Psalm 107 (106):22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

We may sing "Alleluia" on certain occasions, but our hearts always resonate with this praise daily. If "Alleluia" signifies the worship of God, it transcends mere verbal expression, firmly rooted in the heart. The repetition of "Hallelujah" in this psalm, as in the first, is noteworthy and reflects a tradition sung by the people of Israel, now embraced by the universal Church across all nations. The double invocation of "Hallelujah" reminds us of our relationship with God as we call out, "Abba, Father," emphasizing that both terms refer to the singular divine Father. The Apostle Paul affirms this, stating, "in whom we cry, Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15), highlighting our intricate connection through Christ, our Cornerstone.

Let us acknowledge the Lord's goodness, as His mercy endures forever (Psalm 105:1). When we profess His sweetness, we do so because we have tasted and experienced it ourselves. Those who have not engaged with this goodness cannot genuinely proclaim it, as they lack personal knowledge of its sweetness. However, for those who have savored the Lord's graciousness (1 Peter 2:3), let them openly declare His sweetness. His mercy is eternal, as indicated by the Greek term εἰς αἰῶνα, which underscores its everlasting nature. God's mercy lasts beyond any temporal bounds, for He desires that humanity dwells with the angels eternally.

Let the redeemed of the Lord speak out, those who have been rescued from their adversaries (Psalm 105:2). Indeed, while Israel was saved from Egypt, from bondage and toil, we must discern who these redeemed truly are. They are those He has rescued—those redeemed from the hands of their foes, including Egypt. This psalm is to be sung by those gathered from various regions; they are the people of God led from the vastness of Egypt as if passing through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:22), where, through Baptism sanctified by Christ's blood, they find liberation from sin.

Their wandering in the wilderness, with neither food nor water, resulted in deep distress (Psalm 105:4). In their misery, their souls were burdened (Psalm 106:5). This weariness serves a purpose; it allows them to call upon the Lord in their affliction. Upon doing so, they cried out, and He responded, guiding them on a straight path (Psalm 106:7). Though they roamed and experienced thirst, He led them toward the city of refuge. Though the specifics of how He satisfied their hunger and thirst remain less explicit, we are encouraged to proclaim His mercies and wonders (Psalm 105:8). Those who have experienced His goodness should share these truths with others still on their journey, encouraging them to seek the city of God, now free from want. He fills the hungry soul with good things (Psalm 105:9).

Those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, burdened by poverty and heavy chains (Psalm 105:10), may be there because they have relied on their own understanding instead of embracing divine grace. They rebelled against God's word, blinded by pride (Psalm 105:11), longing for their own righteousness rather than understanding God's righteousness (Romans 10:3). This leads to weariness in vain pursuits (Psalm 105:12). If one is to confront temptation and struggles without God's aid, victory will be elusive; this can lead to a despairing acknowledgment of one's condition, "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from the body of this death?" (Romans 7:24). Yet, upon deliverance, one will proclaim the Lord's mercy. In their distress, they cried out to Him, and He rescued them from their troubles (Psalm 105:13). In their circumstances, they found liberation, breaking free from darkness and oppression (Psalm 105:14), deserving praise for His mercies and wondrous deeds (Psalm 105:15). What adversities did He overcome? He shattered barriers and led the humble away from iniquity (Psalm 105:16). Those who were proud in their own stature fell low while the humble found grace.

Their souls grew weary, rejecting all nourishment (Psalm 105:18). This malnourishment poses a severe risk, more detrimental than physical hunger. The psalm emphasizes that even those who find pleasure in God’s Word must not become complacent, nor should they disdain the hungry. When afflicted, they cried to the Lord, who sent His Word and healed them (Psalm 106:20). Witness the danger in excess, as this rejection of God's provisions signals a corruption of the mind. Let all express their gratitude for God's mercies and proclaim His wonders (Psalm 105:21), offering sacrifices of praise (Psalm 105:22) with hearts brimming with joy.

They who traverse the seas, laboring amidst the tumultuous waters (Psalm 105:23) reflect the church's journey across nations distressed by storms of rebellion and chaos. For as the book of Revelation shows, "these waters are the nations." Our Lord, wishing all to call upon Him, commanded the storm, silencing it (Psalm 106:25). The storms of life can overwhelm even the wisest, but in facing their trials, the sailors recognized His power. Even when inundated by despair, they turned to the Lord, and He calmed their troubles (Psalm 105:19). Through His command, the storm ceased, revealing the woman's voice who had cried out, “We were burdened beyond measure, so that we despaired even of life” (2 Corinthians 1:8). This stillness brought them joy when He guided them safely to their desired haven (Psalm 105:30). Let all proclaim His mercies and miracles to humanity (Psalm 105:31), acknowledging that it is His grace, not our own efforts or wisdom, that delivers us.

All should extol Him in the congregational assembly and praise Him among the elders (Psalm 106:32). The nations, the elderly, the merchants, and the mariners each have much for which to celebrate Him. What has He accomplished among them? What has He established? What deliverance has He provided? His opposition to pride while bestowing grace upon the humble (James 4:6) particularly reflects the first nation of Judah, bolstered by their heritage yet puffed up by pride due to their divine calling (Romans 3:2). Rather than nurture the righteous, this pride led to isolation from God's grace. The rivers once flowed, yet now He has made them desolate (Psalm 105:33). Today, the thirst for prophecy remains among the Jews; they no longer inhabit a land of flourishing covenant.

In His mercy, He transformed desolation into abundance, restoring the dry lands into streams (Psalm 105:35), blessing them with nourishment and leading them to hunger for righteousness (Psalm 105:36). As one who strives for true sacrifice, one must seek it in His order, not seeking the temporary offerings of the past, which are of no value in such a time. The faithful throughout the ages have sown and reaped the bounty of His kindness (Psalm 106:37). He blessed them abundantly, and their livestock thrived (Psalm 105:38). His foundation, firm and steadfast, ensures those who belong to Him are safeguarded (2 Timothy 2:19).

As time progresses, those who find themselves overwhelmed may feel diminished (Psalm 105:39), not from outside forces but due to internal strife. Some may depart, but genuine faith remains where God's Spirit leads. Identifying the self-serving inclinations as the root of disappointment, they must instead seek the true call of divine love amid difficult times. Despite their arrogance, they may diminish; unity in Christ is paramount, while division leads to isolation and sorrow. When those in authority are scorned, they endure the loss of their bonds with the faithful (Psalm 105:40). The proud are cast aside, while the humble receive God’s compassion and support.

The poor whom He aids are akin to a household of sheep, their collective identity forming many congregations united in faith. The righteous behold this collective truth and rejoice as the wicked remain silenced (Psalm 106:42). Opposition to unity will ultimately be judged.

Who is wise among us? Let them reflect on these realities and grasp the unwavering mercy of the Lord (Psalm 105:43)—not relying on one’s merits, strength, or abilities, but recognizing God's sustaining grace, which restores and nourishes when one is lost or burdened. The righteous observe these truths and find joy, while all malice is silenced in light of His faithfulness.

Chrysostom articulates that no longer do we offer bulls and sheep, but rather sacrifices of praise as demanded by the prophet. These previous offerings were of no real value, thus a new, spiritual worship emerges, shining from above. Athanasius remarks that this message is directed towards the holy apostles, who have imparted to us the mysteries of the new covenant. Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of proclaiming God's Providence with joy and gladness.

Divine Isidore identifies the God-bearing apostles as those who once engaged in worldly fishing but were called to something greater. The stirring waters symbolize the unpredictable nature of human endeavors, likened to the tumult of life's challenges. The apostles, sent by the Savior to spread the Gospel, ventured into the sea of human existence, using their bodies as vessels or, more aptly, their established churches where they gathered those they had drawn in and accomplished many deeds for the salvation of those swept away by life's tempests. St. Basil suggests that the ships laboring against the waves represent bodies weighed down by excess and indulgence, navigating through the perils of destruction. In contrast, those praised are the bodies dedicated to serving those who embark on the wave-tossed sea, as they transcend worldly concerns to engage in divine works. Their mission is to plunge into the sea of life to rescue the perishing. As a result, they witness the Lord's deeds and are rewarded with an understanding of His wonders in the depths of existence.

Nyssa points out the folly of humanity, noting that many abandon a peaceful existence to take perilous journeys at sea, neglecting to cultivate the paradise they were originally offered. In this sense, "the sea" symbolizes a life burdened by countless distractions, subject to the tempests of temptation. Yet David proclaims that even in worldly tribulations and the frequent wrecks of the soul, they have witnessed the works of Him who rescues us from the brink of despair.

w Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Continuing on, He encountered two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John, in a boat with their father mending their nets, and He called them as well (Matt. 4:18-19, 21). These psalm words pertain to the apostles. Responding to the query of who they are, the prophet observed, "going in ships to the sea," and thus the prophecy was fulfilled in its entirety. Indeed, while the disciples of our Lord were sailing with Him, "there was a great commotion on the sea," as recorded by the Evangelist, "so that the boat was covered with waves"; they then approached Him, saying, "Lord, save us; we are perishing." He arose, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm (Matthew 8:24-26): this exemplifies witnessing "the works of the Lord and His wonders in the deep."

Just as the worship of God in that era was primarily expressed through sacrifices, the Prophet holds accountable those who, after being rescued from hardship or illness, fail to verbalize their gratitude and neglect to celebrate God’s wondrous deeds with joy.

In the shadows of demonic idolatry, they fail to recognize the light of true Christ the Lord. Lack of poverty signifies a deprivation of God's grace, while bondage reflects the harshness of sin. God's commandments serve as guidance, urging believers not to bow down to idols.