Psalms 102
Tap any word to open its Greek or Hebrew word and Strong’s lexicon entry right here, and any name to open its Bible Dictionary entry. Read this chapter with JFB commentary · Search the Bible
THY WORD IS TRUTH
The Law
History
Poetry & Wisdom
The Prophets
The Gospels & Acts
The Letters
Prophecy
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” — John 5:39
★ marks a prophecy of the Messiah — see Messiah Prophecies in Study Materials.
123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839404142434445464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172737475767778798081828384858687888990919293949596979899100101102103104105106107108109110111112113114115116117118119120121122123124125126127128129130131132133134135136137138139140141142143144145146147148149150
Psalms 102
Hear My Prayer, O LORD: The Afflicted Man's Prayer
1Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
PSALM 102
Psa 102:1-28. A Prayer of the afflicted, &c.--The general terms seem to denote the propriety of regarding the Psalm as suitably expressive of the anxieties of any one of David's descendants, piously concerned for the welfare of the Church. It was probably David's composition, and, though specially suggested by some peculiar trials, descriptive of future times. Overwhelmed--(compare Psa 61:2). Poureth out--pouring out the soul--(Psa 62:8). Complaint--(Psa 55:2). The tone of complaint predominates, though in view of God's promises and abiding faithfulness, it is sometimes exchanged for that of confidence and hope.
1-3. The terms used occur in Psa 4:1; 17:1, 6; 18:6; 31:2, 10; 37:20.
PSALM 102
Psa 102:1-28. A Prayer of the afflicted, &c.--The general terms seem to denote the propriety of regarding the Psalm as suitably expressive of the anxieties of any one of David's descendants, piously concerned for the welfare of the Church. It was probably David's composition, and, though specially suggested by some peculiar trials, descriptive of future times. Overwhelmed--(compare Psa 61:2). Poureth out--pouring out the soul--(Psa 62:8). Complaint--(Psa 55:2). The tone of complaint predominates, though in view of God's promises and abiding faithfulness, it is sometimes exchanged for that of confidence and hope.
1-3. The terms used occur in Psa 4:1; 17:1, 6; 18:6; 31:2, 10; 37:20.
The Pulpit Commentary
Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto thee (comp. Psa_27:7; Psa_39:12; Psa_54:2; Psa_55:1, etc.). "Stereotyped expressions," but the fittest to express a sufferer's urgent need.
Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto thee (comp. Psa_27:7; Psa_39:12; Psa_54:2; Psa_55:1, etc.). "Stereotyped expressions," but the fittest to express a sufferer's urgent need.
2Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.
The Pulpit Commentary
Hide not thy face from me (so in Psa_27:9; Psa_69:17; Psa_143:7). As the "light of God's countenance" is the greatest of all goods (Psa_4:6), so its withdrawal is the worst of evils. In the day when I am in trouble; literally, in the day of my trouble, or of my straits. Incline thine ear unto me (comp. Psa_17:6; Psa_71:2; Psa_88:2, etc.). In the day when I call, answer me speedily. Compare the versicles of our Prayer book, "O God, make speed to save us; O Lord, make haste to help us."
Hide not thy face from me (so in Psa_27:9; Psa_69:17; Psa_143:7). As the "light of God's countenance" is the greatest of all goods (Psa_4:6), so its withdrawal is the worst of evils. In the day when I am in trouble; literally, in the day of my trouble, or of my straits. Incline thine ear unto me (comp. Psa_17:6; Psa_71:2; Psa_88:2, etc.). In the day when I call, answer me speedily. Compare the versicles of our Prayer book, "O God, make speed to save us; O Lord, make haste to help us."
3For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth.
The Pulpit Commentary
For my days are consumed like smoke; or, according to another reading (בעשׁר, instead of כעשׁר), "are consumed into smoke," i.e. "disappear, pass away into nothingness." And my bones are burned as an hearth. Dr. Kay translates, "My bones smoulder like a firebrand," which is better (compare the Prayer book Version, and see Le Psa_6:2 and Isa_33:14). (For the sentiment, see Psa_31:10; Psa_32:3; Psa_42:10.)
For my days are consumed like smoke; or, according to another reading (בעשׁר, instead of כעשׁר), "are consumed into smoke," i.e. "disappear, pass away into nothingness." And my bones are burned as an hearth. Dr. Kay translates, "My bones smoulder like a firebrand," which is better (compare the Prayer book Version, and see Le Psa_6:2 and Isa_33:14). (For the sentiment, see Psa_31:10; Psa_32:3; Psa_42:10.)
4My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
4. (Compare Psa 121:6).
so that I forget--or, "have forgotten," that is, in my distress (Psa 107:18), and hence strength fails.
4. (Compare Psa 121:6).
so that I forget--or, "have forgotten," that is, in my distress (Psa 107:18), and hence strength fails.
The Pulpit Commentary
My heart is smitten. As with a stroke from the sun (see Psa_121:6; Hos_9:16). And withered like grass. As grass upon the house tops (Psa_129:6), or, indeed, in any exposed place under an Eastern sun. So that I forget to eat my bread; literally, for I forget, etc. The fact is adduced as a proof of the heart's condition (comp. Job_33:20; 1Sa_1:7; 1Sa_20:34, etc.).
My heart is smitten. As with a stroke from the sun (see Psa_121:6; Hos_9:16). And withered like grass. As grass upon the house tops (Psa_129:6), or, indeed, in any exposed place under an Eastern sun. So that I forget to eat my bread; literally, for I forget, etc. The fact is adduced as a proof of the heart's condition (comp. Job_33:20; 1Sa_1:7; 1Sa_20:34, etc.).
5By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
5. voice ... groaning--effect put for cause, my agony emaciates me.
5. voice ... groaning--effect put for cause, my agony emaciates me.
The Pulpit Commentary
By reason of the voice of my groaning; i.e. "by reason of the affliction which causes my groaning." My bones cleave to my skin; literally, to my flesh, but the Authorized Version rightly expresses the meaning (comp. Job_19:20; Lam_4:8).
By reason of the voice of my groaning; i.e. "by reason of the affliction which causes my groaning." My bones cleave to my skin; literally, to my flesh, but the Authorized Version rightly expresses the meaning (comp. Job_19:20; Lam_4:8).
6I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
6-7. The figures express extreme loneliness.
6-7. The figures express extreme loneliness.
The Pulpit Commentary
I am like a pelican in the wilderness. The Hebrew word here rendered "pelican" is elsewhere in our version translated by "cormorant" (Le Psa_11:7; Deu_14:17; Isa_34:11; Zep_2:14); but it is now generally believed that the pelican is intended. The pelican is a bird which haunts marshy and desolate places. It abounds in the Lake Huleh in Northern Galilee. I am like an owl of the desert; or, "of the ruins." The owl haunts ruins in the East no less than in our own country.
I am like a pelican in the wilderness. The Hebrew word here rendered "pelican" is elsewhere in our version translated by "cormorant" (Le Psa_11:7; Deu_14:17; Isa_34:11; Zep_2:14); but it is now generally believed that the pelican is intended. The pelican is a bird which haunts marshy and desolate places. It abounds in the Lake Huleh in Northern Galilee. I am like an owl of the desert; or, "of the ruins." The owl haunts ruins in the East no less than in our own country.
7I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.
The Pulpit Commentary
I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top. Sparrows are very common in Palestine. Dr. Thomson says that he has often heard a sparrow which had lost its mate, uttering "by the hour" its sad lament, seated upon a housetop.
I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top. Sparrows are very common in Palestine. Dr. Thomson says that he has often heard a sparrow which had lost its mate, uttering "by the hour" its sad lament, seated upon a housetop.
8Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
8. sworn against me--or literally, "by me," wishing others as miserable as I am (Nu 5:21).
8. sworn against me--or literally, "by me," wishing others as miserable as I am (Nu 5:21).
The Pulpit Commentary
Mine enemies reproach me all the day. The reproach of their enemies was always felt by the Israelites as a bitter aggravation of their afflictions (see Psa_42:10; Psa_44:13-16; Psa_79:4; Psa_80:6, etc.). They that are mad against me are sworn against me; rather, use me as their curse (comp. Jer_29:22). It was a common form of cursing among the Israelites to wish a man the same fate as had befallen some one whose unhappiness was notorious.
Mine enemies reproach me all the day. The reproach of their enemies was always felt by the Israelites as a bitter aggravation of their afflictions (see Psa_42:10; Psa_44:13-16; Psa_79:4; Psa_80:6, etc.). They that are mad against me are sworn against me; rather, use me as their curse (comp. Jer_29:22). It was a common form of cursing among the Israelites to wish a man the same fate as had befallen some one whose unhappiness was notorious.
9For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
9. ashes--a figure of grief, my bread; weeping or tears, my drink (Psa 80:5).
9. ashes--a figure of grief, my bread; weeping or tears, my drink (Psa 80:5).
The Pulpit Commentary
For I have eaten ashes like bread; i.e. "the 'ashes' of humiliation have been my food. I have, as it were, fed on them." A literal mingling of ashes with his food is not to be thought of. And mingled my drink with weeping (comp. Psa_42:3; Psa_80:5).
For I have eaten ashes like bread; i.e. "the 'ashes' of humiliation have been my food. I have, as it were, fed on them." A literal mingling of ashes with his food is not to be thought of. And mingled my drink with weeping (comp. Psa_42:3; Psa_80:5).
10Because of thine indignation and thy wrath: for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
10. lifted ... cast me down--or, "cast me away" as stubble by a whirlwind (Is 64:6).
10. lifted ... cast me down--or, "cast me away" as stubble by a whirlwind (Is 64:6).
The Pulpit Commentary
Because of thine indignation and thy wrath. "The bitterest ingredient of our cup of sorrow," says Dean Johnson, "is to know that it is owing to Jehovah's wrath and fierce anger for sin." For thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down. "Elevated me," i.e. "only to cast me down, and so make my affliction the greater." The allusion is probably to the former prosperity of the speaker, and of Israel generally, in their own land, and their present misery in Babylon (compare, however, Job_27:21; Job_30:22).
Because of thine indignation and thy wrath. "The bitterest ingredient of our cup of sorrow," says Dean Johnson, "is to know that it is owing to Jehovah's wrath and fierce anger for sin." For thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down. "Elevated me," i.e. "only to cast me down, and so make my affliction the greater." The allusion is probably to the former prosperity of the speaker, and of Israel generally, in their own land, and their present misery in Babylon (compare, however, Job_27:21; Job_30:22).
11My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
11. shadow ... declineth--soon to vanish in the darkness of night.
11. shadow ... declineth--soon to vanish in the darkness of night.
The Pulpit Commentary
My days are like a shadow that declineth; literally, that lengthens, as shadows do when the day declines (comp. Psa_102:24). The psalmist, like his nation, is old before his time; the shades of evening have come upon him, when he should have been in his midday brightness. And I am withered like grass (comp. Psa_102:4). The "I" here is emphatic (אני)—not only is the psalmist's heart withered, but he himself is altogether scorched and dried up.
My days are like a shadow that declineth; literally, that lengthens, as shadows do when the day declines (comp. Psa_102:24). The psalmist, like his nation, is old before his time; the shades of evening have come upon him, when he should have been in his midday brightness. And I am withered like grass (comp. Psa_102:4). The "I" here is emphatic (אני)—not only is the psalmist's heart withered, but he himself is altogether scorched and dried up.
12But thou, O LORD, shall endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
12. Contrast with man's frailty (compare Psa 90:1-7).
thy remembrance--that by which Thou art remembered, Thy promise.
12. Contrast with man's frailty (compare Psa 90:1-7).
thy remembrance--that by which Thou art remembered, Thy promise.
The Pulpit Commentary
The second part of the psalm here begins. Against the complaint is to be set the confident hope and consolation. But thou, O Lord, shalt endure forever. God does not "wither" or decay—God and God's purposes "endure forever." It matters not that Israel is brought so low, and seems at the last gasp; God can raise up his people, and will do so in his own good time (Psa_102:13-17). And thy remembrance unto all generations; or, thy memorial (Revised Version); see Exo_3:15. God's "remembrance," or "memorial," consists in the recollection, that his faithful ones have, of his historically manifested attributes. If this recollection is never to pass away, his faithful ones must remain also, to keep it up.
The second part of the psalm here begins. Against the complaint is to be set the confident hope and consolation. But thou, O Lord, shalt endure forever. God does not "wither" or decay—God and God's purposes "endure forever." It matters not that Israel is brought so low, and seems at the last gasp; God can raise up his people, and will do so in his own good time (Psa_102:13-17). And thy remembrance unto all generations; or, thy memorial (Revised Version); see Exo_3:15. God's "remembrance," or "memorial," consists in the recollection, that his faithful ones have, of his historically manifested attributes. If this recollection is never to pass away, his faithful ones must remain also, to keep it up.
13Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
13-14. Hence it is here adduced.
for--or, "when."
the set time, &c.--the time promised, the indication of which is the interest felt for Zion by the people of God.
13-14. Hence it is here adduced.
for--or, "when."
the set time, &c.--the time promised, the indication of which is the interest felt for Zion by the people of God.
The Pulpit Commentary
Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion (comp. Psa_3:7; Psa_12:5; Psa_68:1). God is said to "arise," when he bestirs himself to take vengeance on his enemies, and deliver his saints out of their hands. The "Zion," on which he would "have mercy," was not the city only, but the people belonging to it. For the time to favour her (or, pity her), yea, the set time, is come. By "the set time" is probably meant the time fixed by Jeremiah for the termination of the Captivity and the restoration of Jerusalem (Jer_25:11, Jer_25:12; Jer_29:10), and alluded to by Daniel in Dan_9:2. This time, the psalmist says, approaches.
Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion (comp. Psa_3:7; Psa_12:5; Psa_68:1). God is said to "arise," when he bestirs himself to take vengeance on his enemies, and deliver his saints out of their hands. The "Zion," on which he would "have mercy," was not the city only, but the people belonging to it. For the time to favour her (or, pity her), yea, the set time, is come. By "the set time" is probably meant the time fixed by Jeremiah for the termination of the Captivity and the restoration of Jerusalem (Jer_25:11, Jer_25:12; Jer_29:10), and alluded to by Daniel in Dan_9:2. This time, the psalmist says, approaches.
14For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.
The Pulpit Commentary
For thy servants take pleasure in her stones (comp. Isa_64:10, Isa_64:11; Lam_4:1; Neh_2:13; Neh_4:2). To this day the same affection is shown by Israelite pilgrims at the "Jews' Wailing Place." And favour (rather, pity) the dust thereof. The rubbish in which the stones lay (Neh_4:2) seems to be intended.
For thy servants take pleasure in her stones (comp. Isa_64:10, Isa_64:11; Lam_4:1; Neh_2:13; Neh_4:2). To this day the same affection is shown by Israelite pilgrims at the "Jews' Wailing Place." And favour (rather, pity) the dust thereof. The rubbish in which the stones lay (Neh_4:2) seems to be intended.
15So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
15-17. God's favor to the Church will affect her persecutors with fear.
15-17. God's favor to the Church will affect her persecutors with fear.
The Pulpit Commentary
So the heathen shall fear the Name of the Lord (comp. Isa_59:19). The restoration of Jerusalem could not but impress great numbers of the heathen, and tend to the enlargement of Jehovah's kingdom. And all the kings of the earth thy glory. Oriental hyperbole, if confined to the immediate effects of the rebuilding of the earthly Jerusalem; but simple truth, if extended to the establishment on earth of the new and heavenly Jerusalem (Isa_65:17-25; Rev_21:1-24).
So the heathen shall fear the Name of the Lord (comp. Isa_59:19). The restoration of Jerusalem could not but impress great numbers of the heathen, and tend to the enlargement of Jehovah's kingdom. And all the kings of the earth thy glory. Oriental hyperbole, if confined to the immediate effects of the rebuilding of the earthly Jerusalem; but simple truth, if extended to the establishment on earth of the new and heavenly Jerusalem (Isa_65:17-25; Rev_21:1-24).
16When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.
The Pulpit Commentary
When the Lord shall build up Zion; rather, because the Lord hath built up Zion. The psalmist, in prophetic ecstasy, sees the future as past. The verbs in this and the next verse are all preterite. He shall appear in his glory; rather, hath appeared in his glory (see Isa_40:5).
When the Lord shall build up Zion; rather, because the Lord hath built up Zion. The psalmist, in prophetic ecstasy, sees the future as past. The verbs in this and the next verse are all preterite. He shall appear in his glory; rather, hath appeared in his glory (see Isa_40:5).
17He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.
The Pulpit Commentary
He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer; rather, he hath regarded … and hath not despised (see the Revised Version). The word translated "destitute" is elsewhere (Jer_17:6) only used as the name of a shrub—probably the dwarf juniper, still so called by the Arabs. The dwarf juniper has "a gloomy stunted appearance" (Tristram), and well symbolizes the Israel of the Captivity period, dry and withered, like a wretched desert shrub.
He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer; rather, he hath regarded … and hath not despised (see the Revised Version). The word translated "destitute" is elsewhere (Jer_17:6) only used as the name of a shrub—probably the dwarf juniper, still so called by the Arabs. The dwarf juniper has "a gloomy stunted appearance" (Tristram), and well symbolizes the Israel of the Captivity period, dry and withered, like a wretched desert shrub.
18This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
18. people ... created--(compare Psa 22:31), an organized body, as a Church.
18. people ... created--(compare Psa 22:31), an organized body, as a Church.
The Pulpit Commentary
This shall be written for the generation to come; or, let it be written; γραφήτω αὕτη, LXX. The mercy of God in restoring his people to their own land and city must be recorded in writing, as his past mercies have been (Exo_17:14; Deu_31:19), for the edification of future generations. The record was made by Ezra and Nehemiah. And the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord. Restored Israel is spoken of as a new creation (comp. Psa_22:31; Isa_43:7, Isa_43:21). It was, indeed, a sort of resurrection from the dead (see Eze_37:1-10). (For the "praise" immediately rendered, see Ezr_3:10, Ezr_3:11; Ezr_6:16-22; Neh_12:27-43.)
This shall be written for the generation to come; or, let it be written; γραφήτω αὕτη, LXX. The mercy of God in restoring his people to their own land and city must be recorded in writing, as his past mercies have been (Exo_17:14; Deu_31:19), for the edification of future generations. The record was made by Ezra and Nehemiah. And the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord. Restored Israel is spoken of as a new creation (comp. Psa_22:31; Isa_43:7, Isa_43:21). It was, indeed, a sort of resurrection from the dead (see Eze_37:1-10). (For the "praise" immediately rendered, see Ezr_3:10, Ezr_3:11; Ezr_6:16-22; Neh_12:27-43.)
19For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
19-22. For--or, "That," as introducing the statement of God's condescension. A summary of what shall be written.
to loose ... appointed--or, "deliver" them (Psa 79:11).
19-22. For--or, "That," as introducing the statement of God's condescension. A summary of what shall be written.
to loose ... appointed--or, "deliver" them (Psa 79:11).
The Pulpit Commentary
For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary. God's true sanctuary is the heaven of heavens wherein he dwells. Earthly sanctuaries are but shadows of this. From heaven did the Lord behold the earth (comp. Exo_2:23-25). As God in the days of old had looked down on the affliction of his people in Egypt, so did he now "look down" and "behold" their sufferings in Babylon.
For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary. God's true sanctuary is the heaven of heavens wherein he dwells. Earthly sanctuaries are but shadows of this. From heaven did the Lord behold the earth (comp. Exo_2:23-25). As God in the days of old had looked down on the affliction of his people in Egypt, so did he now "look down" and "behold" their sufferings in Babylon.
20To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;
The Pulpit Commentary
To hear the groaning of the prisoner (see Exo_2:24, "God heard their groaning;" and comp. Exo_3:7; Exo_6:5). To loose those that are appointed to death; literally, the sons of death (comp. Psa_79:11). Captive Israel regarded its life in Babylon as little better than death (see Eze_37:11).
To hear the groaning of the prisoner (see Exo_2:24, "God heard their groaning;" and comp. Exo_3:7; Exo_6:5). To loose those that are appointed to death; literally, the sons of death (comp. Psa_79:11). Captive Israel regarded its life in Babylon as little better than death (see Eze_37:11).
21To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem;
The Pulpit Commentary
To declare the Name of the Lord in Zion; rather, as in the Revised Version, that men may declare. The great object of Israel's restoration was the glory of God—that Jew and heathen, joined together in one, might unitedly bless God, and praise his glorious Name. The complete fulfilment was, of course, only after the coming of Christ. And his praise in Jerusalem. Especially in the "new Jerusalem" (see the comment on Psa_102:15).
To declare the Name of the Lord in Zion; rather, as in the Revised Version, that men may declare. The great object of Israel's restoration was the glory of God—that Jew and heathen, joined together in one, might unitedly bless God, and praise his glorious Name. The complete fulfilment was, of course, only after the coming of Christ. And his praise in Jerusalem. Especially in the "new Jerusalem" (see the comment on Psa_102:15).
22When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.
The Pulpit Commentary
When the people (rather, the peoples) are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord (comp. Psa_22:27; Psa_68:29-32; Isa_49:6, Isa_49:7, Isa_49:18, etc).
When the people (rather, the peoples) are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord (comp. Psa_22:27; Psa_68:29-32; Isa_49:6, Isa_49:7, Isa_49:18, etc).
23He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
23-28. The writer, speaking for the Church, finds encouragement in the midst of all his distresses. God's eternal existence is a pledge of faithfulness to His promises.
in the way--of providence.
weakened--literally, "afflicted," and made fearful of a premature end, a figure of the apprehensions of the Church, lest God might not perform His promise, drawn from those of a person in view of the dangers of early death (compare Psa 89:47). Paul (He 1:10) quotes Psa 102:26-28 as addressed to Christ in His divine nature. The scope of the Psalm, as already seen, so far from opposing, favors this view, especially by the sentiments of Psa 102:12-15 (compare Is 60:1). The association of the Messiah with a day of future glory to the Church was very intimate in the minds of Old Testament writers; and with correct views of His nature it is very consistent that He should be addressed as the Lord and Head of His Church, who would bring about that glorious future on which they ever dwelt with fond delightful anticipations.
23-28. The writer, speaking for the Church, finds encouragement in the midst of all his distresses. God's eternal existence is a pledge of faithfulness to His promises.
in the way--of providence.
weakened--literally, "afflicted," and made fearful of a premature end, a figure of the apprehensions of the Church, lest God might not perform His promise, drawn from those of a person in view of the dangers of early death (compare Psa 89:47). Paul (He 1:10) quotes Psa 102:26-28 as addressed to Christ in His divine nature. The scope of the Psalm, as already seen, so far from opposing, favors this view, especially by the sentiments of Psa 102:12-15 (compare Is 60:1). The association of the Messiah with a day of future glory to the Church was very intimate in the minds of Old Testament writers; and with correct views of His nature it is very consistent that He should be addressed as the Lord and Head of His Church, who would bring about that glorious future on which they ever dwelt with fond delightful anticipations.
The Pulpit Commentary
The third strophe begins with an acknowledgment of weakness—a sort of "renewed complaint" (Hengstenberg). But from this there is an ascent to a higher confidence than any displayed previously—a confidence that God, who is everlasting (Psa_102:24-27), will perpetually protect his people, and, whatever becomes of the existing generation, will establish their seed before him forever (Psa_102:28).
He weakened my strength in the way. The reading "my strength" (כחי) is greatly to be preferred to that of "his strength" (כחו), which cannot be made to yield a tolerable meaning. It is judiciously adopted by Professor Cheyne, who translates, "He has brought down my strength in the way," and explains "the way" as "the journey of life." So also Rosenmuller and Hengstenberg. He shortened my days; i.e. "made me grow old prematurely" (comp. Psa_102:11).
The third strophe begins with an acknowledgment of weakness—a sort of "renewed complaint" (Hengstenberg). But from this there is an ascent to a higher confidence than any displayed previously—a confidence that God, who is everlasting (Psa_102:24-27), will perpetually protect his people, and, whatever becomes of the existing generation, will establish their seed before him forever (Psa_102:28).
He weakened my strength in the way. The reading "my strength" (כחי) is greatly to be preferred to that of "his strength" (כחו), which cannot be made to yield a tolerable meaning. It is judiciously adopted by Professor Cheyne, who translates, "He has brought down my strength in the way," and explains "the way" as "the journey of life." So also Rosenmuller and Hengstenberg. He shortened my days; i.e. "made me grow old prematurely" (comp. Psa_102:11).
24I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations.
The Pulpit Commentary
I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days. Compare the complaint of Hezekiah (Isa_38:10). A pious Israelite regarded himself as entitled to a fairly long life, which was promised him directly (Exo_20:12) and by implication, since it was only the wicked that were "not to live out half their days" (Psa_55:23). Thy years are throughout all generations. Dathe and Professor Cheyne translate, "O thou, whose years are eternal." But the Hebrew will scarcely admit of this rendering.
I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days. Compare the complaint of Hezekiah (Isa_38:10). A pious Israelite regarded himself as entitled to a fairly long life, which was promised him directly (Exo_20:12) and by implication, since it was only the wicked that were "not to live out half their days" (Psa_55:23). Thy years are throughout all generations. Dathe and Professor Cheyne translate, "O thou, whose years are eternal." But the Hebrew will scarcely admit of this rendering.
★25Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.
The Pulpit Commentary
Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth (comp. Isa_48:13). And the heavens are the work of thy hands (see Gen_1:1, Gen_1:7; Gen_2:4; Psa_89:11; Heb_1:10).
Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth (comp. Isa_48:13). And the heavens are the work of thy hands (see Gen_1:1, Gen_1:7; Gen_2:4; Psa_89:11; Heb_1:10).
★26They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:
The Pulpit Commentary
They shall perish. The coming destruction of the world that now is, is very frequently declared in Holy Scripture. But thou shalt endure. With the perishable nature of the whole material creation, the psalmist contrasts the absolute eternity of God (comp. Psa_102:12; also Psa_9:7; Heb_1:11). Yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment (comp. Isa_51:6). As a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed. Compare the prophecies of "a new heaven and a new earth" (Isa_55:1-13 :17; Isa_66:22; 2Pe_3:13; Rev_21:1).
They shall perish. The coming destruction of the world that now is, is very frequently declared in Holy Scripture. But thou shalt endure. With the perishable nature of the whole material creation, the psalmist contrasts the absolute eternity of God (comp. Psa_102:12; also Psa_9:7; Heb_1:11). Yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment (comp. Isa_51:6). As a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed. Compare the prophecies of "a new heaven and a new earth" (Isa_55:1-13 :17; Isa_66:22; 2Pe_3:13; Rev_21:1).
★27But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.
The Pulpit Commentary
But thou art the same; literally, but thou art HE (comp. Isa_44:4; Isa_46:4); i.e. "thou art the one eternal and unchangeable existence—the one reality." And thy years shall have no end. It is by an accommodation to human modes of thought that God's "years" are spoken of. An eternal existence is a unity—not made up of years and days.
But thou art the same; literally, but thou art HE (comp. Isa_44:4; Isa_46:4); i.e. "thou art the one eternal and unchangeable existence—the one reality." And thy years shall have no end. It is by an accommodation to human modes of thought that God's "years" are spoken of. An eternal existence is a unity—not made up of years and days.
28The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.
The Pulpit Commentary
The children of thy servants shall continue. "The nation descended from those who served thee of old shall continue," or, "abide"—i.e. not only continue to exist, but have a permanent abid-ing-place (comp. Psa_37:39; Psa_69:36). And their seed shall be established before thee (comp. Jer_30:20).
The children of thy servants shall continue. "The nation descended from those who served thee of old shall continue," or, "abide"—i.e. not only continue to exist, but have a permanent abid-ing-place (comp. Psa_37:39; Psa_69:36). And their seed shall be established before thee (comp. Jer_30:20).
THE HOLY BIBLE
Psalms
Chapter 102
Translated out of the original tongues, and with the former translations diligently compared and revised.
KING JAMES VERSION
HOLY
BIBLE
BIBLE
KING JAMES VERSION
TAP THE BIBLE TO OPEN IT
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” — PSALM 119:105