Explanation: In Psalm 102 the Psalmist pours out his cry for relief from deep distress. The reason for the distress is not mentioned, nor is the author, nor the occasion. Although sin is not given as the reason for the affliction some classify it among the penitential Psalms because the pleas within it are appropriate for one who is suffering due to his sin and because it may be a prayer of the Babylonian Captives, who were in exile for sin. As shown by Hebrews 1:10-12 it is also a Messianic Psalm. Today's painting depicts the sense of loneliness and isolation which the Psalmist experiences, especially in verses 6-7.

          [ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: Hebrews 1:10-12. Hebrews 13:8. Messianic Psalms: Psalm 2. Psalm 8. Psalm 16. Psalm 22. Psalm 34. Psalm 35. Psalm 40. Psalm 41. Psalm 45. Psalm 68. Psalm 69. Psalm 89. Psalm 102. Psalm 109. Psalm 110. Psalm 118. Penitential Psalms: Psalm 6. Psalm 32. Psalm 38. Psalm 51. Psalm 102. Psalm 130. Psalm 143. ]

          [ CHRONOLOGY: GENERAL. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]

          [ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]

          [ COMMENTARIES, ETC: GENERAL: Bible Study Tools; Bible Hub: Study Light; Blue Letter Bible // PSALMS: Monergism: Precept Austin: The Treasury of David; John Gill; John Calvin - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

          [ MUSIC: GENERAL: The Cyber Hymnal // PSALMS: Genevan Psalter (Instrumental). VARIOUS ARTISTS: Psalm 102 - #1. Psalm 102 (103) - #2 **. Psalm 102 - #3. Psalm 102 - #4. Psalm 102 - #5. Psalm 102 - #6. Psalm 102 - #7. ]

     The Psalmist prays for deliverance from his overwhelming affliction. Throughout the Psalm he describes the severity of his affliction, using it as a basis of his plea for mercy. He also contrasts the brevity of his life with the LORD's eternal endurance, using it as another basis of his plea for a speedy delivery before he disappears from the earth.
     He begins by asking the LORD to hear his prayer as he cries out to him. He asks the LORD not to hide his face and to answer him speedily. His days are consumed like smoke; his bones are burned; his heart is smitten and withered; he forgets his food; he is thin and wasted; he dwells alone like a pelican, an owl, or a sparrow in the wilderness or on a housetop. His enemies reproach him and take an oath (of destruction) against him. He eats ashes like bread and mingles his drink with tears because the LORD is indignant and wrathful against him and has cast him down. His days are like a declining shadow; and he withers like grass. But the LORD endures forever and will always be remembered (1-12).
     The time has come to remember Zion in mercy because God's servants love Zion. Then the heathen will fear God's name; and the kings of earth will reverence God's glory. When God builds up Zion he will appear there in glory. He will regard the prayer of the destitute and not despise it (13-17).
     A generation is coming which will read these things and will praise the LORD. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the earth and heard the groaning of the prisoner. He released those who were appointed to death. He revealed his name in Zion and his praiseworthiness in Jerusalem. The people gathered together to serve the LORD (18-22).
     But God weakened the Psalmist and shortened his days. He asked God, who endures throughout all generations, not to take him away in the midst of his days. The Psalmist pleaded for help from God who, from long ago, laid the foundation of the earth and created the heavens. Indeed, they will perish, but God will endure. They will become old like a garment; and God will change them. But God will be the same; his years shall have no end. And the children of God's servants will continue; and their seed will be established before him (23-28).