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Psalms 102

World English Bible

WEB

1A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before Yahweh. Hear my prayer, Yahweh! Let my cry come to you. 2Don’t hide your face from me in the day of my distress. Turn your ear to me. Answer me quickly in the day when I call. 3For my days consume away like smoke. My bones are burned as a torch. 4My heart is blighted like grass, and withered, for I forget to eat my bread. 5By reason of the voice of my groaning, my bones stick to my skin. 6I am like a pelican of the wilderness. I have become as an owl of the waste places. 7I watch, and have become like a sparrow that is alone on the housetop. 8My enemies reproach me all day. Those who are mad at me use my name as a curse. 9For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mixed my drink with tears, 10because of your indignation and your wrath; for you have taken me up and thrown me away. 11My days are like a long shadow. I have withered like grass. 12But you, Yahweh, will remain forever; your renown endures to all generations. 13You will arise and have mercy on Zion, for it is time to have pity on her. Yes, the set time has come. 14For your servants take pleasure in her stones, and have pity on her dust. 15So the nations will fear Yahweh’s name, all the kings of the earth your glory. 16For Yahweh has built up Zion. He has appeared in his glory. 17He has responded to the prayer of the destitute, and has not despised their prayer. 18This will be written for the generation to come. A people which will be created will praise Yah, 19for he has looked down from the height of his sanctuary. From heaven, Yahweh saw the earth, 20to hear the groans of the prisoner, to free those who are condemned to death, 21that men may declare Yahweh’s name in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem, 22when the peoples are gathered together, the kingdoms, to serve Yahweh. 23He weakened my strength along the course. He shortened my days. 24I said, “My God, don’t take me away in the middle of my days. Your years are throughout all generations. 25Of old, you laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the work of your hands. 26They will perish, but you will endure. Yes, all of them will wear out like a garment. You will change them like a cloak, and they will be changed. 27But you are the same. Your years will have no end. 28The children of your servants will continue. Their offspring will be established before you.”

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Psalms 102 is a poignant prayer of an afflicted individual, expressing deep sorrow and a sense of abandonment. The psalmist begins by crying out to the Lord, asking Him to hear his prayer and not hide His face in the day of trouble (#affliction). The emotional weight of the psalm is evident as the writer describes his physical and spiritual distress, feeling like a mere shadow of his former self. He uses vivid imagery, such as being like a pelican in the wilderness and a solitary owl, to convey his isolation and despair. This chapter reflects the human experience of suffering and the longing for divine intervention, reminding us that it is okay to bring our pain before God (#prayer).

As the psalm progresses, the psalmist shifts his focus from personal lament to a declaration of faith in God's eternal nature. He acknowledges that while his days are fleeting, the Lord remains unchanging and everlasting. The psalmist proclaims that God will arise and have compassion on Zion, indicating a hope for restoration and renewal for His people (#Zion). The psalm concludes with a powerful affirmation of God's sovereignty and the promise that future generations will praise Him. This chapter serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can trust in God's faithfulness and look forward to His redemptive work in our lives and communities.

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Referenced by

  1. Job 30:29v6Job 30:29 describes Job as a brother to jackals and an owl, creatures associated with desolation, similar to Psalm 102:6 where the psalmist likens himself to a desert owl. This imagery emphasizes isolation and desolation.
  2. Ecclesiastes 1:4v25Ecclesiastes 1:4 notes the earth remains forever, contrasting human transience. Psalm 102:25-27 highlights God's eternal nature, contrasting with the changing creation.
  3. Lamentations 5:19v12Lamentations 5:19 affirms God's eternal reign, similar to Psalm 102:12, which emphasizes God's enduring presence and sovereignty despite the current suffering.
  4. Hebrews 1:10v25Hebrews 1:10-12 cites Psalm 102:25-27, attributing the creation of the heavens and the earth to the Son, emphasizing His role as Creator and His unchanging nature.

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