1 A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.
2 Hide not thy face from me in the day [when] I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day [when] I call answer me speedily.
3 For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth.
4 My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.
5 By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin.
6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert.
7 I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.
8 Mine enemies reproach me all the day; [and] they that are mad against me are sworn against me.
9 For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping,
10 Because of thine indignation and thy wrath: for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down.
11 My days [are] like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.
12 But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations.
13 Thou shalt arise, [and] have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.
14 For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.
15 So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.
16 When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.
17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.
18 This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.
19 For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth;
20 To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;
21 To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem;
22 When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.
23 He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days.
24 I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years [are] throughout all generations.
25 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens [are] the work of thy hands.
26 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:
27 But thou [art] the same, and thy years shall have no end.
28 The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.
Overview of Psalm 102
Psalm 102 is a poignant expression of human suffering, despair, and a plea for divine intervention. It is attributed to an anonymous author who is in distress, likely during a time of exile or deep personal crisis. The chapter can be divided into several key themes that reflect the emotional and spiritual journey of the psalmist.
Structure of the Psalm
The chapter can be divided into distinct sections:
- Verses 1-2: A plea for help and a cry for God’s attention.
- Verses 3-11: A description of personal suffering and the effects of affliction.
- Verses 12-17: A declaration of God’s eternal nature and faithfulness.
- Verses 18-22: A call for future generations to recognize God’s work.
- Verses 23-28: A contrast between human frailty and God’s everlasting nature.
Thematic Analysis
Plea for Divine Attention (Verses 1-2)
The psalmist opens with a heartfelt cry to God, asking for His attention in times of trouble. This sets the tone for the entire chapter, emphasizing the urgency and depth of the psalmist’s distress.
Expression of Suffering (Verses 3-11)
In these verses, the psalmist vividly describes his afflictions:
- Physical ailments and emotional turmoil.
- Feelings of isolation and abandonment.
- Imagery of withering like grass, symbolizing a loss of vitality and hope.
This section highlights the intensity of human suffering and the psychological impact of despair, reflecting a universal experience that resonates with many readers.
God’s Eternal Nature (Verses 12-17)
Amidst the despair, the psalmist shifts focus to God’s eternal nature:
- God’s sovereignty and unchanging character.
- The assurance that God will eventually intervene and restore.
- Recognition of God’s compassion towards the afflicted.
This transition from personal suffering to divine attributes offers hope and comfort, reinforcing the belief in God’s ultimate justice and mercy.
Call for Future Generations (Verses 18-22)
The psalmist expresses a desire for future generations to witness and acknowledge God’s deeds:
- The importance of remembering God’s faithfulness.
- A communal aspect of faith, where collective memory serves to strengthen belief.
- The anticipation of a time when God’s glory will be revealed.
This section underscores the significance of testimony and the impact of faith on community identity.
Human Frailty vs. Divine Permanence (Verses 23-28)
In the concluding verses, the psalmist contrasts human mortality with God’s eternal nature:
- Human life is fleeting and fragile.
- God remains steadfast and unchanging through all generations.
This powerful juxtaposition serves to remind the reader of the transient nature of life and the enduring presence of God, providing a sense of peace and reassurance.
Theological Implications
Psalm 102 raises several theological themes:
- The reality of suffering and the human condition.
- The nature of God as both transcendent and immanent.
- The importance of hope and faith in times of distress.
- The role of community in preserving and sharing faith experiences.
Conclusion
Psalm 102 is a profound meditation on suffering, hope, and the nature of God. It resonates deeply with those experiencing hardship and serves as a reminder of the enduring faithfulness of God amidst human frailty. The psalmist’s journey from despair to hope invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and the timeless truth of God’s presence in their lives.
