Psalm 102
Psalm 102 is not a psalm of repentance, but a prayer of one who is concerned about the afflictions of his people when troubles seem to overwhelm them. While there are few formal petitions, the whole psalm brings the troubles of Israel before God. For the writer is afflicted more for others than for himself. Verse 14 seems to indicate that this psalm was written during the Babylonian captivity when the Temple lay in ruins. The introduction to Psalm 102 is both a part of Scripture and an explanation of the psalm.
Section one (verses 1 to 2) calls upon the second Person of the Godhead to listen to the author’s prayer and to not turn away through indifference. For in troubled days, God’s face seems to be hidden. God is asked to incline His ear, listening with acute and favorable attention, because a speedy answer is needed.
Section two (verses 3 to 7) describes how the author feels about the affliction of his people. He describes his deep grief over this affliction as affecting his body—life seems meaningless like smoke, the heat of fever consumes him, he forgets to eat, he is emancipated. The author compares himself to animals that inhabit the desert wastes and the feeling of being alone without help—like a pelican, an owl and a humble sparrow.
In the next section (verses 8 to 11), the Psalmist describes his enemies from without, who reproach him for trusting in God, much like what Job experienced. His enemies mock him because God seems to have forsaken him and his nation, using his name as a curse in their derision. The author sits in ashes mourning these troubles because of God’s wrath, who seems to have cast him to the winds. He weeps in repentance, since “because of Your wrath…You cast me away.” At times it seems as though we feel our life withering away as grass in Israel wilts under the heat of the sun.
In spite of this grief, the author proclaims his faith in God in the rest of the Psalm. Verses 12 to 17 expresses his confidence in God’s mercy and help. For God will endure forever. Many generations of people will remember Him in worship and praise. He will have mercy on Zion, that is, on those who believe in the Messiah and His salvation. When God delivers His people from trouble, all the nations will “fear the name of the Lord,” that is, they will come and worship Him who has done such great things in building up Zion and appear in His glory.
Even though the Temple lay in ruins and dust, God’s people still love the place where God dwelt, as the prophet Daniel did. The author expresses confidence that the heathen nations all over the world will fear and worship God’s glory, which is Jesus and His salvation. God shall build up Zion, His Church, when the gospel about Jesus is proclaimed in the world. Even the kings of the earth will worship Him. God will not turn away from their prayers.
This section and the next one apply especially to the New Testament times when Jesus hears the prayers of those who mourn over their sins and delivers them through His death on the cross and His glorious resurrection. Then shall all nations worship God for His salvation.
Verses 18 to 22 speak about how God sees what is going on in the earth. He looks down from heaven, not to wonder at the mighty, the champions, or the wise; but to hear the groaning of those imprisoned by sin and death. God not only heard, but He sent His Son to release those appointed to eternal death and to declare in God’s name salvation for all people. When Jesus was lifted on the cross He would draw together people from all nations, still unborn, to worship and serve the Lord.
The last section, verses 23 to 28, describe the great contrast between God and man in respect to time. At times man may feel weak and his life cut short by afflictions. The Psalmist declares that God is eternal. Centuries before, God laid the foundations of the earth and created the heavens—the universe. The Psalmist understands that centuries later the earth and the universe will grow old, change, and then perish on the Last Day. But God does not change—He remains the same. He will endure forever and His years have no end. The psalm closes with the thought that because God does not change, believers from all generations will be established forever by faith in the Messiah.
This Psalm does not answer the question of why afflictions come upon believers. But it tells believers to hope in the eternal God who does hear their prayers and gives them eternal life.