21. To declare the name of the Lord in Zion The climax of this wonderful deliverance is, that Jehovah’s name should once more be celebrated in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem. This was the realization of their highest hopes of the nation’s greatest glory. read more
22. When the people are gathered An anticipation, not unfrequent, of the submission of the nations to Jehovah, as in Psalms 22:27; Psalms 72:11, and in the later prophecies of Isaiah; but realized fully only in gospel times. read more
23. He weakened my strength in the way The psalmist returns to a brief reminiscence of his affliction and the agony of his prayer, but in a more hopeful strain than in his complaint, Psalms 102:1-11. “In the way,” here, may be understood by means of “the way,” as “in fetters” means, by means of “fetters,” (Psalms 105:18,) and in “the way” means, because of “ the way,” (Numbers 21:4,) or, it may signify that the visitations of God “ along the way,” had bowed down his... read more
24. In the midst of my days In the half of “my days” when my life is only half spent. This cutting short of life was regarded as a great calamity often a sign of judgment. As applied to the nation it was what Jeremiah had foretold to Judah, and Amos to Israel, that their “sun should go down at noon.” Jeremiah 15:9; Amos 8:9. Perowne says: “This deprecation of a short life springs not, in this instance, from a natural clinging to life, as in the case of Hezekiah, (Isaiah 38:10-11,) but... read more
25. Of old hast thou laid the foundations of the earth What is here affirmed of God, is, in the New Testament, quoted and affirmed of Christ. Hebrews 1:10. This is repeatedly done. Compare Jeremiah 17:10; Revelation 2:23. We are thus taught the personality and unity of the Father and the Son: “That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father.” John 5:23. “For what things soever the Father doeth, these also doeth the son likewise.” John 5:19 read more
26. They shall perish That is, being created, they are perishable. Their existence is not necessary, but dependent; not inherent, but derived. “They continue this day according to thine ordinances,” (Psalms 119:91;) but not from any self-sustaining power. Therefore, nothing in man or nature is to be trusted, but God only, the Eternal, the Creator, the Faithful. Shalt thou change them That is, If it be thy will so to do it will not contradict thine attributes. But the implication is, Thou... read more
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Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 102:20
20. To loose those that are appointed to death Hebrew, the sons of death. They were rescued from under the “death” sentence. Same as Psalms 79:11. So imminent was the danger and opportune the help! read more