Psalm 107 (106):41Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This psalm extols the mercies of God that have been personally experienced and thus resonate deeply with those who have endured trials. It raises the question of whether anyone can truly appreciate the contents of this psalm without first having encountered these truths in their own lives. However, it was not authored for just a few individuals, but for the entirety of God's people, inviting them to recognize their own reflections within its verses. Its title is straightforward, for it proclaims Hallelujah, a repetition that carries profound significance. We traditionally sing this psalm on specific occasions, reflecting the ancient practices of the Church. While we offer praises of Alleluia on designated days, we carry this sentiment in our hearts daily. If this term signifies the glorification of God, it is assuredly not just through our vocal expressions, but from the innermost part of our being. God's praise is ever-present on my lips. The presence of Hallelujah twice in the title is not unique to this psalm but is the case with the preceding one as well. It appears that this hymn was sung by the Israelites and continues to be echoed by the global Church. The repetition of Alleluia may serve to illustrate our cry of Abba, Father. Abba is indeed synonymous with Father, yet the Apostle reminds us that we cry out in the Spirit, Abba, Father; as stated in Romans 8:15. It is akin to two walls approaching the cornerstone, each calling out, one saying ‘Abba’ and the other ‘Father’, united within that Cornerstone, which is our Lord.

Let us acknowledge the Lord's sweetness because we dwell in His mercy (Psalm 105:1). Testify that He is sweet; if you have tasted, declare it. Yet, how can one proclaim His sweetness if they have not first chosen to taste and see? If you have truly experienced how delightful the Lord is (1 Peter 2:3), give Him praise. If your heart has eagerly tasted His goodness, then confess His sweetness. His mercy is everlasting. The term ‘and’ used here signifies what is understood in Greek as εἰς αἰῶνα, which denotes eternal duration. His mercy is not merely for a season; rather, it speaks to the eternal intention of His mercy to unite humanity with the angels forever.

Let those redeemed by the Lord declare their deliverance from the hands of their adversaries (Psalm 105:2). Certainly, the people of Israel experienced redemption from Egypt, escaping from bondage and laborious toil, but let us discern who truly speaks as the redeemed. They are the ones whom He has liberated. We could draw from their experience as those delivered from a figurative Egypt. This narrative reflects a broader truth, revealing that they were gathered from various lands; possibly even Egypt, for even a single province can be diverse. From the east and west, from the north and the sea (Psalm 105:3), we recognize the redemption of God's people across all corners of the earth. They are led as through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:22), baptized in the blood of Christ, symbolizing the washing away of sins akin to the transgression of the Egyptians. All these occurrences serve as metaphorical reminders for us, for whom the culmination of ages has arrived (1 Corinthians 10:11).

They wandered in the wilderness, lacking a place to call home (Psalm 105:4). We witness their despair; they were hungry and thirsty, their souls deeply fatigued (Psalm 106:5). What caused this exhaustion? Not because God is harsh, but because He reveals Himself in goodness, prompting our pleas when we are weary, so that His help may inspire love. Thus, amidst their wanderings, hunger, and thirst, they cried out to the Lord in their distress, and He rescued them from their affliction (Psalm 105:6). What did He provide during their plight? He led them on a straight path (Psalm 106:7). Although they did not find their way to a city, He guided them, alleviating their hunger and thirst, but the specifics of how He filled their need remain unspoken, yet one could expect that His mercies and wonders should be declared among humanity (Psalm 105:8). Convey to those with experience, that they may instruct the inexperienced; those who have traveled the path, seeking the city, are now free from hunger and thirst. He has satisfied the longing soul and filled the hungry with good things (Psalm 105:9).

Those who dwell in darkness, bound by hardship and oppression (Psalm 105:10), have often done so because they failed to recognize their reliance on God's grace. They have ignored the divine counsel (Luke 7:30). The psalmist continues, indicating their rebellion against God's Word out of pride (Psalm 105:11), demonstrating a lack of understanding of His righteousness while attempting to establish their own (Romans 10:3). Their hearts became weary under the burden of their labors (Psalm 105:12). When temptation overtakes you, you may find yourself able to resist if God withdraws His aid, but victory is elusive without His support. When faced with your transgressions, your spirit can become crushed under the strain, leading you to cry, O wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? (Romans 7:24). After being delivered, you will extol the Lord’s mercy. They cried to the Lord during their turmoil, and He brought them relief (Psalm 105:13). They were freed from further temptation, although weariness and disdain may persist. Yet, we must first consider the action taken upon their deliverance. He brought them from darkness and the shadow of death, shattering their chains (Psalm 105:14). Let them express their gratitude for the Lord's mercies and His wonders to all mankind (Psalm 105:15). Why? What difficulties did He conquer? He shattered the gates of bronze and cut through the iron bars (Psalm 105:16). He directed them away from their sinful paths, as their unrighteousness brought them low (Psalm 105:17). In choosing to elevate themselves rather than God, seeking their own righteousness apart from His (Romans 10:3), they discovered their helplessness without divine intervention, relying solely on their finite strength.

Their souls despised all nourishment (Psalm 105:18). They were saturated, weary from excess, which proved more dangerous than hunger. Take heed, for when the psalmist mentions that their souls loathed all food, he warns against being misled to think they were secure from saturation, rather than at risk of death from it. What remains? Even when God's Word delights you, do not become self-sufficient; do not allow pride to dwell in your heart, scorning those who still suffer from overindulgence. They cried out to God when they faced hardship, and He delivered them from their struggles (Psalm 105:19). Discontent was like an illness, and so He sent His Word and healed them (Psalm 106:20). Observe the dangers of excess; see where He rescues those who cry out, who disdain their food. His Word brought healing and restoration, not merely from wandering, hunger, or the battle against sin, but from their own corruption of spirit. To detest that which is sweet reveals a disordered mindset. Therefore, in recognition of this goodness, they should declare the Lord's mercies and wonders to humanity (Psalm 105:21), and present a sacrifice of thanksgiving (Psalm 105:22). In so doing, they affirm that the Lord is good, speaking of His deeds with joy—not with fatigue, sorrow, or despondency, but with gladness.

Those who traverse the seas in vessels, engaging in their trade amidst troubled waters (Psalm 105:23) often find themselves amidst the tumult of nations. The association of waters with peoples is evident in the revelation of John, where he asks about the meaning of these waters, only to be told they signify the multitudes. Therefore, those who labor in mighty waters have witnessed the Lord's deeds and His wonders amid perilous depths (Psalm 105:24). What is more profound than human hearts? Here, tempests frequently arise; mighty winds of rebellion and conflict threaten their very direction. Yet, in His desire for both rulers and the ruled to call upon Him, He spoke, and the tempestuous winds calmed (Psalm 106:25). What does it mean that they calmed? They ceased, remained still, long-stirred, yet finally quieted. He spoke, and tranquility reigned. And what happened to those caught in the storm? They soared to the heights and plunged down to the depths, filled with fear (Psalm 105:26). Their souls were overwhelmed with affliction; they staggered and swayed like drunken men (Psalm 105:27). Those who grip the helm and lovingly guide the ship can attest to this. Certainly, when they speak, when they read, when they interpret, their wisdom shines. Yet, when the storm roars, all human insight seems insignificant. Sometimes, every worldly determination fails, and in every direction they turn, waves crash and tempests howl. As stormy seas threaten their vessel, they find themselves lost; helpless against the elements. They cried out to the Lord amid their trials, and He rescued them from their misfortunes (Psalm 105:28). He commanded the storm, and serene skies emerged (Psalm 105:29), and its waves fell still. Listen to the words of the distressed helmsman, overwhelmed yet saved. I do not wish, dear brethren, to leave you unaware of our tribulations that overtook us in Asia; we were burdened excessively beyond measure (which reflects the complete nullification of any human wisdom), so that we despaired even of life itself (2 Corinthians 1:8). They rejoiced, for calm had returned, and He led them to their desired haven (Psalm 105:30). Let His mercies and miracles be proclaimed among humanity (Psalm 105:31). Everywhere, let us relinquish claims to our merits, strength, or wisdom, but instead acknowledge His mercies. In all our deliverances, let us love Him and call upon Him in times of trouble.

Let them exalt Him within the assembly of the people, offering praise in the council of the elders (Psalm 106:32). Let all nations and elders, merchants and helmsmen, lift Him up. What has He achieved within this assembly? What edicts did He establish? What deliverance did He facilitate? What gifts did He bestow? He opposed the proud but extended grace to the humble (James 4:6). The proud—namely, the foremost tribe of Judah, who boasted in their lineage from Abraham, having received the oracles of God (Romans 3:2)—found that their privilege became a stumbling block, fostering pride rather than understanding. Thus, God opposed the arrogant and graced the meek, severing natural branches due to pride and grafting in the wild olive for their humility. He turned rivers into wastelands (Psalm 105:33). Where once flowed waters, now only thirst remains. Search for a prophet among the Jews and find none. They have known neither abundance nor the presence of a prophet, nor a sacrifice, nor a temple. Why? Because of the wickedness of those who dwell there. Observe how He resists the haughty and bestows grace upon the meek. He transformed the desert into pools (Psalm 105:35), where the thirsty found sustenance (Psalm 105:36). It was proclaimed of Him, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” If you seek among the Jews, you will find no fit priest from the line of Aaron. Instead, seek after Melchizedek, and you will discover Him celebrated across the world. From dawn to dusk, His name is glorified. They cultivated fields, planted vineyards, and harvested abundant crops (Psalm 106:37). What joy fills the laborer who professes, “I do not seek gifts, but their fruits” (Philippians 4:17). And He blessed them; they flourished and multiplied, their livestock unnumbered (Psalm 105:38). The foundation of God remains steadfast; for the Lord knows those who are His (2 Timothy 2:19). The humble flock and even the simple among the faithful are deemed useful, small in learning yet rich in faith. Consequently, whether physical or spiritual, He bestowed His blessings.

Assist those in distress to rise above their poverty. Who qualifies as poor? Is it not the one referred to: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit’ (Matthew 5:3)? The prophet states, ‘He has acknowledged as belonging to His own flock those gathered from all nations.’

Assist the needy in overcoming their deprivation. In times past, the Gentiles who faced dire poverty have been supported by God and have gained spiritual abundance. Treat them as members of the Father’s household. He will lift the destitute from their misery and establish them as part of a family; for He will nurture them like His own sheep and provide for them as His own kin in the flesh.

The rulers, princes, and kings to whom the Christians were subordinate and who persecuted them were regarded by Isychius as humiliated and rendered insignificant before God, as He allowed them to stray from the truth. The Scriptures uniquely refer to a divine allowance of their misguided actions. Where did God let them falter? He guided them into an impassable and dreary existence, not along a clear and level road; instead, they deviated into ungodly and destructive teachings of falsehood and idolatry. This illustrates God's actions toward the leaders and authorities. In contrast, the Christian community, poverty-stricken yet choosing this state for Christ's sake, received divine assistance.

Simmah states, ‘and you shall prevent the oppressed from feeling bitter’; in this context, the poor represent the people. He has made the tribes numerous, akin to sheep. Aquila translates this as ‘and established the families as a flock of sheep,’ while Simmah expresses it as ‘and arranged the families like flocks of sheep.’ This refers to the Churches that have been established in various cities and regions. The Saviour speaks of His followers, saying: ‘My sheep hear My voice’ (John 10:27). However, the prophet refers to this as something that is yet to come, rather than a current reality.

The prophet has illustrated certain transformations occurring on the earth, and he similarly outlines the alterations seen in humanity. Through affliction, grief, opposition, conflict, deadly plagues, or other misfortunes, people lose their lives, leading to a reduction in their numbers. Where does this arise from, if not from the withdrawal of God's grace, which was once their source of abundance? Such situations are often more evident among the prominent than the humble; hence the Prophet highlights the disappointments of the very rulers, whose significance remains apparent amidst their tribulations. When God lowers them from their esteemed positions, it compels observers to marvel at His divine plans. Notice these words: Humiliation has been poured out upon their leaders.

The prophet exalts God Almighty with immense joy for His innumerable blessings bestowed upon the Jewish people, rescuing them from all tribulations through the outpouring of His abundant mercy, particularly for those who believe in Christ the Lord, who longs for all humanity to attain salvation and embrace the truth, leading to the gift of everlasting victory. The righteous dwell eternally within the mercy of God, having been liberated by Christ the Savior from sin and death. From every corner of the earth, individuals unite in a shared faith in the true God, forming one holy Church. The Body and Blood of Christ satisfy the spiritual thirst of the faithful. In the shadows of demonic idolatry, they have failed to perceive the illumination of the true Christ the Lord. Poverty signifies a lack of God's grace, and the chains represent the harshness of sin; God's words serve as His commandments. He counsels against the worship of idols.