---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  Psalms 102"
description: "PSALM 102   :-. A Prayer of the afflicted, &c.—The general
terms seem to denote the propriety of regarding the Psalm as suitably
expressive of the anx"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/psalms/102"
---

PSALM 102

. *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 ). *Poureth out*—pouring out the soul— (). *Complaint*— (). 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
[Psalms 4:1](../../../kjv/psalms/4/1); [Psalms 17:1](../../../kjv/psalms/17/1);
[Psalms 17:6](../../../kjv/psalms/17/6); [Psalms 18:6](../../../kjv/psalms/18/6);
[Psalms 31:2](../../../kjv/psalms/31/2); [Psalms 31:10](../../../kjv/psalms/31/10);
[Psalms 37:20](../../../kjv/psalms/37/20).

**4.** (Compare ).
**so that I forget**—or,
"have forgotten," that is, in my distress (), 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 ().

**9. ashes**—a figure of grief, my
bread; weeping or tears, my drink ().

**10. lifted . . . cast me down**—or,
"cast me away" as stubble by a whirlwind ().

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

**12.** Contrast with man's frailty
(compare [Psalms 90:1-7](../../../kjv/psalms/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.

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

**18. people . . . created**—(compare
[Psalms 22:31](../../../kjv/psalms/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 ().

**21. To declare,** &c.—or,
that God's name may be celebrated in the assemblies of His Church,
gathered from all nations (), and devoted to His service.

**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 ().

**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 [Psalms 89:47](../../../kjv/psalms/89/47)). Paul
([Hebrews 1:10](../../../kjv/hebrews/1/10)) quotes [Hebrews 1:10](../../../kjv/hebrews/1/10) 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 [Hebrews 1:10](../../../kjv/hebrews/1/10) (compare [Isaiah 60:1](../../../kjv/isaiah/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.

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