Psalm 107 (106):40Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This psalm praises the lovingkindness of God that many have personally experienced, making it particularly meaningful for those who have endured hardships. It raises the question of whether anyone can truly appreciate the words of this psalm unless they have experienced such trials themselves. However, it was not composed for just a few individuals but for the collective people of God, reflecting a mirror of their own identities and experiences. The title of this psalm, which is "Hallelujah" repeated, speaks for itself. It is customary for us to sing it during specific times in our worship, as per the ancient practices of the Church, and there is a profound significance in doing so on particular occasions. We sing Alleluia on certain days, although we ponder it daily, as this term signifies the praise of God that arises not just from our lips but from our hearts. The repetition of "Hallelujah" signifies the unique relationship we have with God, as we call upon Him as "Abba, Father." The Apostle reminds us of this in Romans 8:15, illustrating that we approach the Father as we find unity in Him, the Cornerstone who unites us all.

Let us acknowledge the Lord's sweetness, for His mercy envelops us, as stated in Psalm 105:1. This confession of His goodness arises from having personally tasted His sweetness. One cannot testify to His goodness without having sought to experience it. Thus, if you have felt the delightful nature of God, as affirmed in 1 Peter 2:3, openly declare His sweetness. His mercy is eternal, translated in several passages as “and,” reflecting the understanding of εἰς αἰῶνα, which means forever. His mercy is not transient; it is intended to accompany humanity, allowing us to dwell eternally with the angels.

Those redeemed by the Lord should proclaim His goodness, testifying of deliverance from their adversaries, as noted in Psalm 105:2. The Israelites were indeed freed from Egyptian enslavement, burdensome toil, and sinful practices. Yet, the true redeemers are those who have experienced the liberation Jesus offers. Let us clarify who these redeemed are, emphasizing their experience of being gathered from various lands, including Egypt, which is a metaphor for sin. From every corner of the earth—east, west, north, and sea—as stated in Psalm 105:3, we understand these redeemed as being from all nations. This people, once entrapped in extensive bondage, were led through the waters of the Red Sea, as depicted in Exodus 14:22, where in baptism, they found the end of all enemies. Through this sacrament, the sins symbolized by their oppressors were washed away. All these occurrences serve as symbols intended for our instruction, as declared in 1 Corinthians 10:11.

They wandered through the vast wilderness, seeking a city to call home, as indicated in Psalms 105:4. We see their miserable state of wandering entwined with their hunger and thirst; their souls grew faint within them, as cited in Psalm 106:5. But why this desolation? It is because God, while never cruel, reveals Himself through what benefits us, drawing near to those who suffer, compelling them to seek His assistance and thereby come to love Him more deeply. In their affliction, they cried out to the Lord, and He rescued them from their troubles, as mentioned in Psalm 105:6. While they wandered, the Lord guided them along a path towards their dwelling place, as stated in Psalm 106:7. Though He does not specify how He alleviated their hunger and thirst, we are encouraged to proclaim His wonders to all humanity, as we see in Psalm 105:8. Let those who have journeyed and experienced guidance urge those who are yet to embark on their pilgrimage to remember: He fills the hungry and satisfies the weary soul, as mentioned in Psalm 105:9.

Those who dwell in the darkness and the shadow of death, bound by poverty and chains, as expressed in Psalm 105:10, may find themselves in this predicament because they have failed to acknowledge God’s grace or rejected His guidance (Luke 7:30). The psalm further explains that the oppressed rebelled against the Word of the Lord due to pride, as noted in Psalm 105:11. Their hearts grew weary in their labors. Those who strive against sinful desires might fight back if they lacked God’s help; however, they will ultimately lose. With broken hearts, they might eventually cry out, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” as stated in Romans 7:24. Once they are delivered, they will surely acknowledge the Lord’s mercy. In their distress, they cried to the Lord, and He saved them from their troubles, as cited in Psalm 105:13. Hence, He brought them from darkness and death’s shadow, breaking their chains, as mentioned in Psalm 105:14. They should proclaim to the Lord His mercies and wonders among the children of humanity, as affirmed in Psalm 105:15, because the Lord has overcome challenges, smashing through gates of brass and iron locks, as described in Psalm 105:16. He redirected them from their sinful paths, humbling them due to their unrighteousness, as seen in Psalm 105:17. They came to realize their helplessness without His intervention, relying on their own might alone.

Their souls loathed all food during their satiety, as addressed in Psalm 105:18. Here we see a different danger—one from overindulgence. If you suspect they were solely afflicted by hunger, recognize that satiety can be just as perilous. When their souls detested all nourishment, the implication might be one of moral corruption rather than simple hunger. Therefore, let it be known that when God’s Word nourishes you, do not let pride blind you to the struggles of others still facing challenges related to excess. In their distress, when they called upon the Lord, He delivered them from their troubles, as stated in Psalm 105:19. Realizing that dissatisfaction was a disease, God sent His Word and healed them, as noted in Psalm 106:20. Observe the perils of self-indulgence and the healing that comes through calling on Him. To hate that which is good stems from a twisted mind. Therefore, for the healing they received and other mercies, let them acknowledge the Lord’s wonders, as stated in Psalm 105:21, and offer a sacrifice of praise according to Psalm 105:22. They must celebrate the goodness of the Lord with joy, approaching Him not in weariness or sadness but in gladness.

Those who navigate the seas in ships, working amidst turbulent waters, as seen in Psalm 105:23, face trials similar to those of many nations. The significance of waters as nations is made clear in the Revelation of John, where he reveals that "these waters are the nations." Those who labor upon stormy seas have witnessed the mighty acts of God revealed in tumultuous depths, as expressed in Psalm 105:24. What depths are greater than human hearts? From these depths come the winds that create storms of conflict and unrest. How does God respond? He desires that leaders and followers alike call upon Him. He spoke, and the turbulent wind ceased, as mentioned in Psalm 106:25. This stillness meant the storm calmed but not immediately without chaos. The sailors may have been courageous enough to ascend to the heavens or brave enough to descend into the abyss, as noted in Psalm 105:26. Yet, their hearts were uneasy amidst the turmoil, resembling the reactions of drunken men, as expressed in Psalm 105:27. Those overseeing the ship and those who genuinely care for it will relate to this experience. Although they may seem wise in thought and action, when a tempest arises, all their counsel becomes futile. In times of distress, they might find themselves in a predicament where no action seems sufficient. Amidst such turmoil, what remains as a course of action? They called upon the Lord during their troubles, and He rescued them from calamities, as cited in Psalm 105:28. He commanded the storm, and calm returned, as noted in Psalm 105:29. Here, we hear the testimony of a captain who faced dire circumstances, overwhelmed yet delivered. He remarks, "I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of the struggles we faced in Asia, where we felt beyond measure and weary, even to the point of despair," as found in 2 Corinthians 1:8. They rejoiced, for the tumult had settled, and He brought them to their desired haven, as seen in Psalm 105:30. All should openly proclaim the Lord’s mercies and miracles, as stated in Psalm 105:31. We must acknowledge that it is not our own abilities or wisdom that prevails but His mercy that should always be acknowledged, drawing upon His grace in times of distress.

And let them praise Him before the assembly of the people, giving honor in the presence of the elders, as stated in Psalm 106:32. All should exalt His name, encompassing nations and leaders alike, celebrating what He has accomplished. What has He established? From what plight has He rescued us? What blessings has He bestowed? By opposing the proud and granting grace to the humble, as noted in James 4:6, God undermined the prideful—namely, the first nation of Judah, proud of its lineage through Abraham and endowed with divine revelations, which lead to arrogance rather than true humility. God, by His very actions, severed the proud from His plan, replacing them with the humble branches of the wild olive tree. We note that He turned the flourishing rivers into a desolate wilderness, as stated in Psalm 105:33. Water once flowed freely, and prophecies were fulfilled, but now, among the Jewish people, a prophet is nowhere to be found—they cry, “There are no prophets remaining; God has turned away from us.” The fertile lands have become salt ponds, as noted in Psalm 105:34. Search for faith in Christ or for prophetic voices within this community, but it remains hidden due to the people’s wickedness. Observe how He opposes the proud and bestows grace upon the humble. He transformed desolate lands into pools of water, and dry grounds into flowing springs, as expressed in Psalm 105:35. Within those waters dwelled the hungry, as stated in Psalm 105:36, for it was prophesied of Him, "You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek." Seeking sacrifices among the Jews yields nothing according to Aaron’s line. Rather, you will discover that the true priesthood and sacrifice reverberate throughout the Church worldwide. From dawn till dusk, the Lord’s name is glorified.

They cultivated fields, planted vineyards, and experienced an abundance of harvests, as noted in Psalm 106:37. The laborer rejoices in not merely pursuing gifts but in desiring the fruits, as stated in Philippians 4:17. He blessed them abundantly, and their numbers grew; their livestock flourished, as recorded in Psalm 105:38. This provision remains steadfast, for the foundation of God is secure, as stated in 2 Timothy 2:19. The pack animals and cattle symbolize those who, though unlearned, actively contribute within the Church, filled with faith. Thus, He blessed them, understanding the spirit behind both the spiritual and mundane terms.

The degradation inflicted upon their leaders is evident. He comprehends the actions of the scribes and Pharisees. I have led them into confusion, both in their path and outside it. They stray, failing to recognize Him who declared: ‘I am the way’ (John 14:6).

The disgrace inflicted upon their leaders serves as a confirmation of their actions. Their supposed guides and instructors no longer merit any esteem; those who were once esteemed and radiant have become obscure and disregarded among their own people. I have journeyed both on the right path and off it. Simmachus rendered it: thus He will lead them to stray in the futility of their thoughts. God does not mislead; He expressly prohibits deception, yet He permits the rebellious to remain without direction. Those who lack the ability to anchor themselves, when tossed about, find themselves lost. This also befell the Jews, as they abandoned the divine path and pursued their own reasoning.

The rulers and authorities to whom Christians were accountable, and from whom they faced persecution, according to Isychius, were brought low and regarded as nothing before God because He allowed them to be misled. The Scriptures often refer to this state as a connivance. Where did God permit them to stray? In a manner that is both unreachable and devoid of comfort, not in a smooth or straightforward path, leading them instead into false and harmful doctrines of deception and idolatry. This reflects God's actions concerning these leaders. In contrast, the Christian community, which suffered from lack and need—the very things they chose over all else for the sake of Christ—was aided by God.

Although the offspring of the Jews are numerous, as foretold in the scripture, ‘the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea’ (Hos. 1:10), not all of them are acknowledged by the Holy Spirit as deserving; through the prophet Isaiah, it is declared, ‘though thy people, O Israel, be as many as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them shall be converted’ (Isa. 10:22). This reflects the current reality, that many perish amidst trials and tribulations. Nonetheless, this larger group represents the people; those who were recognized for their righteousness and wisdom were subjected to humiliation, as illustrated when it is stated, ‘and He left them to wander in an impassable place where there is no way.’

As the prophet has previously illustrated transformations occurring on the earth, he now articulates similar changes happening within individuals. Through afflictions such as illness, grief, adversaries, conflicts, or lethal plagues, humanity faces the loss of life, resulting in a reduction of their numbers. What is the source of this plight, if not the withdrawal of God's grace, which was once the foundation of their well-being? These situations tend to be more apparent among the prominent than the humble, which is why the Prophet shames even the highest leaders whose status remains undeniable, irrespective of their misfortunes. Thus, when God lowers them from their lofty positions, He compels humanity to marvel at His plans.

The prophet extols the glory of the Almighty God with exuberant joy for His countless blessings bestowed upon the Jewish people, delivering them from every form of hardship and distress through the outpouring of His immense mercy. This grace is especially directed toward those who have faith in Christ the Lord, whose desire is for all humanity to attain salvation and to embrace the truth, leading to eternal glory. The righteous are granted everlasting life through the mercy of God, and those redeemed by Christ the Saviour are liberated from sin and death. Individuals from every corner of the earth are united in a single faith in Christ, the true God, forming one holy Church. The Body and Blood of Christ satisfy the spiritual thirst of the faithful.