The In-Dept Study of the Bible
Psalms 102
A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and
pours out his complaint before Yahweh.
1 Hear my prayer, Yahweh! Let my cry come to you.
2 Don’t hide your face from me in the day
of my distress. Turn your ear to me.
Answer me quickly in the day when I call.
3 For my days consume away like smoke.
My bones are burned as a torch.
4 My heart is blighted like grass, and withered,
for I forget to eat my bread.
5 By reason of the voice of my groaning,
my bones stick to my skin.
6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness.
I have become as an owl of the waste
places.
7 I watch, and have become like a sparrow that is alone on the housetop.
8 My enemies reproach me all day.
Those who are mad at me use my
name as a curse.
9 For I have eaten ashes like bread,
and mixed my drink with tears,
10 because of your indignation and
your wrath; for you have taken me up and thrown
me away.
11 My days are like a long shadow.
I have withered like grass.
12 But you, Yahweh, will remain forever;
your renown endures to all generations.
13 You will arise and have mercy on Zion,
for it is time to have pity on her.
Yes, the set time has come.
14 For your servants take pleasure in her
stones, and have pity on her dust.
15 So the nations will fear Yahweh’s name,
all the kings of the earth your glory.
16 For Yahweh has built up Zion.
He has appeared in his glory.
17 He has responded to the prayer of the
destitute, and has not despised their prayer.
18 This will be written for the generation to
come. A people which will be created will
praise Yah,
19 for he has looked down from the height
of his sanctuary. From heaven, Yahweh saw the earth,
20 to hear the groans of the prisoner,
to free those who are condemned to
death,
21 that men may declare Yahweh’s name in
Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem,
22 when the peoples are gathered together,
the kingdoms, to serve Yahweh.
23 He weakened my strength along the
course.He shortened my days.
24 I said, “My God, don’t take me away in
the middle of my days. Your years are throughout all generations.
25 Of old, you laid the foundation of the earth.
The heavens are the work of your
hands.
26 They will perish, but you will endure.
Yes, all of them will wear out like a
garment. You will change them like a cloak, and
they will be changed.
27 But you are the same.
Your years will have no end.
28 The children of your servants will continue.
Their offspring will be established before you.”