THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
This psalm extols the mercies of God that have been personally experienced, making it all the more poignant for those who have felt His grace. It raises the question of whether anyone can truly appreciate the sentiments expressed within it without having been shaped by their own experiences. Not meant for a select few, this psalm speaks to the entire community of believers, inviting them to see themselves reflected within its verses. The title is straightforward: Hallelujah, and once more, Hallelujah. It has become customary for us to sing it during significant times in our worship, adhering to the enduring tradition of the Church; its sacred significance is highlighted on certain days. While we might sing Alleluia at various moments, we hold the thought of it in our hearts daily. If this term embodies the praise of God, it resides not solely on our lips but deeply within our souls. Truly, His praise is ever present in my heart. The repetition of Hallelujah in this psalm is notable, as it echoes the first instance, which has been a hymn of the Israelite community, now resonating throughout the universal Church. Perhaps the repetition reflects our call of Abba, Father; for Abba denotes the Father, as the Apostle affirmed in Romans 8:15, revealing how one wall cries out ‘Abba’ while another proclaims ‘Father’, united in the Cornerstone, our Savior, who reconciles all.
Let all proclaim the sweetness of the Lord, for you dwell in His mercy (Psalm 105:1). In acknowledging His sweetness, you must have tasted it yourselves; only the one who has chosen this sweetness can confess it. Yet, if you have savored the goodness of the Lord (1 Peter 2:3), declare it boldly. His mercy endures forever. In Scripture, phrases such as “to eternity” imply lasting significance, demonstrating that His mercy is eternal, allowing humanity to aspire to dwell eternally with the angels.
Let those redeemed by the Lord declare their liberation, those He has rescued from adversaries (Psalm 105:2). While the Israelites were freed from Egypt and its shackles, we must discern who truly claims this redemption. They are the ones genuinely liberated, those ushered from the hands of their oppressors, which may extend metaphorically to all forms of affliction. Let the Lord's gathering of His people from various lands be mentioned— from east to west, north to sea (Psalm 105:3)—illustrating His redemptive power across the globe. This people, freed from spiritual bondage as if passing through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:22), thus emerging victorious in Baptism, washed clean from sin through Christ’s blood. All of these events, although historical figures, serve as profound lessons written for our growth, as those upon whom the ends of the ages have come (1 Corinthians 10:11).
They wandered through desolate places, unable to find a city to call home (Psalm 105:4). We recognize the anguish of such wandering amidst a scarcity of essentials—hunger and thirst bore heavy burdens on their souls (Psalm 106:5). Yet, their despair served a purpose: God is not unkind, but rather reveals Himself in our moments of need, ready to listen to our pleas and eager to assist us. Hence, amid their strife, they cried to the Lord in their suffering, and He delivered them from their troubles (Psalm 105:6). During their aimless wandering, He gently guided them along a straight path (Psalm 106:7) toward the city where they might dwell. Though the specifics of how He alleviated their hunger and thirst are unspoken, it is evident that His mercies and wonders ought to be acknowledged (Psalm 105:8). Share this knowledge, you whose experiences have amassed wisdom, with those who are yet unlearned—those who have begun their journeys and now seek the city, freed from the pangs of hunger and thirst, as He nourishes and fills the souls of the starving (Psalm 105:9).
Those dwelling in darkness, in the shadow of death, bound by their poverty and chains (Psalm 105:10)—is this not a consequence of their own choices, of neglecting the grace of God? They have dismissed the divine counsel offered to them (Luke 7:30). For as Scripture continues, they rebelled against the Lord’s words out of arrogance (Psalm 105:11), failing to grasp the righteousness of God while pursuing their own, hardening themselves against the counsel of the Most High. Their hearts grew weary in toil (Psalm 105:12). Struggling against temptation seems feasible if God holds back His help, yet such a struggle leads to despair. As one battles sinful desire, the heart breaks under the weight of wrongdoing, prompting a humble cry: O wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? (Romans 7:24). Once delivered, you shall indeed proclaim the Lord's mercy. They cried to the Lord in their anguish and received His rescue from their turmoil (Psalm 105:13). He liberated them from spiritual trials, and though weariness may linger, consider what He has done—they were drawn from darkness and the shadow of death, their chains broken (Psalm 105:14). Let them honor the Lord by declaring His mercies and wonders to mankind (Psalm 105:15).
What adversities did He conquer? He shattered gates of bronze, and iron bars withstood Him not (Psalm 105:16). Leading them from a path of wickedness, their downfall stemmed from an insistent pride (Psalm 105:17). In seeking their own honor rather than God's, they became humbled. They recognized their helplessness without His intervention, relying solely on their strength.
Their souls loathed all sustenance (Psalm 105:18); they were fatigued by excess. Consider, however, the dangers of fullness—there lies peril in excess as much as in deprivation. So when you read that their souls loathed food, understand that even those satisfied can fall victim to spiritual neglect and arrogance. They cried out to the Lord in their distress, and He delivered them out of their sorrow (Psalm 105:19). To remedy their discontent, He sent His Word, healing their afflictions (Psalm 106:20). What misery exists in excess! Recognize His deliverance for those who have turned to Him amid their shame, who have repented from their corrupt desires. Affected by a disordered appetite, they are called to acknowledge the goodness of the Lord and proclaim His wonders (Psalm 105:21). Let them offer sacrifices of praise (Psalm 105:22), rejoicing in His sweetness, echoing His accomplishments joyously—not with sorrow, worry, or disdain, but with joy.
Those engaging in the sea's tumult, navigating through troubled waters (Psalm 105:23)—simultaneously representing diverse nations. The association of waters with nations is evident from John's Revelation, explaining, “These waters are the nations.” Those laboring upon the mighty seas witness God’s works and wonders in deep waters (Psalm 105:24). What is more profound than human hearts? Oftentimes, storms of rebellion disturb their vessels. In seeking help, God desires that governors and the governed alike turn their hearts toward Him; thus He spoke, and the winds of the storm stilled (Psalm 106:25). The tempest had abated, allowing them to ascend to heights or descend into depths (Psalm 105:26) amid grave fear. Their souls despaired under weighty trials, tossed about like drunken men (Psalm 105:27). Those at the helm feel this opposition keenly; though they may sound wise in speech, their knowledge often succumbs to the fury of the storm. Human insight crumbles, for amid tumultuous waves and gales, helmsmen find it impossible to foresee their demise or navigate the perilous waters. Yet they called out to the Lord in their dismay, and He delivered them from their calamities (Psalm 105:28). He commanded the tempest, bringing calm to the seas (Psalm 105:29); the storm’s rage ceased. Listen to the narrative of a weary helmsman saved from despair. He does not wish to leave you uninformed about the burdens we faced in Asia, where we exceeded our strength (I see that all human wisdom was consumed), to the point where he felt wearied even unto death (2 Corinthians 1:8). They rejoiced when the raging sea calmed, for they were brought to their desired haven (Psalm 105:30). They ought to proclaim His mercies and wonders unto mankind (Psalm 105:31). Let all confess His graces in our every trial and triumph, recognizing His hand in our deliverance.
Let them extol Him in the congregation of His people, praising Him among the assembly of elders (Psalm 106:32). Let both nations and leaders, merchants and sailors exalt Him. What has He accomplished within this assembly? How has He supported it? From which adversities has He liberated it? He opposes the proud and extends grace to the humble (James 4:6). The proud, representatives of the foremost nation of Judah, holding high their lineage from Abraham and wielding the oracles of God (Romans 3:2), gained no true advantage; instead, they heightened their pride, being self-satisfied rather than aware of their true need. God opposed their arrogance, extending grace instead to those willing to submit to Him. Rivers were turned into deserts (Psalm 105:33). Where once flowed water, now dryness prevailed. Seek a prophet among the Jews, and you will find none, for they too experience thirst devoid of divine affirmation. The salt flats stand where there was once life (Psalm 105:34). Look for faith in Christ, and there is none; search for a prophet or a sacrifice, and none shall be found, not even within the temple. The reason? The wickedness of the inhabitants. See how He challenges the proud and how He favors the humble. He transforms the wilderness into pools of water, the parched ground into springs (Psalm 105:35).
In such plenty, the hungry find sustenance (Psalm 105:36)—for it is said unto Him, “You are a Priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” Thus, if sacrifice is sought among the Jews, it cannot be found in the inherited line of Aaron. Seek it in Melchizedek’s order; His legacy flourishes across the world, celebrated within the Church, where the Lord's name is exalted from dawn to dusk. They planted fields and vineyards, reaping the harvest (Psalm 106:37). What joy the laborer derives, for he seeks not only gifts but the fruits thereof (Philippians 4:17). He blessed them until they multiplied exceedingly, and their livestock thrived (Psalm 105:38). For the foundation of God remains firm; the Lord knows His own (2 Timothy 2:19). The faithful, regardless of their understanding, merit His blessings; whether they be humble or exalted, He extends His favor.
Yet they diminished and suffered (Psalm 105:39). From where does this decline arise? Not externally, but within. The cause was that they became few. They went out from us because they were not of us (1 John 2:19). He speaks of them in the same light as previously mentioned, marrying their identities with shared characteristics while also revealing their lack of genuine virtue. This is the people of God, yet, not displaying true righteousness, merely the appearance of piety. The Apostle aptly notes, “In the last days perilous times will come, for men shall love themselves” (2 Timothy 3:2). The initial failing is self-adoration, wrapped in satisfaction with one's own state. If they were truly satisfied with God, they would cry out in tribulation, invoking His deliverance. Though they conscious of their power, they dwindled. It is clear, dear brethren; those who secede from unity grow weak. Many appear to belong, yet divided from unity they falter. The multitude diminishes when separated from unity; hence, in schism and heresy, they become few. They were afflicted in grief and shame; contempt fell upon their leaders (Psalm 105:40). Rejected by the Church, they aspired to positions of power and became detestable, losing their essence, akin to salt that has lost its savor, which is then cast aside and trodden underfoot (Matthew 5:13). He directed them along paths less navigated, away from the guidance granted to others who ultimately arrive safely. Rather, these wander without direction, lost. To be "led astray" implies that they succumbed to the desires of their hearts (Romans 1:24)—for it is they who betray their own cause.