Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 102

A weak and suffering person prays for the Lord's mercy on Jerusalem and for his presence with its people.

The psalmist asks the Lord not to turn away (or hide your face). Israel experienced God turning his face away when they were exiled.

• Smoke is an image of the temporary nature of life (Psalms 37:20; 68:2).

• The psalmist’s bones represent his whole being (see Psalms 6:2; 34:19–22).

Like withered grass, the psalmist senses his life fading away.

skin hangs on my bones: The psalmist has become very thin due to his deep sorrow (see Psalm 102:9; 109:24).

Owls often live in deserted places, such as ruined cities. Because of this, the Bible sometimes uses the owl as a sign of ruin and desolation (Isaiah 34:11, 15).

The psalmist cannot sleep (see Psalm 63:6–8). Like a lone bird on a housetop, he feels alone and separated from both friends (see Psalm 88:8) and enemies.

The psalmist blames the Lord for his troubles.

The psalmist feels that life is empty and short (Psalms 102:4; 109:23; 144:4).

The topic changes from the psalmist’s troubles to the Lord’s glory. A vision of the Lord’s compassionate kingship gives him confidence in Zion’s future.

forever … to all generations: Human life is short and fragile (Psalm 102:3–11). In contrast, the Lord remains forever and rules through every generation.

Now is the time for the Lord to restore Jerusalem from exile (see Psalm 75:2; Jeremiah 29:10; Daniel 9:1–19).

When the Lord arises (Psalm 102:13), the nations will tremble with fear because they will see his glory (see Psalm 8:1; 19:1–4a; 24:7). Rebuilding Zion and the temple shows God's glory and fulfills this promise. An even greater fulfillment will come with the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21).

The people of Israel were very poor and vulnerable (destitute) during the exile.

The Lord will show mercy. Both Jews and Gentiles will worship him.

Let this be written: The written record serves as a reminder of the Lord's goodness.

His sanctuary refers to God's holy place in heaven (see Psalm 92:8–10).

Many people (both Jews and non-Jews) will worship the Lord together (see Psalm 96:7, 9; 106:48; Isaiah 2:2–4; 43:10–13; 57:15; 60:3–7).

Although the psalmist suffers in the present, he bases his hope for the future on the Lord’s past faithfulness.

The psalmist compares his short life (Psalm 102:23) to God's eternal existence (compare 90:4).

• wear out like a garment: Unlike the eternal Creator, the created world will wear out like a piece of clothing (see Isaiah 40:28).

• The writer to the Hebrews describes this passage as having been addressed to Jesus, the Son (Hebrews 1:10–12).

The Lord’s presence provides the basis for the security and happiness of his people (Psalm 23:6).