THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
This psalm highlights the compassion of God, which is especially meaningful to those who have personally experienced His grace. It is doubtful that anyone can truly appreciate the sentiments of this psalm unless they have learned through personal trials. Yet, it is not intended solely for a few individuals, but for the collective people of God, serving as a reflection for them. Its title is straightforward, proclaiming Hallelujah, a word we often sing during specific occasions in our liturgies, following the ancient customs of the Church, each time rich with spiritual significance. While we vocalize Alleluia on chosen days, its essence is something we carry daily. If this term signifies praising God, it is not merely in spoken words but deeply rooted in the heart. I will ever declare His praise. Notably, the title Hallelujah appears not once but twice, a common trait found in the first of the Psalms as well. This expression was sung by the Israelites and continues to be proclaimed by the global Church. Perhaps it is no coincidence that the word Alleluia is repeated, echoing our cry of Abba, Father. Since Abba signifies Father, we understand the Apostle's declaration that we cry out Abba, Father (Romans 8:15), for both walls of the same structure call out to Him; one wall cries 'Abba,' the other 'Father,' connected by the Cornerstone, who is Christ, embodying our unity.
Let us confess to the Lord of His goodness, as He has shown us mercy (Psalm 105:1). In this act of confession, we proclaim His sweetness. One cannot declare this unless they have willingly chosen to experience His goodness, for how can one affirm the sweetness of something unknown? If you have indeed tasted the sweetness of the Lord (1 Peter 2:3), then let us proclaim before Him this truth. If you have earnestly sought after Him and have experienced His mercy, which endures forever, know that in Scripture, the term 'ever' is shown as ‘and,’ signifying eternal duration in Greek (εἰς αἰῶνα). His mercy was never meant for a moment, as its purpose is to lead humanity into eternal communion with the angels.
Let the redeemed of the Lord speak forth, those whom He has rescued from their oppressors (Psalm 105:2). While it may seem that the Israelites were liberated from Egypt and the bondage of sin, we must recognize that they were ultimately freed by the Lord from their true enemies. We can broaden this to consider all who are saved from their captors, across geographies, as they are gathered together. From the east and west, from north and sea (Psalm 105:3), we see the collective way in which the redeemed are gathered. This people of God, extricated from the expansive Egypt, are guided through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:22) so that in Baptism, they may vanquish their enemies. Through the sacramental experience of Baptism, sanctified by Christ's sacrifice, the sins of those who oppose them are washed away. However, note that these events were but shadows of the truth, written for our instruction, as we live in the age when the fulfillment of all has come (1 Corinthians 10:11).
They wandered in barren wilderness and could not find a city to call home (Psalm 105:4). We hear of their distress in wandering; they were hungry and thirsty, and their souls were burdened (Psalm 106:5). But why did they falter? It is not because God is unkind, but rather that He reveals Himself through our trials, drawing us to call upon Him when weary, ensuring that in our assistance, we come to love Him. After their wandering, hunger, and thirst, they cried out to the Lord in their anguish, and He rescued them from their troubles (Psalm 105:6). During their wandering, God guided them to a straight path (Psalm 106:7). They struggled to find a city, weary from hunger and thirst, yet He led them directly to the dwelling place. Although specifics on how He addressed their hunger and thirst are not detailed, we are urged to acknowledge His mercies and wonders towards humanity (Psalm 105:8). Let those who have experienced this testify to those who have yet to understand; those who are already on the journey, seeking the city, free at last from want, for He has nourished the weary soul.
Those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, bound by poverty and iron (Psalm 105:10), are constrained due to their rejection of God's grace and guidance (Luke 7:30). For they have rebelled against the Lord’s word and stumbled in their pride (Psalm 105:11). They have been hardened against the counsel of the Most High, laboring in vain (Psalm 105:12). Struggling against sinful desires without God’s aid leads to an unbreakable fatigue, breaking the heart with labor, compelling us to cry out in desperation, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24). Upon deliverance, we will proclaim the Lord’s mercy, for they cried out to Him in their afflictions and He rescued them from their troubles (Psalm 105:13). He freed them from the second of their trials. Though weariness and contempt might persist, remember what He did for them upon their deliverance. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, shattering their chains (Psalm 105:14). Let us declare His mercies and wonders to the children of men (Psalm 105:15). What challenges did He overcome? He broke the gates of bronze and the bars of iron (Psalm 105:16). He led them away from their wicked paths, for their unrighteousness brought them low (Psalm 105:17). Thus, their self-reliance faltered as they realized their need for His assistance.
Their souls loathed all sustenance (Psalm 105:18). They suffered from overindulgence. There is peril in excess as much as in lack. The next consequence was that their souls despised vital nourishment, demonstrating that safety lay not in excess but in balance. Thus, even when God's word delights us, we must avoid sinking into pride, seeking to overpower those who struggle against overindulgence. They cried out to God in their distress, and He brought them relief (Psalm 105:19) because discontent is a form of affliction. He sent forth His Word and healed them (Psalm 106:20). Observe the wickedness of excess; see whom He rescues when they call upon Him, even if they find themselves despising nourishment. He sent forth His Word and healed them; He delivered them from their iniquity. To reject that which is sweet signifies a corruption of spirit. Therefore, in light of His blessings, let us proclaim the Lord’s mercies and wonders to humankind (Psalm 105:21), offering sacrifices of praise (Psalm 105:22). For if they are to glorify Him, the Lord's sweetness must inform their joyful proclamation—absent weariness, sorrow, anxiety, or disdain.
Those who navigate the seas in vessels, conducting their business in turbulent waters (Psalm 105:23)—these waters represent nations, as seen in the Revelation of John, where he states those waters signify nations. Thus, those who labor in turbulent waters have witnessed the Lord’s deeds and His wonders in the deep (Psalm 105:24). What is deeper than the human heart? From there often arise the winds; storms of rebellion and conflict unsettle the vessels. What occurs in such a time? God, wishing that both rulers and those subjected call upon Him, spoke, and the storm winds were silenced (Psalm 106:25). What does it mean to be silenced? The turbulence ceased, enduring tumult ceased, the storm passed. When He spoke, the winds stilled. The storm’s breath led them soaring to the heavens, and plunging into the depths (Psalm 105:26) in fear. Their souls were troubled beyond measure. Those who command the vessel and those devoted to their craft fully understand this sentiment. Certainly, while they may speak with apparent wisdom, the storms yield devastation, and all wisdom vanishes. At times, human understanding offers no aid; irrespective of direction, waves crash, tempests sever, and human hands falter. Lacking foresight of the threat, they may maneuver ineffectively. What then remains? They cried to the Lord in their time of trouble, and He delivered them from their tribulations (Psalm 105:28). He commanded the storm, and with that command, the skies cleared (Psalm 105:29), the waves calmed. Hear the helmsman's voice, once endangered, overwhelmed, now delivered. He shares, “I do not wish to leave you in ignorance, brethren, about the struggles we faced in Asia, that we were burdened beyond our ability to endure” (2 Corinthians 1:8). They were filled with joy, for the tempest quieted, and He led them safely to their desired harbor (Psalm 105:30). Let the Lord’s mercies and miracles be proclaimed to the children of men (Psalm 105:31). Let us consistently extol not our merits, strength, or wisdom, but His mercies. Let us cherish Him in every deliverance and call upon Him in our sorrows.
Let us exalt Him in the congregation of the righteous and glorify Him in the assembly of elders (Psalm 106:32). May the nations and leaders, merchants and sailors, lift their praises. What has He accomplished among this assembly? What has He established? From which trials has He redeemed it? What graces has He poured out? He opposes the proud yet extends favor to the humble (James 4:6). The proud, signifying the mainline of Judah, lifted high by their lineage from Abraham, believing themselves entrusted with the Word of God (Romans 3:2)—this only fostered their arrogance rather than their humility. Therefore, in resisting the proud and favoring the humble, He prunes the natural branches but grafts in those humble wild olives. He transformed flowing rivers into parched land (Psalm 105:33). Among the Jews, the quest for a prophet brings only thirst. They lament, “Now there is no prophet, He has forgotten us.” Fertile places now lie desolate (Psalm 105:34). Seek faith in Christ, and it cannot be found. Search for a prophet; he is absent. Seek a sacrifice; again, it is nowhere to be found. Seek His temple; there is none. Why? Due to the wickedness of those who reside there. Observe how He stands against the proud and how He blesses the humble. He turned the wasteland into pools of water and the dry earth into springs (Psalm 105:35). Therein dwells the hungry (Psalm 105:36). As it was said to Him, "You are a Priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek." For inquiring of the Jews, you seek sacrifice; you find nothing in the order of Aaron. However, seek it from the order of Melchizedek and you will find it celebrated within the Church across the globe. From dawn to dusk, the Lord’s name is exalted.
They planted fields, established vineyards, and received abundant harvests (Psalm 106:37). What joy the laborer experiences, declaring, “It is not the gift I seek but its fruit” (Philippians 4:17). He blessed them, and they proliferated; their livestock thrived (Psalm 105:38). His foundation stands firm because the Lord knows His own (2 Timothy 2:19). Livestock can symbolize those who merely tread within the Church, appearing useful yet lacking understanding; they are simple yet brimming with faith. Thus, whether in spirit or flesh, He blessed them.