THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
This psalm highlights the mercies of God that come to us through personal experience, making it all the more precious for those who have felt His grace. It raises the question of who can truly appreciate the contents of this psalm, save for those who have undergone their own trials. Importantly, it was not intended for just a few individuals but for the collective people of God, allowing them to see their reflection in its verses. The title itself—Hallelujah—needs no further explanation. It carries significant meaning in our liturgical celebrations, particularly as per the ancient customs of the Church; we chant Alleluia on specific occasions but we reflect upon it daily. For if this term signifies the praise of God, it resides not just in verbal expression but at the core of our hearts. His praise is ever-present within me. Notably, the title Hallelujah appears twice, a feature not only found in this psalm but in the first one as well. It originated from the voices of the people of Israel and continues to be sung by the universal Church scattered across the globe. The repetition of Alleluia is perhaps no coincidence, mirroring our cries of Abba, Father. Abba, which signifies the Father, relates closely to what the Apostle said, “in whom we cry, Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). It serves as a reminder that one side, approaching the Cornerstone, calls out ‘Abba’ while the other side utters ‘Father,’ united in Christ, our Foundation, who reconciles both.
Let those who have been redeemed by the Lord proclaim His sweetness, recognizing they are beneficiaries of His mercy (Psalm 105:1). Acknowledgment is due if you have experienced His sweetness. Yet, one cannot affirm this if they have not actively chosen to experience it, as one cannot appreciate what remains unknown. If you have experienced the graciousness of the Lord (1 Peter 2:3), let that knowledge compel your confession. His mercy is everlasting, reflected in Scripture that describes it as ‘for ever,’ a notion rooted in the Greek term εἰς αἰῶνα, indicating enduring mercy. His mercy exists unfettered by time, designed for us to dwell eternally with the angels.
Let those redeemed by the Lord testify to His might, revealing how He has saved them from their adversaries (Psalm 105:2). It is certainly true that the Israelites were liberated from Pharaoh's grasp in Egypt, escaping toil and corruption; however, we must identify who truly sings this psalm. It is not merely those who were freed from Egypt, but those who have been redeemed more broadly. The psalm emphasizes that He has gathered them from diverse lands—including Egypt, which, being vast, is a symbol of multiple territories. The redeemed are claimed from all corners of the earth: from east and west, north and sea (Psalm 105:3). Thus, this moment mirrors the deliverance of God's people from the figurative Egypt, guiding them through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:22), where, in Baptism, they vanquish their iniquities—an event encapsulated in Christ's sacrificial blood.
Such events serve as figures and were recorded for our instruction, as we approach the conclusion of the ages (1 Corinthians 10:11). They journeyed through arid landscapes, seeking refuge but finding none (Psalm 105:4). Their plight denotes missed provisions and suffering; they experienced hunger and thirst, leading to weariness in their souls (Psalm 106:5). Yet, their faintness does not derive from divine cruelty but highlights God's intent to display His goodness in revealing Himself to alleviate our burdens. Thus, following their wanderings and their cries for assistance, the Lord delivered them from distress (Psalm 105:6), guiding them onto a straight path (Psalm 106:7). Though weary and afflicted, they were led towards a promised dwelling place. The specifics of how He satisfied their needs may be scarce in the text, yet it calls for a continual acknowledgment of His mercies and wonders (Psalm 105:8). Proclaim to those who are seasoned in faith, guiding the inexperienced; those who are already directed toward the city, finally freed from want. He fills the empty spirit and nourishes the longing heart with good gifts (Psalm 105:9).
Those trapped in darkness and the shadow of death, bound by poverty and shackles of iron (Psalm 105:10)—is it not self-assigned that they are in such straits? They have forsaken divine guidance and rejected God’s will (Luke 7:30). Observe what follows: they rebelled against the Lord’s commands due to arrogance (Psalm 105:11), failing to recognize His righteousness while striving to affirm their own (Romans 10:3). Their hearts labored under burdens (Psalm 105:12). Combat these desires; when divine aid withholds, it may appear possible to contend, yet victory eludes when you rely solely on yourself. When beset by wickedness, despair ensues, compelling you to utter, O wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? (Romans 7:24). Upon being saved, one will acknowledge the Lord’s mercy, as they called out during their tribulations and He delivered them from their struggles (Psalm 105:13). They were freed from the second trial, although weariness and bitterness linger. Yet, recall how the Lord rescued them from distress. He brought them from darkness and the shadow of death, shattering their chains (Psalm 105:14). They should give thanks to the Lord for His mercies and wonderful acts toward humanity (Psalm 105:15). Why? For what obstacles did He triumph? He broke the gates of bronze and the iron bars (Psalm 105:16). He guided them away from their wicked paths, for their sins led to their humiliation (Psalm 105:17). Their self-righteousness proved to be a point of downfall, relying on their own standards instead of recognizing God’s.
Their souls longed for all sustenance (Psalm 105:18). Now, they faced the consequences of their excess. They were exhausted from indulgence, revealing the dangers of overindulgence. Need not one assume they could only perish from hunger rather than from satiety. What follows clarifies their plight. As it was said, "Their soul abhorred all food," indicating the catastrophic effects of excess rather than mere lack. To avoid spiritual peril, even when the Word of God brings comfort, do not fall into pride, nor cast disdain upon those troubled by their appetites. They cried to the Lord in their troubles, and He rescued them from their anguish (Psalm 105:19), sending His Word to heal them (Psalm 106:20). Recognize the peril in satiety; discern from where He delivers those who loathe their sustenance. He sent His Word to restore them, removing them not merely from wandering or hunger but from deeper corruption. To detest pleasure indicates a corrupted mindset. Thus, like previous gifts, they should acknowledge the Lord for His mercies and wonders to mankind (Psalm 105:21). They should present a sacrifice of praise (Psalm 105:22). For now, as they lift His name in joy, let their proclamations be filled with goodness rather than fatigue, sorrow, anxiety, or aversion—let joy be their anthem.
They who traverse the seas in ships, working amidst turbulent waters (Psalm 105:23), are like nations battling chaos. For the waters often symbolize the nations, as indicated in the Revelation when John inquired about the identity of the waters, and was told they are the nations. Thus, perseverance through stormy seas enables recognition of God’s works and wonders in the depths (Psalm 105:24). What depths are greater than the human heart? Winds often disturb this heart; tempests of rebellion and conflict unsettle the journey. How does God respond? He urges both rulers and those under authority to call upon Him. He spoke, and the storm ceased (Psalm 106:25)—what does 'stood' signify? It means it lingered, remaining heated, a fierce tempest that did not dissipate. For He commanded the storm, and it calmed (Psalm 105:29), and the waves settled. Listen to the captain amidst peril, overwhelmed yet preserved—He shared with the brethren concerning their hardships in Asia, declaring they were burdened beyond measure, to the point of despairing of life (2 Corinthians 1:8). They rejoiced then, for calm came, and He brought them to the port they sought (Psalm 105:30). Let the Lord’s mercies and miraculous works be proclaimed (Psalm 105:31). Across the earth, let it be known that not our efforts, strength, or wisdom merit acknowledgment, but rather His unwavering mercies. In each rescue, let Him be our love; let each trouble bring us to His call.
May they exalt Him in the assembly of the people and praise Him in the midst of the elders (Psalm 106:32). Let nations and leaders exalt Him, acknowledging His mighty deeds amidst His people. What has He accomplished in this fellowship? What foundations has He laid? From what sorrows has He delivered it? How has He blessed it? He resists the proud while bestowing grace upon the humble (James 4:6). The proud—representing the initial nation of Judah, fortified by their heritage as descendants of Abraham, entrusted with divine revelations (Romans 3:2)—found their pride did not secure them but led to ruin. What did God do? He opposed the arrogant, graced the humble, severing pride from their core, igniting righteousness in the lowly instead. He transformed rivers into barrenness (Psalm 105:33). The flowing waters signify a drought for the prophets among the Jews; now you might seek a prophet only to find none. For their thirst persists, echoing the sentiment, ‘Now there is no prophet, and we are forsaken.’ The fertile lands became pools of salt (Psalm 105:34). Their search for Christ’s faith is unfruitful; neither prophet nor sacrifice, nor temple is found, all lost to the unrighteousness of the dwellers therein. Witnessing how He counters pride and offers grace to the humble, let the barren wilderness become like overflowing waters (Psalm 105:35). There the hungry dwell (Psalm 105:36), revealed through His prophetic promise: "Thou art a Priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek." You seek sacrifice among the Jews; do not look to Aaron’s lineage but to the world, where such practices flourish in the Church. From dawn till dusk, the Lord’s name is revered.
They sowed fields, planted vineyards, and reaped abundant harvests (Psalm 106:37). Rejoicing stems from labor, reminiscent of the sentiment, “Not for the gift, but for the fruit” (Philippians 4:17). He blessed them, multiplying their numbers while ensuring their livestock thrived (Psalm 105:38). His foundation stands resolute, for the Lord knows His own (2 Timothy 2:19). Both spiritual and worldly, He communes with those humble in faith. Yet, they dwindled and encountered distress (Psalm 105:39). Why? Not from outside forces but from within—those who fall away are not devouted; they had sought sanctity yet went astray (1 John 2:19). Thus, it is essential to encourage discernment, for they appear united, sharing outwardly similar practices as God’s people yet lacking true virtue. The Apostle foretold of challenges to come: there shall be lovers of self (2 Timothy 3:2). The core issue lies in self-centeredness that blinds them to God. If they turned their focus to God, crying in their struggles, deliverance awaited. Despite their arrogance, they became diminished. When unity dissipates, even with numbers, they weaken. When the essence of congregational strength diminishes through heresy and division, they lose their place. They languished under anguish and spite. Each ruler faced contempt (Psalm 105:40); they sought prestige yet were cast aside, likened to salt that has lost flavor, trampled underfoot (Matthew 5:13).