PSALM PSALM—NOTE ON PSALMS 102:1. The title, “A Prayer of one afflicted,” makes it clear that this is an individual lament. At the same time, it is certainly not individualistic: the “I” who sings this (vv. Psalms 102:1, Psalms 102:23) sees himself as a member of a community, Zion (vv. Psalms 102:12... [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM—NOTE ON PSALMS 102:3 The singer focuses on his sense of discouragement: BONES BURN, HEART IS STRUCK DOWN, FORGET TO EAT MY BREAD, LOUD GROANING, MY BONES CLING TO MY FLESH. These images describe what it feels like to be consumed by sorrow, which has withering effects on one’s body. A person fe... [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM—NOTE ON PSALMS 102:12 The enduring reign of God (ENTHRONED FOREVER, REMEMBERED THROUGHOUT ALL GENERATIONS) brings about the ultimate success of his saving purposes in the world (v. Psalms 102:15). Since God DOES NOT DESPISE THEIR PRAYER, the afflicted can be assured that their momentary grievi... [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM—NOTE ON PSALMS 102:18 The days of Zion’s glory lie in the future, in the time of A GENERATION TO COME. They will need this record of God’s promises and faithfulness to his people of all eras. The time will come when God’s people will reflect on how God LOOKED DOWN... TO HEAR and will lift thei... [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM—NOTE ON PSALMS 102:23 The person who feels what vv. Psalms 102:3 describes is keenly aware of his own mortality. It seems like the troubles will shorten his life even further. The prayer is that the God WHOSE YEARS ENDURE THROUGHOUT ALL GENERATIONS would preserve the life of his faithful ones,... [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM—NOTE ON PSALMS 102:25 The psalm finishes with words addressed to God, focusing on his everlasting being and purpose. Though the earth and heavens WILL PERISH and WILL ALL WEAR OUT LIKE A GARMENT, God WILL REMAIN. Thus the psalm closes with confidence, expecting God to keep his promises to many... [ Continue Reading ]
PSALM—NOTE ON PSALMS 102:28 CHILDREN... OFFSPRING. The Lord, who is everlasting, can ensure that the descendants of his SERVANTS will DWELL SECURE, that is, will enjoy God’s love and Zion’s future. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]