Psalms 102

Ps 102:1-28.

A Prayer of the afflicted, &c.--The general terms seem to denote

the propriety of regarding the Psalm as suitably expressive of the

anxieties of any one of David's descendants, piously concerned for the

welfare of the Church. It was probably David's composition, and, though

specially suggested by some peculiar trials, descriptive of future

times. Overwhelmed--(compare

Ps 61:2).

Poureth out--pouring out the soul--

(Ps 62:8).

Complaint--

(Ps 55:2).

The tone of complaint predominates, though in view of God's promises

and abiding faithfulness, it is sometimes exchanged for that of

confidence and hope.

1-3. The terms used occur in

Ps 4:1;

17:1, 6; 18:6; 31:2, 10; 37:20.

4. (Compare

Ps 121:6).

so that I forget--or, "have forgotten," that is, in my distress

(Ps 107:18),

and hence strength fails.

5. voice . . . groaning--effect put for cause, my agony emaciates me.

6, 7. The figures express extreme loneliness.

8. sworn against me--or literally, "by me," wishing others as miserable

as I am

(Nu 5:21).

9. ashes--a figure of grief, my bread; weeping or tears, my drink

(Ps 80:5).

10. lifted . . . cast me down--or, "cast me away" as stubble by a

whirlwind

(Isa 64:6).

11. shadow . . . declineth--soon to vanish in the darkness of night.

12. Contrast with man's frailty (compare

Ps 90:1-7).

thy remembrance--that by which Thou art remembered, Thy promise.

13, 14. Hence it is here adduced.

for--or, "when."

the set time, &c.--the time promised, the indication of which is the

interest felt for Zion by the people of God.

15-17. God's favor to the Church will affect her persecutors with fear.

16. When the Lord shall build--or better, "Because the Lord hath

built," &c., as a reason for the effect on others; for in thus acting

and hearing the humble, He is most glorious.

18. people . . . created--(compare

Ps 22:31),

an organized body, as a Church.

19-22. For--or, "That," as introducing the statement of God's

condescension. A summary of what shall be written.

to loose . . . appointed--or, "deliver" them

(Ps 79:11).

21. To declare, &c.--or, that God's name may be celebrated in the

assemblies of His Church, gathered from all nations

(Zec 8:20-23),

and devoted to His service.

23-28. The writer, speaking for the Church, finds encouragement in

the midst of all his distresses. God's eternal existence is a pledge of

faithfulness to His promises.

in the way--of providence.

weakened--literally, "afflicted," and made fearful of a premature end,

a figure of the apprehensions of the Church, lest God might not perform

His promise, drawn from those of a person in view of the dangers of

early death (compare

Ps 89:47).

Paul

(Heb 1:10)

quotes

Ps 102:26-28

as addressed to Christ in His divine nature. The scope of the Psalm, as

already seen, so far from opposing, favors this view, especially by the

sentiments of

Ps 102:12-15

(compare

Isa 60:1).

The association of the Messiah with a day of future glory to the Church

was very intimate in the minds of Old Testament writers; and with

correct views of His nature it is very consistent that He should be

addressed as the Lord and Head of His Church, who would bring about

that glorious future on which they ever dwelt with fond delightful

anticipations.