Psalms 102

Ps 102 A frail and afflicted human being prays for the Lord’s compassion on Jerusalem and for his presence with its inhabitants.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.

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).

102:4 Like dried grass, the psalmist senses his life ebbing away.

102:5 skin and bones: The psalmist has wasted away because of his anguish (see 102:9; 109:24).

102:6 The owl was associated with ruin and desolation (Isa 34:11, 15).

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.

102:10 The psalmist blames the Lord for his troubles.

102:11 The psalmist’s existence seems empty and transitory (102:4; 109:23; 144:4).

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.102:12 forever . . . to every generation: The frailty of humans (102:3-11) contrasts with the permanence of the Lord.

102:13 Now is the time for the Lord to restore Jerusalem from exile (see 75:2; Jer 29:10; Dan 9:1-19).

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).

102:17 The people of Israel were destitute (or naked) during the Exile.

102:18-22 The Lord will have mercy; Jews and Gentiles alike will worship him.102:18 Let this be recorded: The written record stands as a memorial to the Lord’s goodness.

102:19 The heavenly sanctuary refers to God’s holy place on high (see 92:8-10).

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).

102:23-28 Although the psalmist suffers in the present, he bases his hope for the future on the Lord’s past faithfulness.

102:24 The psalmist draws a contrast between his days (102:23) and God’s years (cp. 90:4).

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).

102:28 The Lord’s presence provides the basis for the security and happiness of his people (23:6).