sweet the Lord is, as indicated in 1 Peter 2:3, then express your praise to Him. If your taste for His goodness is genuine, declare this joyfully, for His mercy endures forever. The term "for ever" here signifies what is referred to in Greek scriptures, εἰς αἰῶνα, as an eternal truth. God's mercy transcends time, designed for the everlasting duration of communion with the angels. Let those who are redeemed by the Lord declare it, as He has liberated them from the clutches of their enemies, as suggested in Psalm 105:2. The Israelites experienced deliverance from Egypt, freeing them from servitude and desolation; however, we must ascertain who the redeemed truly are. They are the ones whom God has freed. This psalm can indeed reflect upon the experience of those rescued from their foes—the Egyptians. Let us clarify their identity, for whom this Psalm is composed. He has gathered them from various lands—perhaps even from Egypt, considering the multiple regions within it. It is stated that His gathering extends from the east and the west, from the north and the sea, as noted in Psalm 105:3. Thus, we see God's people redeemed from the grand kingdom of Egypt, traversing as through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:22), through which they find their enemies obliterated in Baptism. For through this sacrament, which resembles the Red Sea, and sanctified by Christ's blood, the sins of their oppressors are purified.
All these occurrences serve as allegories for our instruction, as we are those for whom the ends of the ages have arrived, as observed in 1 Corinthians 10:11. In the wilderness, they wandered through desolate places, finding no avenues to a dwelling city, as memorialized in Psalms 105:4. We have heard tales of their suffering through aimless travels, beset by hunger and thirst—soul weary within them, as echoed in Psalm 106:5. Why does the soul faint? To what purpose? This reflects God's benevolence; He allows us to witness our trials that we may call upon Him in our weariness, so that in our need for aid, we may learn to love Him. After their wanderings, hunger, and thirst, they implored the Lord in their distress, and He rescued them from their tribulations, as per Psalm 105:6. While they wandered, He led them along a righteous path, as stated in Psalm 106:7. They were adrift with no means of accessing a city, fatigued by their suffering, but He guided them towards their destination. Although the details of His nourishment for their hunger and thirst were not specified, His mercies and miracles are to be proclaimed to the sons of men, as expressed in Psalm 105:8. Let those who possess wisdom and experience share their insights with those who are still learning; let them who are guided to the city, liberated from hunger and thirst, testify. He has fed the needy soul, filling the hungry with good things, as found in Psalm 105:9.
Those who dwell in the darkness and shadows of death, bound by poverty and iron chains, as highlighted in Psalm 105:10, must recognize their plight. Could it be that this suffering results from self-reliance, failing to acknowledge the grace of God, or dismissing His divine guidance (Luke 7:30)? For the words follow: They rebelled against the counsel of the Lord through pride, as in Psalm 105:11. They did not understand divine righteousness and sought to establish their own (Romans 10:3), hardening themselves against the counsel of the Most High. Their hearts became fatigued under the weight of their labor, as expressed in Psalm 105:12. Now, contend against cravings; while God assists you, contention may be possible, yet victory will remain elusive. When oppressive wickedness overwhelms you, your heart will be battered under labor. With humbled hearts, you will learn to cry out, O wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? (Romans 7:24). Upon their deliverance, they will proclaim the Lord's mercy. Likewise, when they cried out to the Lord in their anguish, He rescued them from their distress, as mentioned in Psalm 105:13. They were liberating from further temptation. What was His response to their plight? He delivered them from darkness and the shadow of death, breaking their fetters, as noted in Psalm 105:14. Let them declare to the Lord His mercies and wonders among humankind, as stated in Psalm 105:15. What struggles did He overcome? He smashed the gates of bronze and shattered the iron bars, as in Psalm 105:16. He guided them away from sinful paths; their humiliation stemmed from their unrighteous actions, as referenced in Psalm 105:17. They honored themselves while disregarding God, relying on their self-proclaimed righteousness without knowing God’s true righteousness, resulting in their disgrace. They realized their helplessness when relying solely upon their strength.
Their souls loathed all sustenance, as stated in Psalm 105:18. They were afflicted by an overabundance, weary of excess, illustrating the danger of gluttony. Rather than perishing from want, they were at risk from their surfeit. Take note of the subsequent events: when it says, "Their soul abhorred all food," it indicates not freedom from dangers but rather a peril that leads to demise. What is left? Even when the Word of God is delightful, we must guard against complacency, lest we develop pride and contempt for those ensnared by excess. When they cried to the Lord amidst their troubles, he delivered them from their affliction, as noted in Psalm 105:19. Discontent proved to be a sickness, prompting Him to send His Word and heal them (Psalm 106:20). Observe the malevolence of excess; recognize how He rescues those who cry out, those who despise mundane sustenance. He sent His Word and healed them, liberating them; not merely from wandering, hunger, or the burdens of sin, but from their own corruption. A disdain for what is good reflects a corrupted mindset. In response to every good thing, let them acknowledge the Lord's mercies and His wonders toward humanity, as captured in Psalm 105:21. Therefore, let them offer a sacrifice of praise, as in Psalm 105:22. They are called to rejoice in the Lord’s sweetness, proclaiming His deeds with joy—not with fatigue, sorrow, anxiety, or disgust, but with rejoicing.
They who traverse the seas in ships, laboring amidst troubled waters, as noted in Psalm 105:23—this signifies the engagement with many nations. This notion aligns with the revelation given to John, where he inquired about the waters, and was told they represent nations. Thus, those who embark upon tumultuous waters have witnessed the works of the Lord and His wonders therein, as noted in Psalm 105:24. What could be deeper than human hearts? Often from here arise tempests of rebellion and strife that disturb the vessel. What unfolds among them? God, urging both leaders and those being led to call on Him, spoke, calming the stormy wind, as articulated in Psalm 106:25. What does it mean that the wind stood still? It indicates a pause, as all troubled elements remained agitated, and tumult dwindled. He spoke, and the tumult calmed. What happened next? They rose to heaven; they plunged to the depths, as stated in Psalm 105:26, filled with dread. Their souls were seized by despair. Those grasping the helm, those genuinely devoted to their vessel, understand this condition well. In moments of speech, reading, or interpretation, they may appear wise. Alas for the storm! All their wisdom was swallowed up. At times, all human guidance fails; no matter where they turn, the waves crash, tempests rage, hands grow powerless; what wave will strike, where will their vessel be exposed, how best to steer through perilous rocks—pilots cannot perceive the way. What outcome continues from here? Consequently, they cried out to the Lord in their distress, and He delivered them from their calamities, as cited in Psalm 105:28. He commanded the storm, and tranquility ensued (Psalm 105:29); His waves subsided. Attend to the voice of the helmsman, once in danger, now rescued. “I would not, dear brethren, conceal from you our struggle in Asia, where we were burdened excessively, beyond strength, so that we despaired even of life itself,” as noted in 2 Corinthians 1:8.
They rejoiced when calm was restored, for He guided them to their desired haven, as depicted in Psalm 105:30. Let all men proclaim His mercies and remarkable deeds to humanity, as expressed in Psalm 105:31. In every instance, let not our merits, strength, or wisdom take precedence; instead, let the Lord's mercies be exalted in our conversations. Let Him be treasured in every deliverance, invoked in every adversarial circumstance. Let us elevate Him in the congregation of the people and extol Him in the company of elders, as depicted in Psalm 106:32. Let the nations and elders, merchants and helmsmen, all lift Him up. What has He accomplished in this assembly? What has He established? From what trials has He rescued us? What has He freely given? He resisted the haughty and bestowed grace upon the humble, as indicated in James 4:6.