THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
This psalm highlights the steadfast mercies of God, which resonate deeply with those who have personally experienced His faithfulness. It is indeed rare for someone to find joy in this psalm unless they have learned through personal trials. Importantly, this psalm is intended not for just a few individuals, but for the entire people of God, presenting a reflection of themselves like a mirror. The title of the psalm is straightforward—it is Hallelujah, repeated for emphasis. Our tradition includes singing it during specific times in our worship, and its sacred significance is underscored by our observance on certain days. While we sing Alleluia on certain occasions, we are reminded of it daily, for this expression signifies our praise to God. Even if the praise is not voiced audibly, it certainly rings in our hearts. The repetition of Hallelujah in the title is not unique to this psalm; it appears similarly in another. It is a song that originated with the Israelites and has been sung by the Church across the globe. Perhaps the double Alleluia reflects our prayers to Abba, Father, for in this title, Abba signifies Father. This aligns with what the Apostle Paul conveyed when he wrote of our call to cry out Abba, Father; Romans 8:15, as both the Jew and the Gentile can unite in calling out to Him, recognizing that our cornerstone has made us one.
Let them proclaim to the Lord that He is good, for you are enveloped in His mercy, Psalm 105:1. In this declaration, you affirm His sweetness: if you have truly experienced it, confess it. However, one who has not embraced this sweetness cannot genuinely proclaim it, for how can they affirm the goodness of something unfamiliar? Yet, if you have savored the Lord’s goodness, 1 Peter 2:3, offer your confession. Proceed to testify of His everlasting mercy. The word 'for ever' here translates the Greek concept of εἰς αἰῶνα, which signifies an eternity that extends beyond mere moments. His mercy is not fleeting; it is eternal, meant to secure a dwelling with the angels eternally.
Let the redeemed of the Lord declare how He has delivered them from the hand of their adversaries, Psalm 105:2. Indeed, while the Israelites were freed from Egypt, their burdens of bondage, to recognize if those who boast are genuinely liberated by the Lord’s hand. Yet, the acknowledgment pertains to all those whom He has redeemed from their enemies, including the Egyptians. Let it be made clear who this psalm speaks of; it is for the gathered people from the lands, perhaps even the diverse regions of Egypt, for one province encompasses many territories. He called them together from the east and the west, from the north and the sea, Psalm 105:3, elucidating that the redemption encompasses the entire globe. The people of God, liberated from vast Egypt, are guided as through the Red Sea, Exodus 14:22, leading to their baptism, where they conquer their enemies through Christ’s blood. This experience foreshadows our own deliverance, as it was recorded for our instruction, for we are the ones on whom the end of the ages has come. 1 Corinthians 10:11.
They wandered through desolate wilderness, unable to find a city to call home, Psalm 105:4. We have heard of their miseries; what of their needs? Hungry and thirsty, their souls languished within them, Psalm 106:5. But what caused their despair? Not because God is unkind, but rather manifesting Himself through kindness, so that they might appeal to Him in their fatigue and be loved in their deliverance. Thus, after their wanderings, hunger, and thirst, they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He rescued them from their distress, Psalm 105:6. And what did He achieve amidst their wandering? He guided them along a straight path, Psalm 106:7. Although they sought a city but found none, weary from life’s burdens, He led them correctly so they could enter a dwelling place. Although the specifics of how He met their needs are not recounted, it was expected that they would testify of His mercies and wonders before men, Psalm 105:8. Let those who have tasted His faithfulness share with those who have yet to experience His grace; those who have already embarked on this journey toward the city, finally liberated from hunger and thirst. He satisfied the longing soul and filled the hungry heart with good things, Psalm 105:9.
Those imprisoned in darkness and the shadow of death, trapped by poverty, Psalm 105:10. Is it not from attributing their plight to themselves? Lacking the grace of God and rejecting His guidance, they turned away from the Lord (Luke 7:30)? Indeed, they rebelled against the word of the Lord out of pride, Psalm 105:11, failing to recognize the righteousness of God while seeking their own, Romans 10:3. Their hearts became weary through labor, Psalm 105:12. Now, strive against temptation; if God withdraws His help, you might feign resistance, but victory eludes you. When sin weighs heavily upon you, your heart will be shattered, leading you to humbly cry out, O wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Romans 7:24. Having been rescued, you will extol the Lord’s mercy. They cried to the Lord in their turmoil, and He delivered them from their troubles, Psalm 105:13. He liberated them from deeper trials. What remains is weariness and disgust. Firstly, observe what He brought them from; He led them out of darkness and shadow and shattered their chains, Psalm 105:14. Let them offer thanksgiving for His wonders and mercies to mankind, Psalm 105:15. For He dismantled strongholds and fortified their freedom, Psalm 105:16. Thus shall we acknowledge our vulnerabilities, recognizing that without His intervention, we stand powerless in our own righteousness, Romans 10:3.
Their souls found no delight in food when lust consumed them, Psalm 105:18. Here lies the danger of excess. They became weary not from deprivation but from abundance. Note what follows: When their souls loathed all nourishment, it serves as a warning against complacency; do not fall into self-satisfaction, nor with arrogance dismiss those ensnared by excess. They cried to the Lord in their misfortune, and He delivered them from their despair, Psalm 105:19. Discontent became a sickness, compelling Him to send His Word and heal them, Psalm 106:20. Observe the perils associated with indulgence; comprehend from whence He rescues those who cry out against such corruption. He sent His Word and restored them, not merely pulling them from wanderings, hunger, or sin’s grasp but from their decay. To detest bountiful gifts represents a mental corruption. Therefore, let them offer thanks for His mercies and witness His wonders to all people, Psalm 105:21. Moreover, let them present a sacrifice of praise, Psalm 105:22, singing joyfully of His works, unfettered by weariness or sorrow but rejoicing.
Those who traverse the seas in ships, engaging with tumultuous waters, Psalm 105:23, face challenges amid the chaos of nations. The metaphorical waters often represent peoples, as illustrated in John’s Revelation, where he was told that the waters are nations. Thus, those who navigate through such peril have witnessed the Lord's deeds and wonders in profound depths, Psalm 105:24. For what depths of human hearts can compare? Sometimes tempests of rebellion and discord threaten to capsize the vessel. Yet God, wishing for leaders and followers alike to call upon Him, spoke, and the wind was stilled, Psalm 106:25. The storm did not simply cease but remained fiercely turbulent until His command led it to peace. The directness of His command stands as necessary in times of peril, so that the heart grows despondent in affliction, Psalm 105:27, and those at the helm experience these trials firsthand. Indeed, when they offer their wisdom, tempests mock their understanding. Woe to that storm! They often find their guidance ineffectual; wherever one turns, the waves continue to roar, and tempests rage, leaving the crew without recourse, helpless against imminent peril. All that remains is what follows: They cried out to the Lord when overwhelmed, and He saved them from their calamities, Psalm 105:28. He ordered the storm, and it became calm, Psalm 105:29, and the raging waves stilled. Hear the testimony of the soul saved from destruction, for I would not have you remain unaware, brothers, of our struggles in Asia, feeling completely crushed beyond our strength and despairing of life itself, 2 Corinthians 1:8. They rejoiced, having been led to safety, grateful, Psalm 105:30. Let the thankful declare the Lord’s mercies and wonders to many, Psalm 105:31, turning the focus away from self-reliance and wisdom to instead glorify His mercy in our deliverance.
Let them extol Him in the assembly of His people, praising Him in the congregation of elders, Psalm 106:32. Let all exalt Him—nations and rulers, merchants and those who navigate the seas. Consider what He accomplished within this gathering; from what lack did He redeem it? What blessings did He bestow? How did He challenge pride while extending grace to the humble? James 4:6. The proud, representing the exalted lineage of Judah, boastful in being descendants of Abraham, were entrusted with the oracles of God, Romans 3:2. But rather than humility, their calling birthed arrogance and self-exaltation. Thus, God opposed the proud and favored the meek, severing the natural branches due to their arrogance while incorporating the humble wild olive onto the tree of faith. He turned flourishing riverbanks into a wilderness, Psalm 105:33. Now, there are no prophets among the Jewish people; again, the waters that promised life run dry. They cry lamentations—now, there are no more prophets, for the Lord no longer knows us as a people. The fertile lands have become salinified, Psalm 105:34. Whenever one seeks Christ’s faith, a prophet, or sacrifice, they find none due to the iniquity of the land's inhabitants. Observe how the Lord stifles pride while blessing the humble; He transformed the wilderness into springs of water and dry land into crops of abundance, Psalm 105:35. Here, the hungry dwell, Psalm 105:36, as the true Priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek, awaits. You seek the sacrificial offerings among the Jews, but you will find nothing in line with Aaron's order. Seek the order of Melchizedek; it flourishes in the Church throughout the world. From dawn until dusk, honor fills the earth.
They cultivated the fields, planted vineyards, and reaped bountiful harvests, Psalm 106:37. The one who toils does not labor solely for the gift but for the fruit, Philippians 4:17. He blessed them, and they multiplied greatly, with their herds thriving, Psalm 105:38. This endures—for God's foundation remains solid; the Lord knows His own, 2 Timothy 2:19. The creatures of burden and livestock symbolize those who walk simply within the Church, yet are still useful; not deeply learned but rich in faith. Thus, whether spiritually or materially, He blessed them.