Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents

Psalm 102. The title, "a prayer of one afflicted," makes it clear that this is an "individual lament." At the same time, it is certainly not individualistic: the "I" who sings this, whose troubles are so poignantly described here in all their inexplicability (vv. 1-11, 23-24), sees himself as a member of a community, "Zion" (vv. 12-22); his own well-being is ultimately bound up with the promised well-being of God's people. The psalm also contrasts the shortness of human life (e.g., v. 3, "my days pass away"; v. 11, "I wither away"; vv. 23-24) with God's enduring life (vv. 12, 25-28). Probably the repeated "my days" (vv. 3, 11, 23, 24) are intended to put "your [God's] years" (vv. 24, 27) into relief. As mentioned, the psalm is suited for one whose troubles seem to be unexplained (like Job's): even God's "indignation and anger" (v. 10) does not appear to be directed toward any specific sin. Nevertheless, singing this prayer equips the eye of faith to see God's ultimate purposes for the whole people of God and to look forward to participation in that blessedness (vv. 13, 21-22, 28).

102:1-2 O Lord, Hear Me When I Call! The psalm opens by sounding a note of bold urgency: the cry is desperate, and the singer wants God to respond speedily. He fears that God may (continue to) hide his face from me (see note on 13:1; cf. 22:24; 27:9; 30:7; 44:24; 69:17; 88:14; 143:7). The faithful can present their troubles to God with confidence.