Worthy.Bible » YLT » Psalms » Chapter 102 » Verse 5

Psalms 102:5 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

5 From the voice of my sighing Hath my bone cleaved to my flesh.

Cross Reference

Psalms 32:3-4 YLT

When I have kept silence, become old have my bones, Through my roaring all the day. When by day and by night Thy hand is heavy upon me, My moisture hath been changed Into the droughts of summer. Selah.

Psalms 38:8-10 YLT

I have been feeble and smitten -- unto excess, I have roared from disquietude of heart. Lord, before Thee `is' all my desire, And my sighing from Thee hath not been hid. My heart `is' panting, my power hath forsaken me, And the light of mine eyes, Even they are not with me.

Commentary on Psalms 102 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


PSALM 102

Ps 102:1-28. A Prayer of the afflicted, &c.—The general terms seem to denote the propriety of regarding the Psalm as suitably expressive of the anxieties of any one of David's descendants, piously concerned for the welfare of the Church. It was probably David's composition, and, though specially suggested by some peculiar trials, descriptive of future times. Overwhelmed—(compare Ps 61:2). Poureth out—pouring out the soul—(Ps 62:8). Complaint—(Ps 55:2). The tone of complaint predominates, though in view of God's promises and abiding faithfulness, it is sometimes exchanged for that of confidence and hope.

1-3. The terms used occur in Ps 4:1; 17:1, 6; 18:6; 31:2, 10; 37:20.

4. (Compare Ps 121:6).

so that I forget—or, "have forgotten," that is, in my distress (Ps 107:18), and hence strength fails.

5. voice … groaning—effect put for cause, my agony emaciates me.

6, 7. The figures express extreme loneliness.

8. sworn against me—or literally, "by me," wishing others as miserable as I am (Nu 5:21).

9. ashes—a figure of grief, my bread; weeping or tears, my drink (Ps 80:5).

10. lifted … cast me down—or, "cast me away" as stubble by a whirlwind (Isa 64:6).

11. shadow … declineth—soon to vanish in the darkness of night.

12. Contrast with man's frailty (compare Ps 90:1-7).

thy remembrance—that by which Thou art remembered, Thy promise.

13, 14. Hence it is here adduced.

for—or, "when."

the set time, &c.—the time promised, the indication of which is the interest felt for Zion by the people of God.

15-17. God's favor to the Church will affect her persecutors with fear.

16. When the Lord shall build—or better, "Because the Lord hath built," &c., as a reason for the effect on others; for in thus acting and hearing the humble, He is most glorious.

18. people … created—(compare Ps 22:31), an organized body, as a Church.

19-22. For—or, "That," as introducing the statement of God's condescension. A summary of what shall be written.

to loose … appointed—or, "deliver" them (Ps 79:11).

21. To declare, &c.—or, that God's name may be celebrated in the assemblies of His Church, gathered from all nations (Zec 8:20-23), and devoted to His service.

23-28. The writer, speaking for the Church, finds encouragement in the midst of all his distresses. God's eternal existence is a pledge of faithfulness to His promises.

in the way—of providence.

weakened—literally, "afflicted," and made fearful of a premature end, a figure of the apprehensions of the Church, lest God might not perform His promise, drawn from those of a person in view of the dangers of early death (compare Ps 89:47). Paul (Heb 1:10) quotes Ps 102:26-28 as addressed to Christ in His divine nature. The scope of the Psalm, as already seen, so far from opposing, favors this view, especially by the sentiments of Ps 102:12-15 (compare Isa 60:1). The association of the Messiah with a day of future glory to the Church was very intimate in the minds of Old Testament writers; and with correct views of His nature it is very consistent that He should be addressed as the Lord and Head of His Church, who would bring about that glorious future on which they ever dwelt with fond delightful anticipations.