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Psalm 102 Summary

A Suffering Soul Pleads for Mercy

In distress and affliction, the psalmist cries out to the Lord with his days consumed like smoke and his bones burned as an hearth. He laments his sorrow like a solitary bird, weakened by enemies' reproach, and has eaten ashes and mingled his drink with weeping. Yet he trusts in God's eternal nature and prays that the Lord will have mercy on Zion, build her up, and regard the prayers of the destitute and those appointed to death.

Key themes

suffering and anguishtrust in God's eternalityZion's restorationanswered prayer

Key verses

Psalms 102:1-2

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.

Psalms 102:12

But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations.

Psalms 102:17-18

He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.

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