THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
This psalm extols the merciful nature of God, which has been experienced personally, rendering it more comforting for those who have undergone trials. It raises the question of whether anyone can derive joy from this psalm unless they have themselves been taught through experience. However, it is a universal hymn for the people of God, allowing them to see their own reflections within it, much like gazing into a mirror. The title of the psalm speaks for itself, repeating the word Hallelujah—a word we uphold in our worship as part of ancient Church tradition, particularly on designated days that carry deep significance. While we sing Alleluia on particular occasions, we ought to contemplate it daily, as it signifies praise toward God, not merely with our lips, but from the depths of our hearts; indeed, His praise shall always be on my lips. The dual occurrence of 'Hallelujah' in the title is not unique to this psalm but also appears prominently in its initial verse. Historically, it was chanted by the Israelites and is now celebrated within the universal Church of God across the globe. There may be profound reasoning behind this repetition of Alleluia, as we cry out, Abba, Father; Romans 8:15, reflecting our relationship with God.
In recognizing this, let us declare the Lord's sweetness, for we dwell in His mercy, as stated in Psalm 105:1. A true confession of His sweetness is possible only if one has truly tasted it; otherwise, how can one attest to the flavor of something unknown? If you have experienced the Lord’s delightful nature, as cited in 1 Peter 2:3, proclaim it before Him. Experience compels us to affirm His everlasting mercy, recognized in many Scriptural references where the Greek term εἰς αἰῶνα is interpreted as forever. God’s mercy is not temporary, aimed at ensuring that humanity may dwell eternally alongside the angels.
Let the redeemed of the Lord declare their liberation, as referenced in Psalm 105:2. The Israelites were redeemed from Egypt, escaping slavery and toil, yet we must discern if those recalling this truth are indeed the ones saved by the Lord from bondage. They are the redeemed, but we can also interpret this as those liberated from their enemies, the Egyptians. It is essential to delineate precisely who these individuals are for whom this psalm is a hymn. He has gathered them from various territories, potentially including Egypt, as even a single region may encompass many lands. They are drawn from the east and the west, the north and the south, as highlighted in Psalm 105:3, demonstrating God’s hand upon His people regardless of geographical boundaries. This chosen people of God, having been released from vast Egypt, traverse through the Red Sea, Exodus 14:22, so that in Baptism, they can vanquish their adversaries. Through this sacramental event, symbolized by the Red Sea, Baptism sanctified by Christ’s blood cleanses us from sin.
All these occurrences serve as a shadow of deeper truths written for our instruction, for whom the culmination of the ages has arrived, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 10:11. They journeyed through desolate deserts, finding no path leading to a settled abode, as expressed in Psalm 105:4. Their state of wandering was indeed lamentable; they suffered from hunger and thirst, with their souls burdened and weary, as stated in Psalm 106:5. Yet, God is not cruel; He desires to reveal His goodness and to be approached by those who are weary so that their pleas lead them to love Him more deeply. Following their wandering, afflictions of hunger and thirst drove them to cry out to the Lord, who delivered them from their distress, as indicated in Psalm 105:6. While they were lost, He guided them along smooth paths, noting that though they searched for a city to inhabit, despite their weariness and hunger, He directed them straight, allowing them to reach the city of shelter. While the particulars of how He alleviated their hunger and thirst are not specified, it is expected that His mercies and wonders be acknowledged by humanity, as expressed in Psalm 105:8. To those already on the path, well-acquainted with seeking the city and freed from hunger and thirst, you are called to witness how He nourished the empty soul and satisfied the longing soul with good.
Those trapped in darkness and the shadows of death, bound by poverty and oppression—Psalm 105:10—must inquire whether their plight arises from self-reliance, lacking the grace of God, or rejecting His guidance, as noted in Luke 7:30. For indeed, the text reveals that they rebelled against the Lord out of pride, as expressed in Psalm 105:11, being ignorant of God’s righteousness while attempting to establish their own, Romans 10:3. Their hearts were made weary in their toil, evidenced in Psalm 105:12. Contending with desires without God’s assistance, one might struggle but cannot conquer, and burdened by wickedness, one’s heart breaks under labor. Thus, humility prompts the cry of despair: O wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Romans 7:24. Upon being saved, one reflects on God’s mercy, which is evident when they cry out to Him amid their tribulation and receive deliverance from their troubles, as mentioned in Psalm 105:13. They found freedom from the second temptation that still left them with weariness and revulsion. Observe what He enacted for them upon their release: He broke their chains (Psalm 105:14). Let them acknowledge the Lord’s mercies and wonders toward humanity, as affirmed in Psalm 105:15. Consider the challenges He surmounted; He shattered the gates of bronze and broke the bars of iron, Psalm 105:16. He removed them from paths of wickedness, humbling them due to their unrighteousness, as put forth in Psalm 105:17, for their self-exaltation led to their humiliation. They discovered their helplessness without divine aid, relying solely on their strength.
In their despair, they abhorred all nourishment as stated in Psalm 105:18, encountering dangers due to their satiety. Despite potential death from starvation, their struggle against overindulgence presented a greater threat. Thus, as it is recounted, their souls despised all food so that one would not conclude they were immune to sunk pleasures, as even the gates of death encirlcled them. What remains evident? Even as God’s word becomes agreeable, it is crucial to avoid self-aggrandizement and pridefully neglect those still endangered by overindulgence. Hence, amid trouble, they cried to the Lord, who delivered them from their distress, Psalm 105:19. Recognizing their discontent as a sickness, He dispatched His Word to heal them, Psalm 106:20. Examine the calamity of overindulgence required by the Divine Hand; His intervention brings restoration not merely from wandering or hunger but from moral decay. To detest sweetness can signify a corruption of the mind. Like before, let them acknowledge the Lord’s mercies and wonders to humanity, as noted in Psalm 105:21. Offer a sacrifice of praise, Psalm 105:22, motivated by joy and celebration—none of weariness, sorrow, anxiety, or disgust.
Those who navigate the seas in ships amid troubled waters, as described in Psalm 105:23, refer to nations far and wide, shown clearly in Revelation, where John notes that such waters represent the nations. Therefore, those who labor on tumultuous waters have witnessed the Lord's mighty acts and wonders amid the deep, as stated in Psalm 105:24. For what is deeper than the human heart, where tempests of rebellion can often stir? God, desiring for both rulers and subjects to invoke His Name, spoke, and the winds subsided—a calmness after unrest, Psalm 106:25. He calms the storm, allowing them to ascend to the heavens and descend into the depths, Psalm 105:26, bearing the pain of affliction. They become bewildered like inebriated men, Psalm 105:27. Those who steer the ship and faithfully tend to their charge know the weight of these truths. In moments of peril and despair, human wisdom falters; the storm’s rage renders all counsel ineffective. Thus, amid their troubles, they implored the Lord, who rescued them from their predicaments, Psalm 105:28. He commanded the storm, and tranquility returned, accompanied by calm waters, Psalm 105:29. Listen to the testimony of the helmsman as he recounts their trial in Asia, overwhelmed beyond measure, to the point of losing hope for life, as stated in 2 Corinthians 1:8. They rejoiced, for He calmed their chaos and safely directed them to their desired port, Psalm 105:30. May the testimonies of His mercies and wonders to humanity be ever acknowledged before the Lord, Psalm 105:31. Let us recognize His mercies above our merits, strength, or wisdom.
Let them exalt Him within the congregations, praising Him in the presence of the elders, as noted in Psalm 106:32. Both nations and leaders, merchants and helmsmen should lift their voices in Thanksgiving. Consider what He has accomplished in this assembly; what has He established, rescued it from, and enriched it with? He humbles the proud while gracing the lowly, as revealed in James 4:6. The proud, notably the nation of Judah, brooding over their privileged lineage from Abraham and entrusted with divine revelations, Romans 3:2, allowed their privilege to morph into pride. By cutting away the natural branches and grafting in wild olive shoots, He exemplifies the essence of humility. He turned fertile rivers into wasteland, Psalm 105:33—those who once flowed with promises now thirst for a prophet, seeking yet finding none. The land is without faith or sacrifice; it remains desolate due to the wickedness of its inhabitants. He has rendered lifeless what was once full of vitality. In contrast, He transformed wastelands into fertile waters, where the hungry could reside, Psalm 105:36, illustrating the passage of sacred grace that surpasses earthly traditions confined to Judaism.
They sowed the fields and planted vineyards, harvesting the loaves of the earth, as stated in Psalm 106:37. What rejoicing fills the laborer who states, I seek the fruit rather than merely requesting a gift, as indicated in Philippians 4:17. He blessed them, leading to significant multiplication while their livestock remained unharmed, Psalm 105:38. This reality echoes the steadfastness of God's foundation; His knowledge of His people endures, as confirmed in 2 Timothy 2:19. Symbolically representing those within the Church, whether educated or unlearned, He ushered blessings upon them. Yet they dwindled in number and faced distress, as noted in Psalm 105:39—not from external forces but from internal issues of unity. Their departure from us indicated that they were never truly part of us, 1 John 2:19. For these sayings reflect upon those who dwindle in consideration of virtue, losing the essence of godliness they once possessed. Those consumed by self-love and worldly affections, failing to cry for divine assistance, have diminished. When division threatens unity, one realizes that true strength lies in collective solidarity.