Psalm 107 (106):5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

We may sing Alleluia at specific times, yet we carry it in our hearts daily. For if this term signifies the adoration of God, it must echo in our hearts, even if not in our physical voices. As for the repeated Hallelujah in the title, this is not unique to this psalm but reflects the first cries of worship. The text indicates that Israel’s voice raised this song, just as the universal Church across the globe continues to sing it. The dual expression of Alleluia perhaps reflects our relationship with God, where we, like children, call out to Him as Abba, Father. In Romans 8:15, the Apostle writes of our intimate communion with God, indicating two voices reaching out to the Father, united in the Cornerstone who reconciles all.

Let the redeemed of the Lord declare His goodness, as seen in Psalm 105:2. Consider how Israel was delivered from the shackles of Egypt, signifying liberation from bondage, laborious toil, and sinful actions. It is crucial to recognize who qualifies as those redeemed by the Lord, and to whom this psalm speaks. He has gathered His people from various lands, possibly from Egypt itself, as there are many territories within its borders. From every direction—east, west, north, or the sea (Psalm 105:3)—we understand the scope of God’s redemption extending throughout the earth. The people of God, liberated from the vastness of Egypt, are journeying as if through the Red Sea (Exodus 14:22), coming to a complete salvation in baptism that washes away the sins of their oppressors.

Yet, these events were mere figures foreshadowing greater truths written for our instruction, as affirmed in 1 Corinthians 10:11. They wandered in desolate places, lacking direction and unable to find a city to call home (Psalm 105:4). We have heard of their sorrowful journey marked by want—hungry and thirsty, their spirits burdened (Psalm 106:5). Why did their souls grow faint? This pain is neither a sign of God's cruelty nor neglect but serves to reveal His goodness, drawing us closer through our weariness, inviting our hearts to cry out for help. Consequently, after periods of wandering, hunger, and thirst, they cried unto the Lord in their tribulation. He delivered them from their troubles (Psalm 105:6) and guided them on a straight path (Psalm 106:7), offering direction and sustenance needed to find their dwelling place.

Through it all, His mercies and wonders are to be celebrated (Psalm 105:8). Encouragement is offered to those who have journeyed far, who now seek out the city, who have finally found respite from hunger and thirst. For He has filled the longing heart and satisfied the hungry spirit with good things (Psalm 105:9).

Those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, ensnared by poverty and shackles (Psalm 105:10), should reflect on their conditions. Is it not partly due to their own actions, having spurned the grace of God and rejected His counsel (Luke 7:30)? For rebellion against the Lord leads to pride (Psalm 105:11), obscuring the heart to the righteousness of God. Thus, they become weary amidst their own labors (Psalm 105:12). Engaging in temptation without God’s aid leaves one exposed and defeated. A heart burdened by iniquity leads to the realization of one’s utter need for deliverance. Crying out, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24) brings the grateful recognition of God’s mercy as His salvation arises in moments of distress (Psalm 105:13).

He brought them forth from darkness and shadows, breaking their chains (Psalm 105:14). Let them proclaim His mercies and wonders to all (Psalm 105:15). What adversities did He overcome for them? He shattered the brass gates and iron barriers (Psalm 105:16). Indicating their former iniquities, they were humbled due to their insistence on self-exaltation rather than acknowledging God’s righteousness (Romans 10:3). In their pride, they discovered their helplessness without His aid, finding their strength inadequate.

Now, when their souls abhorred all food (Psalm 105:18), they suffered from excess rather than scarcity. It becomes evident that satiety can destroy just as hunger can. They cried to the Lord amidst their distress, and He responded by sending His Word to heal them (Psalm 106:20). In recognizing the danger of excess, they may forsake God’s provisions and grow discontent. Deliverance does not arrive simply from physical wants but from the deeper decay of the soul. To loathe good things detracts from the heart’s vitality. Hence, let them express gratitude for the Lord’s mercies and wonders (Psalm 105:21), offering sacrifices of praise (Psalm 105:22) with joy, not weariness or regret.

The mariners labor upon the troubled seas (Psalm 105:23)—a metaphor for the nations. The “waters” of the world vibrantly resonate throughout Scripture, as noted in the Revelation of John, illustrating the turmoil faced throughout the worldly journey. As they navigate tumultuous waves, God calls both rulers and the ruled to seek Him amidst the chaos. He speaks, and the storm calms (Psalm 106:25). Their ascent to heaven and descent into the depths reveals the affectation of fear and desolation that envelops them, causing their souls to tremble and be disoriented (Psalm 105:26-27). Those at the helm can appreciate this tumult; all human wisdom sometimes disappears in the face of chaotic seas.

What remains? They cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them from their afflictions (Psalm 105:28). He commanded the storm, and serenity returned (Psalm 105:29). Let us listen to the voices of those who have faced danger: despite trials, the mercy of God overcomes all adversities, bringing peace and establishing them on solid ground (Psalm 105:30). Let His mercies resonate within us (Psalm 105:31), for in every situation, we confess not our own strength but His grace.

Let them exalt Him in the assembly and honor Him among the elders (Psalm 106:32). Let every demographic within this assembly acknowledge what God has done—what grace He has shown and how He has offered redemption from pride (James 4:6). The proud, reliant on their heritage, received not sustenance for their arrogance. In contrast, the humble are welcomed into grace, fulfilling God’s promise.

When God made the rivers desolate (Psalm 105:33) and left His people in thirst, there arose a famine for His Word—no prophet to be found among them. What a tragic void where rivers once flowed with fulfillment—this reflects the realities faced due to their collective sin. The proud met desolation, while the humble were led to renewing waters (Psalm 105:35). The hungry found solace and nourishment.

As they cultivated crops and vineyards and received blessings (Psalm 106:37), the laborer rejoices, seeking not mere gifts but fruitful results (Philippians 4:17). God multiplied their blessings, ensuring that none diminished (Psalm 105:38), confirming that He stands firm for His faithful. He blesses all who earnestly walk in the Church—both learned and simple-hearted, spiritual and material.

Over time, they diminished in numbers, vexed and stricken (Psalm 105:39). This decline arose not from external forces but from internal estrangement. Those departing from true unity reveal their separation from the body of Christ (1 John 2:19). Such splintering results in misunderstanding, for unity remains God’s intended purpose and the ultimate expression of His glory.

Even in their anguish, God provided for the impoverished (Psalm 105:41). Princes may fall, but He lifts up the lowly. As believers, we understand that those humble in spirit benefit from His grace. One poor man represents countless others, as God bestowed upon him greatness and blessing. Mysteries abound in these truths, reflecting the depth of God’s providence.

Now, who is wise enough to glean understanding from these insights? Consider the grace of the Lord (Psalm 105:43), which surpasses all human merit and power. He has awakened the wandering and nourished the needy, setting captives free from sinful fetters. When storms threaten to engulf us, He brings calm. We find ourselves in His presence, marked by humility, in the nation where He bestows grace. The faithful rejoice in this reality; thus, all forms of evil shall find themselves silenced.

He refers to them as redeemed by the Lord, for they strayed in desolate places, often losing their way, and would not have found the path if God had not extended His hand to guide them. This is not merely about ordinary travelers, but rather those who, due to enemy aggression or other circumstances, found themselves in far-off lands, enduring numerous trials, especially those taken captive by adversaries or pirates. Thus, he emphasizes that their distress was not coincidental, nor was their return to their homeland random; it was God’s Providence that directed their journey. It is as if he is saying, ‘Let the liberated declare their gratitude and sing of God's mercies on their return from captivity.’ This teaching is relevant not only to the Jewish people, who frequently undertook perilous journeys, but to all of humankind, particularly to those who have strayed and are often at risk of losing their lives due to deprivation. Such individuals, if the Lord does not intervene, are close to perishing, much like those who tread through the wilderness without knowing the path, often facing dangers from wild beasts.

In the shadow of demonic idolatry, many have failed to perceive the light of the true Christ, the Lord. Poverty signifies a lack of God’s grace, while burdens are the harshness of sin, and God's commandments serve as His divine guidance, instructing believers not to yield to the worship of idols.