Psalm 102:12-17

Psalm 102:12-17
NL 235

BibleHub

12 But you, O Lord,A are enthronedB forever;C
    your name enduresD to all generations.E35

Notes on verse 12

A “Lord” = YHVH. From havah (to be, become) or hayah (to come to pass, become, be). This is the name of the God of Israel, the self-existent and eternal one, the tetragrammaton. This pronunciation has been lost to time so “Lord” is generally used in its place.
B “enthroned” = yashab. This is to sit and so to remain and so to dwell. It is sitting for any reason – as a judge, in order to ambush, or just sitting quietly. Causatively, this can mean settling or marrying. This can also mean continue, endure, or establish.
C “forever” = olam. This is a long scope of time whether in the past (antiquity, ancient time) or in the future (eternal, everlasting).
D “name endures” = zeker. From zakar (to remember, to mark something so that it can be recalled, to be mindful of, to mention). This is remembrance, renown, memento, recollection, or commemoration.
E “to all generations” = dor + dor. Literally, “to generation and generation.” From dur (to move in a circle, which implies living somewhere or remaining there; it can also be the sense of piling or heaping up). This is a revolution of time, which is to say, an age or generation. It can also be a dwelling or one’s posterity.

13 You will rise upF and have compassionG on Zion,H

Notes on verse 13a

F “rise up” = qum. To arise, stand, accomplish, establish, abide. This is rising as in rising against, getting up after being sick or asleep, arising from one state to another, becoming powerful, or rising for action. It can also be standing in a figurative sense.
G “have compassion” = racham. From racham (compassion, tender love, womb, compassion; the womb as that which cherishes the fetus); from the same as rechem (womb). This is to love, fondle, have mercy, have or show compassion.
H “Zion” = Tsiyyon. Related to tsyiyyun (signpost, monument); from tsavah (to charge someone, to command, order); from the same as tsiyyah (dryness, drought); from a root meaning parched as desert, dry land. Zion can refer to a mountain in Jerusalem as well as another name for Jerusalem itself or the people.

    for it is timeI to favorJ it;
    the appointed timeK has come.L

Notes on verse 13b

I “time” = et. Probably from anah (to answer, sing, announce); from ad (forever, all, old); from adah (to pass on, advance, decorate oneself). This is a period or season. It can also mean whenever or continually.
J “favor” = chanan. This is to beseech, show favor, be gracious. Properly, it is to bend in kindness to someone with less status.
K “appointed time” = moed. From yaad (to appoint, assemble or gather selves, agree). This is a meeting, assembly, fixed time. It can be used for a festival or feast. It can also refer to a meeting place.
L “come” = bo. This is to enter, come in, advance, fulfill, bring offerings, enter to worship, attack. It can also have a sexual connotation.

14 For your servantsM hold its stonesN dearO
    and have pity onP its dust.Q

Notes on verse 14

M “servants” = ebed. From abad (to work, serve, compel; any kind of work; used causatively, can mean to enslave or keep in bondage). This is a servant, slave, or bondservant.
N “stones” = eben. This is a stone, weight, or mason. It is part of the word “Ebenezer.”
O “hold…dear” = ratsah. This is to be pleased with, delight, take pleasure in, or accept with favor. It can mean to approve or consent regarding something. It can also be used specifically of satisfying debts or being pardoned.
P “have pity on” = chanan. Same as “favor” in v13. See note J above.
Q “dust” = aphar. May be related to aphar (to throw dust, be dust). This is dust as powdered, perhaps gray colored. It could be ashes, powder, ground, dry earth, clay mud, or rubbish.

15 The nationsR will fearS the nameT of the Lord

Notes on verse 15a

R “nations” = goy. From the same root as gevah (the back, person, or body); related to gev (among); related to gaah (to rise up). This is nation or people. Often used to refer to Gentiles or foreign nations. It can also be used figuratively for a group of animals. This is where the Yiddish “goy” comes from.
S “fear” = yare. This is to fear, be afraid, dreadful. It can also refer to fearful reverence – to fear in a moral sense is to say to revere, respect.
T “name” = shem. May be from sum (to put, place, set). This is name, fame, renown. A name was thought to indicate something essential about a person – something about their individuality. So, this word can also mean honor, authority, or character.

    and allU the kingsV of the earthW your glory.X

Notes on verse 15b

U “all” = kol. From kalal (to complete). This is all or every.
V “kings” = melek. From malak (to be or become king or queen, to rise to the throne, to be crowned; by implication, to take counsel). This is king or royal.
W “earth” = erets. Root may mean to be firm. This is earth, ground, field land, or country.
X “glory” = kabod. From kabad (to be heavy, weighty, burdensome). This is weighty. Figuratively, glorious, abundant, riches, honor, splendor – a reference to one’s reputation or character. This word is often used to describe God and God’s presence.

16 For the Lord will build upY Zion;
    he will appearZ in his glory.
17 He will regardAA the prayerBB of the destituteCC
    and will not despiseDD their prayer.

Notes on verses 16-17

Y “build up” = banah. This is to build, make, set up, restore, repair, or obtain children. It is to build literally or figuratively.
Z “appear” = raah. This is to see in a literal or figurative sense so stare, advise, think, view.
AA “regard” = panah. This is to turn, regard, appear, look, prepare.
BB “prayer” = tephillah. From palal (to judge for oneself or in an official capacity; to pray or make supplication, to entreat). This is prayer or intercession. It can also be a hymn.
CC “destitute” = arar. 1x in OT. From arar (to bare, strip, be razed, break). This is naked, poor, or destitute.
DD “despise” = bazah. This is to despise, hold in contempt, disesteem, or a person who is vile.


Image credit: “Sleeping Raccoon” by Tambako The Jaguar, 2008.

You May Also Like

Leave a Reply