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102:title–28 Psalm 102 is explicitly identified as an individual lament psalm. It alternates between the psalmist’s personal expression and his focus on the entire community of Israel. The psalmist uses his personal suffering as a window into the national situation; he pleads for Yahweh’s help at both a personal and national level. After a petition for help (vv. 1–2), the psalmist describes his affliction (vv. 3–11). He describes Yahweh’s sovereign power, confident that He hears the prayers of the afflicted (vv. 12–17). Assuming Yahweh’s help, the psalmist desires his situation to be remembered by future generations (vv. 18–22). He again laments his affliction (vv. 23–24) before concluding by praising God (vv. 25–28). |
102:title one afflicted This title specifically identifies the psalm as an individual lament psalm as it describes the psalmist using the Hebrew word ani (which may be literally rendered “poor” or “needy”).
Affliction Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words
Affliction DBI
his lament The Hebrew word used here, siach, refers to lament or anxiety. In addition to communicating the psalmists’ distress, lament psalms also include requests for Yahweh’s action.
Complaints ZDBT
102:1–2 The psalmist begins with an impassioned plea that Yahweh would listen to his plight. This individual focus remains until v. 13, when the psalmist addresses concerns beyond himself. |
102:1 let my cry for help come to you Implies an understanding that if God hears the psalmist’s cry, He will act.
102:2 Do not hide your face The psalmist asks God to pay attention and listen to his request.
102:3–8 The psalmist describes the details of the suffering he is experiencing. He feels physical and emotional pain, as well as social ridicule. |
102:3 my bones are charred This could possibly indicate the depth of the feeling the psalmist is experiencing, since bones are the most durable parts of the body. (compare Jer 20:9; Job 30:30).
Bones NBD
102:5 Because of the sound of my groaning The psalmist describes that he is in deep misery, and his entire life is disrupted. He has lost health and vitality.
Sigh, Sighing DBI
102:6 an owl of Owls were associated with barren places, and they eat unclean prey.
Owl HBD
Wilderness DBI
102:8 swear oaths The psalmist’s misery extends beyond physical pain. The psalmist is implicitly asking God for vindication and proof of his innocence.
Curse EDB
Curse BEB
102:9–11 The psalmist interprets his difficulties as being the result of divine action. He struggles because of God’s anger. See note on Psa 88:13–18. |
102:9 I eat ashes A symbol of destitution and mourning. The psalmist may be indicating repentance by mentioning his close association with ashes.
Psalm 102:8–9 BKC
Ashes NBD
Mourn, Mourning DBI
Grief and Mourning HIBD
102:10 your indignation The psalmist doesn’t identify why God is angry or question His justice; he does, however, depict God’s power.
102:12–17 The psalmist now presents a communal expression of hope. He is confident that Yahweh will help Israel so that other nations will eventually honor Him. Like the psalms of Yahweh’s kingship (see note on Psa 93:1), the psalmist specifically mentions Yahweh’s enthronement. |
102:12 generation to generation Compare vv. 18, 24.
102:13 Zion Refers to the temple mount in Jerusalem, from which Yahweh was understood to rule the earth; but this verse reflects that Yahweh rules even if His temple is in ruin (v. 16). This is because Yahweh also rules from heaven. See note on 20:2.
the appointed time The psalmist believes that the time for Israel’s difficulties is over, so God should help Israel.
102:14 Your servants The psalmist implies that Israel is loyal to Yahweh and His holy city (Jerusalem). As His loyal servants, they wait for Him to help them.
102:15 the nations Refers to people groups and geographical territories outside of Israel. See 96:3 and note.
will fear the name of Yahweh Describes a reverence for Yahweh’s character and nature. See 91:14 and note.
102:16 will rebuild Zion The psalmist believes Yahweh’s action on behalf of Zion (see note on v. 13) will enhance His reputation.
102:17 the prayer of the destitute Psalm 102 is the prayer of a suffering person; here, the psalmist references a prayer within his prayer.
102:18–22 The psalmist shifts to a future time, anticipating that future generations will worship Yahweh when they remember how He helped Israel in the past. |
102:20 the groaning of the prisoner This echoes the Israelites’ struggle before the exodus from Egypt (compare Exod 2:23–25), but probably more directly refers to their time in Babylonian exile (586–539 bc; compare note on Psa 102:13).
102:21 in Jerusalem The terms Zion and Jerusalem are nearly synonymous. See 101:8 and note; 20:2 and note.
102:22 The psalmist envisions people from around the world coming to worship Yahweh in Jerusalem (compare Isa 2:1–4). |
102:23–24 The psalmist now shifts back to an individual perspective. He emphasizes that, in his perspective, Yahweh was involved in his suffering and pleads for mercy from God. See Deut 28–30. |
102:23 He has broken The Hebrew word used here, anah, indicates a violent action, an overpowering blow.
102:25–28 The psalmist now connects Yahweh’s unchanging nature to Israel’s hope for stability in the future. Because Yahweh never changes, Israel can trust that those who serve Him will be able to be in His presence. The psalmist particularly envisions this for the descendants of the Israelites on whose behalf he speaks. |
102:25 This verse emphasizes that Yahweh is the one who rightfully reigns over everything, for He created it. |
102:26 They will perish Since Yahweh, who is eternal, will outlast any of His creations, He forms the basis of Israel’s hope.
102:28 The children of your servants The psalmist emphasizes the hope that God’s people can have long into the future. Compare Ps 90:16 and 103:17.
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