United Commentaries

Ps.102.1-28

A frail and afflicted human being prays for the Lord’s compassion on Jerusalem and for his presence with its inhabitants.

Ps.102.1-2

The psalmist appeals to the Lord not to turn away (or hide your face). Israel experienced his turning his face away during their exile.

Ps.102.3

Smoke is an image of transitory life (37:20; 68:2).

The psalmist’s bones represent his whole being (see 6:2; 34:19-22).

Ps.102.4

Like dried grass, the psalmist senses his life ebbing away.

Ps.102.5

skin and bones: The psalmist has wasted away because of his anguish (see 102:9; 109:24).

Ps.102.6

The owl was associated with ruin and desolation (Isa 34:11, 15).

Ps.102.7-8

The psalmist cannot sleep (see 63:6-8). Like a bird on the roof, he feels isolated from both friends (see 88:8) and enemies.

Ps.102.10

The psalmist blames the Lord for his troubles.

Ps.102.11

The psalmist’s existence seems empty and transitory (102:4; 109:23; 144:4).

Ps.102.12-17

The topic changes from the psalmist’s miseries to the Lord’s glory. A vision of the Lord’s compassionate kingship gives him confidence in Zion’s future.

Ps.102.12

forever . . . to every generation: The frailty of humans (102:3-11) contrasts with the permanence of the Lord.

Ps.102.13

Now is the time for the Lord to restore Jerusalem from exile (see 75:2; Jer 29:10; Dan 9:1-19).

Ps.102.15-16

When the Lord arises (102:13), the nations will tremble with fear because they will see his glory (see 8:1; 19:1-4a; 24:7). The rebuilding of Zion and the Temple portray God’s glory and fulfill this promise. An even greater fulfillment will come with the New Jerusalem (Rev 21).

Ps.102.17

The people of Israel were destitute (or naked) during the Exile.

Ps.102.18-22

The Lord will have mercy; Jews and Gentiles alike will worship him.

Ps.102.18

Let this be recorded: The written record stands as a memorial to the Lord’s goodness.

Ps.102.19

The heavenly sanctuary refers to God’s holy place on high (see 92:8-10).

Ps.102.22

The multitudes—both Jews and Gentiles—will join in the worship of the Lord (see 96:7, 9; 106:48; Isa 2:2-4; 43:10-13; 57:15; 60:3-7).

Ps.102.23-28

Although the psalmist suffers in the present, he bases his hope for the future on the Lord’s past faithfulness.

Ps.102.24

The psalmist draws a contrast between his days (102:23) and God’s years (cp. 90:4).

Ps.102.25-27

In contrast with the permanence of the Creator, the created order will wear out like a piece of clothing (see Isa 40:28).

The writer to the Hebrews describes this passage as having been addressed to Jesus, the Son (Heb 1:10-12).

Ps.102.28

The Lord’s presence provides the basis for the security and happiness of his people (23:6).