THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
This psalm extols the mercies of God, which resonate deeply with those who have personally experienced them, making it especially dear to the attentive heart. It seems unlikely that anyone can find delight in the verses of this psalm unless they have been inwardly taught by their own experiences. However, its words are not intended for just a handful of individuals; rather, they are meant for the entirety of God’s people, so they might recognize themselves reflected within it as in a mirror. The title of this psalm requires no further explanation; it is a resounding Hallelujah. We traditionally sing it at designated times during our celebrations, in keeping with the ancient practices of the Church. There is a profound significance in singing it on specific days. Although we sing Alleluia at appointed intervals, we remember it daily. If this term signifies praise for God, it need not always be on our lips but assuredly in our hearts. His praise will perpetually be within me. Additionally, the title Hallelujah appears twice, a feature not exclusive to this psalm but found in the first as well. Historically, it was sung by the people of Israel and continues to be sung by the global Church of God. The repetition of Alleluia might hold significance, reflecting our cry of Abba, Father. Since Abba is synonymous with Father, the Apostle reminded us that it is through Him we cry, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). This implies that one side calls ‘Abba’ while the other echoes ‘Father’ in that Christ, the Cornerstone, unites both.
Let the redeemed of the Lord declare that He is gracious, for you are enveloped in His mercy (Psalm 105:1). In this declaration, acknowledge His sweetness: if you have experienced it, give testimony. Yet one cannot testify who has not chosen to taste, for how could someone proclaim sweetness without ever knowing it? But for those who have savored the Lord’s goodness (1 Peter 2:3), confess His sweetness before Him. If you have tasted with fervor, proceed to acknowledge Him, for His mercy endures forever. Here, ‘and’ is interpreted as ‘for’ in many Scripture passages, meaning what is referred to in Greek as εἰς αἰῶνα signifies eternity. His mercy does not exist temporarily but is everlasting; the purpose of His grace is to grant humanity eternal communion with the angels.
Let those who have been redeemed by the Lord speak, those whom He has freed from the hands of their oppressors (Psalm 105:2). It is evident that the people of Israel experienced redemption from Egypt, liberated from slavery and fruitless labor, but let us explore who belongs to this redeemed group. Are they not those He has truly rescued? Indeed, we could refer to them as those liberated from Egyptian bondage. Let us accurately describe who this psalm is intended for. He has gathered them from all lands; consider the lands of Egypt, as even within one territory, there are multiple regions. Let Him express His truth plainly: from the east and the west, from the north and the sea (Psalm 105:3). Thus, we understand that the redeemed encompass the entire globe. The people of God, brought out of the great and mighty Egypt, traverse through as if they were passing through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:22), so that through Baptism they may triumph over their adversaries. Because through this sacrament, akin to the Red Sea, glorified by the blood of Christ, the transgressions of the oppressive Egyptians are eradicated.
However, all of this serves as a figure and is inscribed for our instruction, as we are those upon whom the ends of the ages have come (1 Corinthians 10:11).
They wandered in the wilderness, through desolate lands, unable to find a city to inhabit (Psalms 105:4). We have heard of their desolate roaming; what of their deprivation? They were hungry and thirsty; their spirits languished within them (Psalm 106:5). But why did their souls faint? For what purpose? God is not unkind; He reveals Himself through what is beneficial to us, prompting our weary souls to invoke His aid, so that in His assistance, we may come to love Him. Hence, after their wandering, hunger, and thirst, they cried to the Lord in their affliction, and He rescued them from their troubles (Psalm 105:6). What did He do for them during their wanderings? He guided them along a straight path (Psalm 106:7). They could not find a dwelling city, were tormented by hunger and thirst, yet He led them on a straight course towards the city where they could finally reside. Although the text does not specify how He satisfied their hunger and thirst, we expect this: let His mercies and wonders be proclaimed by the sons of men (Psalm 105:8). Say this to those who have experienced it, so they may enlighten the inexperienced; those already directed to seek the city, now finally liberated from hunger and thirst. For He has nourished the famished soul and filled the hungry with good things (Psalm 105:9).
Those bound in darkness and in the shadow of death, confined by poverty and iron (Psalm 105:10). What accounts for this condition but your own actions? Have you not obtained the grace of God? Have you turned away from God’s guidance concerning you (Luke 7:30)? For observe how He adds: because they rebelled against God’s commands in their pride (Psalm 105:11), ignoring God’s righteousness, instead attempting to establish their own (Romans 10:3), becoming hardened against the counsel of the Most High. Their hearts became weary from labor (Psalm 105:12). Now contend against temptation; if God withdraws His help, you may strive, but victory will elude you. When burdened by your wickedness, your hearts will break from toil, prompting you to humbly cry out: O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? (Romans 7:24). Upon deliverance, you will proclaim the Lord’s mercy. During their troubles, they cried out to the Lord, and He saved them from their distress (Psalm 105:13). They were liberated from their second trial. Yet weariness and disdain remain. But first, consider what He accomplished for them upon their deliverance. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, breaking their chains (Psalm 105:14). Let them declare to the Lord His mercies and wonders to the sons of men (Psalm 105:15). Why? What adversities has He overcome? Because He shattered the gates of bronze and the bars of iron (Psalm 105:16). He steered them away from a path of iniquity; it was because of their own unrighteousness that they faced humiliation (Psalm 105:17). Since they esteemed themselves above God, claiming their own righteousness while disregarding God’s righteousness (Romans 10:3), they experienced their fall from grace. They learned that without His aid, they were powerless, relying solely on their strength.
Their souls despised all nourishment (Psalm 105:18). At this point, they were suffering from overindulgence. They became weary from excess. It is dangerous to be satiated. Do not assume they could only fall prey to starvation but not to overindulgence. Notice what follows. When it declares, Their soul loathed all food, do not think their safety stemmed from excessive eating; rather, they were on the brink of death due to overindulgence. What then remains? That even when the word of God captivates you, do not succumb to arrogance; nor, out of prideful appetites, scorn those in peril from overindulgence. When they were in distress, they cried unto the Lord, and He saved them from their troubles (Psalm 105:19). Acknowledging that discontent was an ailment, He sent His Word and healed them (Psalm 106:20). Observe the malevolence inherent in overindulgence; consider from what He rescues those who cry out, who despise their nourishment. He sent His Word, healed them, and snatched them away, not from wandering, hunger, or the struggle against sin, but from their moral decay. To abhor what is enjoyable signifies a form of mental degradation. So regarding this goodness, as with previous instances, let us proclaim the Lord’s mercies and His wonders to the children of men (Psalm 105:21). Let them present a sacrifice of praise (Psalm 105:22). For now, as they sing His praises, the Lord is good, and may they delight in recounting His works joyfully—not with weariness, sadness, anxiety, or contempt, but with joy.
They who traverse the seas in ships, conducting their business amid turbulent waters (Psalm 105:23); that is, in various nations. The waters often symbolize nations, as depicted in the Revelation of John, where he was informed that these waters represent the nations. Hence, those who labor upon mighty waters have witnessed the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep (Psalm 105:24). For what is deeper than the hearts of men? From this depth, winds often blow; tempests of rebellion and strife disturb the ship. What occurs in such situations? God, wishing for both rulers and their subjects to call upon Him, spoke, and the storm ceased (Psalm 106:25). When speaking of the storm, it signifies that it persisted, remained, and was turbulent for some time, raging without respite. For He spoke, and the storm calmed. What did the calming of the storm achieve? They ascended boldly to heaven; they descended into the abyss (Psalm 105:26) in fear. Their souls were miserable in affliction, disoriented like drunkards (Psalm 105:27). Those at the helm and even the faithful sailors can relate to my words. Often when they speak, read, or interpret, they might seem wise. Woe to the tempest! Yet all their wisdom falters; at times, human counsel falls short; no matter where one turns, the waves roar, tempests rage, and their hands are powerless. They cannot predict where the bow will hit or which wave may strike, nor navigate the battered ship from treacherous rocks as they endeavor to salvage her. What can they do but what comes next? They cried unto the Lord during their troubles, and He saved them from their calamities (Psalm 105:28). He commanded the storm, and it turned into calm (Psalm 105:29), and its waves settled down. In this scenario, listen to the helmsman’s voice, someone who faced peril, was overwhelmed, and yet rescued. I want you, dear brethren, to be aware of the tribulation we faced in Asia, where we were burdened beyond our strength and ability (I see that all his wisdom was consumed), so that we felt life itself was wearing thin (2 Corinthians 1:8). They rejoiced because they were serene, and He led them to the harbor they desired (Psalm 105:30). Let His mercies and miracles be declared by the children of men (Psalm 105:31). Let them acknowledge, without exception, that it is not our merits, strength, or wisdom, but His mercies that ought to be recounted before the Lord. Let Him be cherished in every act of salvation, invoked in every difficulty.