You will arise and have pity on Zion; it is the time to favor her; the appointed time has come.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "the set time" isn't just about a date on a calendar; it emphasizes that God's favor for Zion operates on His own perfect, divinely appointed schedule, not ours. This reveals that even in profound desolation, God is not late, but is moving toward a specific, intended moment for His intervention and restoration.
You will arise and have pity on Zion; it is the time to favor her; the appointed time has come.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist is in deep lament over Zion's desolation, feeling abandoned and forgotten by God. He contrasts God's eternal nature with his own fleeting existence and the current broken state of Jerusalem. This verse marks a turning point, as the psalmist shifts from despair to confident expectation, declaring that God will soon intervene to restore His people and city.
Have you ever felt like God is distant when you're suffering? This verse reminds us that even in our darkest hours, God is preparing to act.
The psalmist is in a state of deep lament, feeling the desolation of Zion. Yet, amidst this sorrow, there's a profound declaration of hope.
A Divine Awakening
When the text says, 'You will arise,' it's not just about God waking up. It signifies Him mobilizing His power and presence in a new, visible way. He's not passively observing; He's intervening. This 'arising' is His response to the deep needs and cries of His people.
The Turning Point
The phrases 'the time to favor her' and 'the appointed time has come' aren't just poetic. They point to a divinely ordained moment. God's timing is perfect, and when that moment arrives, His favor is poured out. This assurance is crucial for those facing long periods of hardship, reminding them that their situation is not permanent.
When we read 'Zion,' do we just think of an ancient city? This verse shows us it represents something far deeper.
The focus on Zion here isn't merely geographical; it's theological and relational.
The People of God
Commentaries consistently point out that 'Zion' in this context refers to more than just the physical city or temple. It represents God's people, His covenant community, and His dwelling place among them. When Zion suffers, it is God's people who are afflicted, and His name that is being dishonored.
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A Cherished Community
The passion for Zion, even in its ruins, described in the following verses (like verse 14), highlights its significance. God's people cherished its very stones because it represented His presence and promises. Therefore, His pity and favor towards Zion are an affirmation of His commitment to His chosen people and His sacred dwelling.
Understand the original words
tsiyyon · Hebrew Proper Noun
A city physically located in Jerusalem, but theologically representing the dwelling place of God, the center of worship, and the ultimate hope for the restoration of God’s people.
chanan · Hebrew Verb/Noun
In biblical context, God's favor (or grace) is His unmerited kindness, gracious attention, and active goodwill directed toward His people to rescue, restore, or bless them.
mo'ed · Hebrew Noun
Refers to a specific, God-ordained moment in history when He intervenes to fulfill His promises, enact justice, or bring deliverance to His covenant people.
This psalm was likely written during the Babylonian exile, a period of deep sorrow and desolation for God's people. The reference to 'the set time' points directly to the end of the seventy years of captivity foretold by Jeremiah, offering a powerful message of hope and impending deliverance when all seemed lost.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar conquers Jerusalem and deports some of the royal family and skilled workers, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar deports more of Jerusalem's population and treasures, including the prophet Ezekiel. The Southern Kingdom of Judah is severely weakened.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, bringing the Babylonian exile to its full devastating extent. This event is the lowest point for God's people.
c. 539 BC
Fall of Babylon
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, conquers Babylon. This geopolitical shift paves the way for the Jews' return from exile.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus issues a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples. This marks the end of the seventy years of exile prophesied by Jeremiah.
This passage directly speaks to the 'set time' mentioned in Psalms 102:13, explicitly stating the seventy years of Babylonian captivity that God appointed.
Isaiah 40:2This prophetic promise echoes the sentiment of Psalms 102:13, announcing that Jerusalem's time of suffering is over and she has received double for her iniquities, implying God's favor is returning.
Daniel 9:2Daniel's prayer in this verse is explicitly based on his understanding of the prophetic times, particularly Jeremiah's seventy years, showing a deep connection to the 'appointed time' of God's favor for Zion.
Luke 21:24Jesus quotes from prophetic passages concerning Jerusalem's future, and the 'times of the Gentiles' implies a set period during which Jerusalem will be trodden down, after which favor will return, mirroring the concept of a 'set time' for God's mercy.
Acts 1:6When the disciples ask Jesus if he will restore the kingdom to Israel, he doesn't give a date but implies God has His own appointed times for such restorations, aligning with the idea of a divinely ordained 'set time' for Zion's favor.
clarkePsalms 102:13: "Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come."
Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion - While he is humbled at the footstool of mercy, and earnestly praying for mercy, an answer of peace is given; he is assured, not only that they shall be delivered, but that the time of deliverance is at hand. The set time - the seventy years predicted by Jeremiah, was ended; and God gave him to see that he was ever mindful of his promis…
wesleyPsalms 102:13: "Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come."
102:13 The set time - The end of those seventy years which thou hast fixed.
The phrase "the set time" isn't just about a date on a calendar; it emphasizes that God's favor for Zion operates on His own perfect, divinely appointed schedule, not ours. This reveals that even in profound desolation, God is not late, but is moving toward a specific, intended moment for His intervention and restoration.
The psalmist is in deep lament over Zion's desolation, feeling abandoned and forgotten by God. He contrasts God's eternal nature with his own fleeting existence and the current broken state of Jerusalem. This verse marks a turning point, as the psalmist shifts from despair to confident expectation, declaring that God will soon intervene to restore His people and city.
The psalmist is in deep lament over Zion's desolation, feeling abandoned and forgotten by God. He contrasts God's eternal nature with his own fleeting existence and the current broken state of Jerusalem. This verse marks a turning point, as the psalmist shifts from despair to confident expectation, declaring that God will soon intervene to restore His people and city.
"You will arise and have pity on Zion; it is the time to favor her; the appointed time has come." — The phrase "the set time" isn't just about a date on a calendar; it emphasizes that God's favor for Zion operates on His own perfect, divinely appointed schedule, not ours. This reveals that even in…
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Last reviewed October 2026