THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
This psalm extols the compassion of God that has been personally experienced, making it particularly resonant for those who have found solace in their trials. It may be questioned whether anyone can truly appreciate the sentiments expressed within this psalm unless they have undergone similar experiences themselves. Nevertheless, it is not addressed to just one or two individuals, but rather to the entirety of God's people, serving as a reflection where they can recognize their own state. The title does not warrant further explanation; it is a repeated call of Hallelujah. We sing it during specific occasions in our worship, following the long-standing customs of the Church, and there is profound significance in its recitation on certain days. While we sing Alleluia on particular occasions, we should remember it daily, for if this term signifies the praise of God, it ought to reside in our hearts even when our lips are silent. My praise for Him will perpetually linger in my thoughts. The appearance of Hallelujah twice in this psalm is not unique, but is mirrored in earlier psalms. It was sung by the Israelites and continues to be sung by the universal Church across the globe. The dual Alleluia may allude to our heartfelt cries of Abba, Father, for Abba is indeed a term for the Father. As the Apostle mentioned, in whom we cry, Abba, Father; Romans 8:15, representing a united call from those united in faith, drawing near to the Cornerstone of our existence, which sanctifies both groups as one.
Let us acknowledge before the Lord that He is good, for we find refuge in His mercy, Psalm 105:1. Confess this sweetness only if you have truly experienced it; for how can one confess what they have not tasted? If you have experienced the Lord's delightful goodness, 1 Peter 2:3, declare His sweetness when you speak to Him. If you have enthusiastically savored Him, let your confession flow freely. His mercy is everlasting. The word 'and' is rendered here as 'forever,' reflecting the Greek εἰς αἰῶνα; His mercy is not timely but eternal, meant to ensure that we dwell alongside the angels for eternity.
Let the redeemed of the Lord declare their deliverance, those He has rescued from their adversaries, Psalm 105:2. Indeed, Israel experienced liberation from Egypt, escaping slavery and toil. But we must examine who those truly liberated are; they are the redeemed. Even though they were rescued from Egypt, it is crucial to clarify their true identity, as this psalm is intended for them. He gathers them from far and wide; it may refer specifically to Egypt, which contains diverse lands. He speaks of His gathering from the east and west, north and sea, Psalm 105:3—an indication of the redeemed from every corner of the earth. This people of God, liberated from the vastness of Egypt, cross as if through the Red Sea, Exodus 14:22, so that they may triumph over their foes through the waters of Baptism, purified by the blood of Christ, cleansing them from the sins of those who sought to oppress.
However, these events served as an allegory, documented for our instruction, as we witness the fulfillment of ages, 1 Corinthians 10:11. They traversed the wilderness, wandering through arid lands with no route to a city to inhabit, Psalm 105:4. Their plight of aimless wandering was paired with thirst and hunger, and their spirits grew faint within them, Psalm 106:5. What caused this despair? It is because God, in His goodness, seeks to reveal Himself to us through providence, pushing us towards petition and demonstrating that in our need, we may come to love Him. Following their wandering, hunger, and thirst, they cried out to the Lord in their troubles, and He rescued them from their affliction, Psalm 105:6. During their journeys through hardship, He led them along a straight path, Psalm 106:7. While initially they struggled to find a place of rest, weary from their trials, He guided them toward a city where they could dwell. Although we may question the means through which He addressed their hunger and thirst, we expect His mercies and wonders to be recounted to the Lord, Psalm 105:8. Allow those who possess experience to instruct those less familiar; to those who are being guided toward the promised city, liberated from hunger and thirst, for He provides sustenance to the empty soul, filling the hungry heart with good, Psalm 105:9.
Those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, ensnared in poverty and trenched in chains, find themselves trapped, Psalm 105:10. Is this not a consequence of relying on oneself? Have they not embraced the grace of God? Have they forfeited the counsel God had for them, as lamented in Luke 7:30? He continues: For they rebelled against the Lord’s commands out of pride, Psalm 105:11. They were unaware of God's righteousness, preferring to rely on their own understanding, Romans 10:3, and refusing the guidance of the Most High. Their hearts grew weary through their burdened labor, Psalm 105:12. When striving against desires, if divine aid is absent, one may find themselves contending but unable to conquer their struggles. When overwhelmed by wickedness, the heart becomes encumbered with toil, leading to a moment of awakening, crying out, O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Romans 7:24. Once delivered, one cannot help but declare the Lord’s mercy. They cried out to the Lord in distress, and He rescued them from their plight, Psalm 105:13. They emerged victorious from yet another trial, but exhaustion may linger. We should first observe what He accomplished at their moment of deliverance. He brought them from darkness and the shadow of death, breaking their chains, Psalm 105:14. They ought to express gratitude to the Lord for His mercies and His wonders to humanity, Psalm 105:15, recognizing the struggles He has helped them overcome. He shattered the gates of bronze and the locks of iron, Psalm 105:16, guiding them away from the path of wickedness, as they were brought low because of their sin. Their self-reliance led to their humiliation, as they discovered their limitations without the assistance of God.
Those who found themselves loathing all sustenance, Psalm 105:18, were suffering from overindulgence. Danger arose from excess rather than lack. Observe how the psalmist notes, their souls detested all food, hinting at a deeper peril associated with complacency. The specter of death loomed. Therefore, even when the Word of God delights your senses, do not enable a sense of pride, nor look down on those afflicted by excess. They cried out to the Lord amidst their troubles, and He delivered them from their afflictions, Psalm 105:19. Acknowledging the ailment of discontent, He sent His Word to restore them, Psalm 106:20. Witness the dangers of overindulgence and where He rescues the heart that abhors sustenance. His Word healed them, extracting them not merely from wandering or starvation or the struggle against sin, but from moral decay; to despise good things is a form of inner corruption. Similarly, let them confess the Lord's mercies and His wonders to humanity, Psalm 105:21. They should offer a sacrifice of praise, Psalm 105:22, for the Lord is good, and they should share their joy-filled testimonies regarding His good works. Not with weariness, nor sorrow, nor distress, but joyfully.
Those who sail the seas in vessels, engaging in work upon turbulent waters, Psalm 105:23, navigate the nations fraught with turmoil. The waters metaphorically represent the nations, as indicated in John's Revelation—when he inquired about the waters, he was told, They are the nations. Hence, those working through mighty waves have beheld the Lord's miracles in depths, Psalm 105:24. What could be more profound than the depths of human hearts? Here, the storms often arise; disturbances from rebellion and strife agitate the vessel. Through it all, God desires that both rulers and those under their governance call upon Him. When He speaks, the storm subsides, Psalm 106:25. His command quiets chaos; even when the turmoil seems unceasing, He can bring silence. What do we see? When He said, They ascend to the heavens; they descend to the depths, Psalm 105:26, their spirits were troubled like drunken sailors, Psalm 105:27. Those at the helm and those invested in the journey can relate to the sentiment. While voices abound in wisdom, when chaos strikes, human reasoning often falters. Woe to the storm! Yet all earthly wisdom falters; wherever one looks, the waves assail and the tempest rages, leaving the seafarers powerless. What remains is this: they cried to the Lord in their uncertainties, and He saved them from their troubles, Psalm 105:28. He commanded the storm, transforming it into tranquility, Psalm 105:29, calming the waves. Observe the words of the one who has been saved from danger, overwhelmed but now delivered. I do not wish, he proclaims, to leave you uninformed, brethren, of our struggles in Asia, where we were burdened beyond our endurance, even to the point of despairing of life itself, 2 Corinthians 1:8. They rejoiced, for the turmoil ceased, and He guided them to the shores of their desires, Psalm 105:30. Let His mercies and miraculous deeds be recognized and confessed, Psalm 105:31. Without exception, let us attribute all glory not to our own merits, strength, or wisdom, but to His mercies. Let Him be cherished in each deliverance and invoked in every trial.
Let them exalt Him in the assembly of the faithful and praise Him among the elders, Psalm 106:32. Let nations and leaders, merchants and sailors alike, celebrate His deeds. What has He accomplished in the assembly? What has He built? From what has He liberated them? What blessings has He bestowed? He has opposed the arrogant and granted grace to the humble, James 4:6. The proud, representing the exalted nation of Judah—proud of its heritage from Abraham and entrusted with divine revelation, Romans 3:2—found this distinction led not to wisdom but to pride, leading to their downfall. So, what did God do? He cut off the natural branches in their arrogance, embracing the humble wild olive branch instead. He transformed fertile rivers into desolate wastelands, Psalm 105:33. Where once the waters flowed, prophecies lie unfulfilled; now, look for a prophet among the Jews; you will find none for the waters are dried up, thirst pervades. As they cry, ‘There is no prophet, and He will not know us,’ once lush fields have become salt flats, Psalm 105:34. Seek the faith of Christ, and you shall find it lacking; neither prophet, sacrifice, nor temple remains. Why is this? Due to the wickedness of the inhabitants. Witness how He defies the proud and grants grace to the humble. He transforms the wilderness into flowing waters and dry land into streams, Psalm 105:35, where the starving may dwell, Psalm 105:36. For it has been declared, You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek; You seek sacrifice among the Jews but find none aligned with Aaron's lineage. Instead, seek it in accordance with Melchizedek’s order, and you will discover it celebrated throughout the world— from the dawn of day until dusk, His name is extolled.
They cultivated the lands, planted vineyards, and reaped the harvests, Psalm 106:37. The laborer rejoices, declaring, Not for the gift itself do I seek, but for the fruit it yields, Philippians 4:17. He blessed them abundantly, increasing their numbers while their livestock thrived, Psalm 105:38. The foundation of God remains unshakeable, as the Lord acknowledges His own, 2 Timothy 2:19. The faithful, whether merely frequent attendees of the Church or deeply engaged, receive His blessings—both those less learned yet filled with faith. Thus, whether they be spiritual or worldly, He blesses them.