THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
This psalm extols the graciousness of God that has been personally experienced, rendering it more delightful to those who have endured trials. Wonder follows if any individual finds joy in this psalm, save for those who have learned through their own experiences. It was crafted not solely for a handful, but for the whole congregation of God's people, encouraging them to see themselves within its verses as in a reflection. The title speaks volumes, embodying the essence of Hallelujah—twice proclaimed. It is customary for us to sing this on specific occasions during our worship, aligned with the longstanding traditions of the Church, and our singing carries profound sacramental significance on those days. Although we vocalize Alleluia on certain occasions, we meditate on it daily. For if this expression represents the reverence due to God, it should echo not only from our lips but genuinely from our hearts. My praise for Him must ever be on my tongue. The repetition of Hallelujah is not unique to this psalm; it also appears in the first instance. The text demonstrates that it was sung by the Israelites and continues to be sung by the Church, which spans the globe. Perhaps the dual Alleluia serves as a reminder of our cry, Abba, Father, reflecting our intimate relationship with Him, which the Apostle notes in Romans 8:15. Two voices cry out in that relationship—the one approaching the Cornerstone calling ‘Abba’ and the other retorting ‘Father’; for in the Cornerstone, He unified both.
Let us confess to the Lord His sweetness, as we find ourselves enveloped in His mercy (Psalm 105:1). A confession of His sweetness can only come from those who have experienced it; if they have not tasted it, how could they declare that He is sweet? But if you have savored His goodness (1 Peter 2:3), then proclaim before the Lord that He is indeed sweet. If you have tasted Him eagerly, continue with your confession, for His mercy lasts forever. The scripture conveys ‘and’ where ‘for ever’ is meant, as seen in numerous passages where the Greek εἰς αἰῶνα signifies eternity. His mercy is not for a fleeting moment but is intended to guide men towards an everlasting dwelling with the angels.
Let those redeemed by the Lord declare His goodness, those whom He has liberated from their adversaries (Psalm 105:2). The Israelites indeed experienced redemption from Egypt, liberation from bondage, exhausting labor, and sinful deeds; yet let us discern whether those making such proclamations are truly the redeemed of the Lord—most are not. But they might be identified as those rescued from the hands of their foes, specifically the Egyptians. Let it be articulated to them who this psalm addresses; He has gathered them from various lands, including Egypt, where there are diverse regions even within a single territory. He speaks of those redeemed from every direction of the earth—east, west, north, and the sea (Psalm 105:3). Thus, we recognize all those redeemed from the vast metaphorical Egypt, guided as they crossed through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:22) so that in Baptism, they might find victory over their adversaries. Through that sacrament, akin to the Red Sea, Baptism purifies the sins of the oppressing Egyptians by the sanctifying blood of Christ. However, this historical tale speaks metaphorically and serves as an edification for us upon whom the end of the ages has come (1 Corinthians 10:11).
They wandered in the wilderness, through desolate lands, not finding a city to inhabit (Psalms 105:4). We hear of their desolate roaming, laced with deprivation—hungry, thirsty, their souls grew faint within them (Psalm 106:5). Why did their spirits sink? For we know God is not cruel; He reveals Himself through what is beneficial for us, allowing our exhaustion to appeal to Him, that our neediness draws forth His love in action. Consequently, after their aimless wandering and sufferings of hunger and thirst, they cried out to the Lord in their distress, and He rescued them from their troubles (Psalm 105:6). What did He accomplish for them during their wandering? He directed them along an even path (Psalm 106:7). They searched for a city in vain, wearied by hunger and thirst, yet He led them straight to their haven where they could dwell. He may not explicitly state how He alleviated their hunger and thirst, but we can conclude: let us proclaim His mercies and wonders before the Lord (Psalm 105:8). Speak out, you seasoned in faith, to those just beginning their journey; you who have already sought the city and are now finally freed from hunger and thirst. For He nourishes the longing soul and fills the hungry heart with goodness (Psalm 105:9).
Those imprisoned in darkness and the shadow of death, bound by poverty and oppression (Psalm 105:10)—is it not due to your own self-reliance? Have you lacked the grace of God? Have you turned away from His guidance for your lives (Luke 7:30)? For He adds: they rebelled against the words of the Lord due to their arrogance (Psalm 105:11), failing to comprehend the righteousness of God and seeking to establish their own (Romans 10:3). They hardened themselves against the counsel of the Most High, exhausting their hearts in toil (Psalm 105:12). Engage in battle against temptation; if the Lord withdraws His support, you may grapple for a time, but victory will elude you. When overwhelmed by wickedness, your spirit will toil to the point of despair—making you cry out in humility, O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? (Romans 7:24). Upon deliverance, you will proclaim the mercies of the Lord. When trouble beset them, they cried out to the Lord, and He freed them from their distress (Psalm 105:13). They were rescued from deeper trials, yet weariness and aversion remained. First, consider what He did for them after He delivered them: He extracted them from darkness and the shadow of death and broke their chains (Psalm 105:14). Let them offer thanks to the Lord for His everlasting mercy and His wonders done among humanity (Psalm 105:15). What challenges did He surpass? For He shattered the gates of bronze and smashed the bars of iron (Psalm 105:16). He led them from their sinful paths, humbling them for their unrighteousness (Psalm 105:17). Those who glorify themselves rather than God, claiming their righteousness apart from Him, are brought low. They learned the lesson of helplessness without His aid, leaning solely upon their own frail strength.
Their souls loathed all kinds of sustenance (Psalm 105:18). No less dangerous is the overindulgence—they are weary from it. Some might think they can perish from starvation alone, yet even satiety presents its own peril. Take note of what follows: when their souls detested all food, one should not misconstrue that they were insulated from the threat of overindulgence. They risked perishing from satiety. Those who find satisfaction in the Word of God must beware of self-reliance; arrogance in the desire for substance may lead them to scorn those vulnerable to overindulgence. When they found themselves in trouble, they cried out to the Lord, and He rescued them from their distress (Psalm 105:19). Their discontent was a malaise; thus, He sent His Word and healed them (Psalm 106:20). Witness the peril of excess; observe from where He rescues those who cry out, even those who find no joy in their sustenance. He dispatched His Word, healing their affliction, pulling them away—not from wandering, nor from hunger, nor from the struggle against sin, but from their own corruption. To despise the sweetness of life is a form of mental decay. Thus, from that goodness, as with others before, let them acknowledge the Lord for His mercies and wonders (Psalm 105:21). Let them offer a sacrifice of gratitude (Psalm 105:22). For He is deserving of praise, bestowing sweetness, and let them recount His works with joy—not with weariness, sadness, anxiety, or disgust, but with gladness.
Those who traverse the seas in ships, laboring in stormy waters (Psalm 105:23)—the waters oft represent nations. For, as noted in the Revelation of John, the waters signify the peoples. Thus, those who toil on mighty waves have witnessed the works of the Lord and His wonders in the depths (Psalm 105:24). What is more profound than the hearts of men? From these depths often arise winds; storms of dissent and strife can destabilize the vessel. What occurs in such turmoil? God encourages both rulers and those under their authority to call upon Him; He spoke, and the wind ceased (Psalm 106:25). What does this mean, ceased? It stood still—continuing, yet now at rest from its violent turmoil. For He spoke, and the chaos of the storm abated. And what arose from the stillness? They ascended even to the heavens, then plunged into the abyss, overwhelmed by fear (Psalm 105:26). Their souls were despondent, agitated like drunken men (Psalm 105:27). Those at the helm and those loyal to the ship comprehend the anxiety expressed. In moments of crisis, human wisdom can often feel futile; amidst chaos, their insight may vanish. Where to steer the ship, which waves to navigate, they are left feeling powerless. What can surmount such distress? They cried out to the Lord in their troubles, and He rescued them from their tribulations (Psalm 105:28). He commanded the storm, and there was a calm (Psalm 105:29), as the waves subsided. Attend to the voice of the shipmaster, one in peril, overwhelmed yet saved. He declares, brethren, I would not leave you oblivious to our tribulation in Asia, where we were burdened beyond our strength and beyond what we thought possible (his wisdom swallowed up), to the point that we were at the end of ourselves, desiring life no more (2 Corinthians 1:8). They rejoiced as calm returned and He guided them to their desired harbor (Psalm 105:30). Let His mercies and marvels be acknowledged among the children of men (Psalm 105:31). In all circumstances, irrespective of merits, strength, or wisdom, let His mercies be declared unto the Lord; may He be our love and refuge in every trial.