Psalms 102:1-28

Psalm PSALM—NOTE ON Psalms 102:1. 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 (vv. Psalms 102:1, Psalms 102:23) sees himself as a member of a community, Zion (vv. Psalms 102:12). 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 (v. Psalms 102:3, “my days pass away”; v. Psalms 102:11, “I wither away”; vv. Psalms 102:23) with God’s enduring life (vv. Psalms 102:12, Psalms 102:25). The psalm is suited for one like Job, whose troubles seem to be unexplained. Even God’s “indignation and anger” (v. Psalms 102:10) do not appear to be directed toward any specific sin. Those singing this prayer need to trust in God’s ultimate purposes for the whole people of God and look forward to participation in that blessedness (vv. Psalms 102:13, Psalms 102:21, Psalms 102:28).