Psalm 107 (106):21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This psalm highlights the mercies of God that have been personally experienced, making its message particularly meaningful to those who have endured hardship. It raises the question of who can truly find joy in its verses, except those who have been taught through their struggles. It wasn't penned for just a few individuals, but for the community of God, serving as a reflection for them to recognize themselves. The title speaks clearly—Hallelujah—and it presents a rich tradition within our worship, sung at specific times for a sacred purpose. Though we may sing Alleluia on particular occasions, we should keep this praise in our hearts every day. If this term signifies God's praise, then it is no less than a constant, heartfelt acknowledgment. The double mention of Hallelujah in this psalm is not unique, as it also appears in earlier texts. The original Israelite community sang it, and it continues to resonate within the universal Church around the globe. Perhaps there's significance in the repetition of Alleluia, as we too cry out "Abba, Father," recognizing that our relationship with God is both intimate and profound.

Let us acknowledge before the Lord His sweetness, as we are recipients of His mercy. As described in Psalm 105:1, we proclaim His goodness, especially if we have truly tasted His kindness. For those who have not chosen to experience God's goodness cannot speak to its sweetness. If you have experienced the Lord's delight, as articulated in 1 Peter 2:3, declare this truth in the presence of God. His mercy is everlasting. The term rendered ‘and’ in this context signifies what is understood in Greek as εἰς αἰῶνα, conveying an unending nature. His mercy is not fleeting; its purpose is to lead humanity to eternal fellowship with the angels.

Let the redeemed of the Lord rejoice, those He has rescued from the grip of their foes, as noted in Psalm 105:2. The Israelites were indeed liberated from Egypt, escaping a harsh existence marked by bondage and labor, but we should consider who truly knows this deliverance. They are the ones He has redeemed. Let us express their identity clearly, for whom this Psalm is intended. God has assembled His people from various lands, perhaps even from Egypt itself, witnessing many regions encapsulated in a single province. He calls from the east and from the west, the north and the sea, as conveyed in Psalm 105:3. Thus, we recognize the redeemed across the entirety of the earth. This people, freed from the vastness of spiritual Egypt, are led, akin to passing through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:22), that through Baptism they might find an end to their adversities. It is through the sacrament of Baptism, sanctified by the blood of Christ, that the sins represented by the oppressive Egyptians are cleansed.

The events of old serve as shadows pointing to our growth and instruction, as the culmination of the ages draws near (1 Corinthians 10:11). They traversed a barren wilderness, devoid of direction and shelter, as depicted in Psalms 105:4. During their anguished journey, they suffered from hunger and thirst, leading their souls to grow weary (Psalm 106:5). But why did their spirits falter? Not out of divine cruelty, but rather so God might reveal His goodness, showing Himself as a compassionate source to those in despair while guiding them toward His love. After encountering hardship, hunger, and thirst, the people cried out to the Lord in their suffering, and He delivered them from their trials (Psalm 105:6). What was His response during their wandering? He guided them along straight paths (Psalm 106:7). Although they sought a destination in vain, tired from lack of nourishment and drink, He led them toward a city of refuge. While we may wonder how He alleviated their hunger, we are prompted to celebrate His mercies and marvelous deeds (Psalm 105:8). Those who have wandered may share their newfound understanding with the inexperienced, guiding them in their quest for the city, having finally been freed from cravings for worldly sustenance. For the Lord satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry heart with goodness (Psalm 105:9).

There are those who dwell in darkness under the shadow of death, burdened by poverty and the chains of oppression (Psalm 105:10). Is this a result of their own actions? Have they not received the grace of God? Have they, in pride, dismissed His counsel (Luke 7:30)? Witness the outcome: they rebelled against God's word due to arrogance (Psalm 105:11), ignorant of His righteousness as they sought to establish their own (Romans 10:3). Their hearts grew weary under labor (Psalm 105:12). Striving against sinful desires leads only to despair; if divine aid withdraws, one may be capable of a battle but unable to secure victory. When burdened by wrongdoing, a person's heart becomes overwhelmed by toil, revealing the cry of desperation, "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:24). Upon liberation, they shall proclaim the graciousness of the Lord. They cried out to the Lord in distress, and He rescued them from their turmoil (Psalm 105:13). Having escaped their trials, they were met with weariness and discontent; yet, let us first reflect on the rescue He provided: He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, breaking their chains (Psalm 105:14). They should give thanks to the Lord for His mercies and His wonders among people (Psalm 105:15). Why should they do this? Because He obliterated the gates of bronze and shattered the iron bars (Psalm 105:16). He turned them away from their paths of wickedness because their unrighteousness led them to humiliation (Psalm 105:17). In favoring their own pride over God's glory, many found themselves at a loss for help.

Their souls loathed all nourishment (Psalm 105:18). They were afflicted by excess; suffering from overindulgence caused great peril, and while one may believe starvation might bring death, so too could gluttony. Attentively consider their lament: "Their soul abhorred all food,” an indictment against complacency that can lead one to perish. What, then, remains? Even when the Word of God is sweet to you, do not turn this grace inwardly in pride, nor let a hunger for what is pleasant lead to disdain for the destitute. They called out to the Lord amidst their affliction, and He healed them with His Word (Psalm 106:20). Observe the dangers posed by excess; see how He rescues the one who despises the very thing that nurtures them. He sent His Word and restored them, freeing them not merely from wandering, hunger, or the struggle against sin, but from moral decay. To disdain good things reveals a degradation of spirit. Therefore, let them, regarding this act of mercy among all others, confess to the Lord His kindness and majesty before all (Psalm 105:21). Let them offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving (Psalm 105:22). For the Lord's goodness compels them to sing, proclaiming His works with joy—not from weariness, sadness, anxiety, or disgust, but with true elation.

Those who navigate the tumult of the sea through vessels, engaging in their labor amidst upheaval (Psalm 105:23), encounter a representation of nations in turmoil. The depths of the waters reflect the struggles of peoples, as confirmed by the Revelation of John, where he learned, "These waters are the nations." Those who toil upon these treacherous waters have witnessed the works of the Lord and His marvels in the deep (Psalm 105:24). What could be deeper than human hearts? It is from this depth that fierce winds arise; storms of rebellion and discord toss their ships to and fro. Yet, God, desiring that leaders and followers alike call upon Him, uttered a command, and the tempest ceased (Psalm 106:25). What does it mean that it “stood”? It signifies a prolonged disturbance, a tempest not abating. He utters His command, and the chaos gives way. The winds and waves, once tumultuous, calm in His presence. The essence of the helmsman in peril speaks clearly: "I would not have you unaware, brethren, of the tribulations we faced in Asia, where we felt burdened beyond measure—I see how all wisdom was swallowed up—so that we despaired even of life" (2 Corinthians 1:8). They rejoiced at finding peace, for He brought them safely to their desired haven (Psalm 105:30). Let all His mercies and miracles be acknowledged among the children of men (Psalm 105:31). In every instance, let us forsake reliance on our own merits, strength, or wisdom, but rather celebrate the compassion of the Lord. Let us love Him in our rescues, calling upon Him in our trials.

As we gather, let them exalt Him among the congregation and glorify Him in the presence of elders (Psalm 106:32). Let nations and leaders, merchants and sailors raise their voices in praise. What has He accomplished among His people? What has He established? From what adversities has He saved them? What blessings has He poured out? He has opposed the proud and bestowed favor upon the humble (James 4:6). The proud, represented by those from Judah, who boast in their heritage and claim to possess the oracles of God (Romans 3:2), found that such privilege was their downfall. Whereas, God countered their pride by grafting in the humble from among the Gentiles to bring forth His grace. He struck the rivers barren (Psalm 105:33) where once hope flowed, and joy turned to thirst among His people; look for a prophet amongst the Jews, and you shall find none. The waters now run dry, leaving a thirst unquenched. Behold, “There is no more prophet, no divine knowledge,” and yet fertile lands are turned to salt pools (Psalm 105:34). Seek faith in Christ, and none will find it. Seek sacrifice, and it is absent. Seek holiness, and it has departed—why? Due to the wickedness of those in the land. Witness how He challenges the proud and offers grace to the humble. Observe how the wilderness becomes a bustling oasis, and barren lands burst forth with streams (Psalm 105:35). The famished find refuge; here dwells the fulfillment of the promise, as God has declared, "Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." Seek sacrificial offerings among the Jews, and you shall find none fulfilled within their tradition; for the true sacrifice resounds throughout the world. From dawn to dusk, His name is lifted up in glory.

They cultivated fields and tended vineyards, reaping an abundance (Psalm 106:37). What joy does the laborer find, knowing he seeks not just a gift, but the fruit of his toil (Philippians 4:17). He brought them blessings, multiplying their harvests whilst their livestock flourished (Psalm 105:38). This foundation holds steadfast; the Lord knows His own (2 Timothy 2:19). The pack animals and herds symbolize those who diligently walk among the faithful—useful though perhaps lacking in knowledge, yet rich in faith. Thus, whether in spirit or in the flesh, He granted them favor.

It is important to examine why this psalm repeatedly emphasizes, “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His steadfast love and His miraculous deeds to the children of men. For He has satisfied the thirsty soul” (Psalm 106:8-9). Following this, it states, “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His steadfast love and His miraculous deeds to the children of men, for He has crushed the gates of bronze” (Psalm 106:15-16). Furthermore, the same theme is reiterated (Psalm 106:21): a diligent reader will discover this. Some believe it is mentioned as many as four times, indicating that the gifts of the Trinity may be encapsulated within the Gospels.

In light of these matters, the Prophet proclaims that it is right for us to give glory to God, our loving Creator, who has immeasurably extended His grace and provided us with astonishing deliverance. Our experience of God's wonders is not meant for us alone; we are called to share this knowledge with those who are unaware and encourage all to lift their voices in song. It is important to recognize that the Prophet emphasizes the necessity of presenting a sacrifice of praise to God rather than offering a silent or empty tribute. This further illustrates a rejection of the rituals of the law. Additionally, Aquila referred to the sacrifice of praise as a sacrifice of thanksgiving.

In this passage, the Prophet emphasizes that he addresses not mere trivial matters but serious afflictions that overshadow human existence. He juxtaposes divine assistance with all human treatments, highlighting the notion that true life originates solely from the power of God; no earthly physician can even remotely measure up to His authority. Moreover, the nature of divine healing is significant; God does not merely cure ailments with a simple utterance or decree, but He also vanquishes death itself. The Prophet reveals that this divine grace is offered not just to the faithful but also to those who are scornful and ungrateful. What is the purpose of this grace? It is that they might acknowledge His mercies before the Lord and proclaim His wonders to humanity.

The prophet exalts the Almighty God with joyous triumph for His innumerable blessings, which He has graciously bestowed upon the Jewish people, rescuing them from every affliction and distress through His abundant mercy. This is especially true for those who believe in Christ the Lord, who desires salvation for all humanity and seeks for them to embrace the truth and receive eternal victory. The righteous are sustained forever by God's mercy, having been redeemed by Christ the Savior from sin and death. From all around the globe, people come together in a unified faith in the true God, Christ, forming one holy Church. The Body and Blood of Christ satisfy the spiritual hunger of the faithful. In the shadows of idolatrous darkness, many remain blind to the light of the true Christ the Lord. Poverty signifies a lack of God's grace, while the bonds of sin represent the harshness of bondage. God's words are His commandments, and His counsel is to refrain from worshiping idols.