Psalm 102:13-14
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The verse emphasizes that God's mercy isn't just a random act of kindness; it's tied to a "set time" – an appointed moment God Himself has ordained. This means His intervention, even when delayed, is perfectly timed according to His divine plan.
You will arise and have pity on Zion; it is the time to favor her; the appointed time has come. For your servants hold her stones dear and have pity on her dust.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist is in deep despair, feeling abandoned by God and utterly alone in his suffering. He laments his affliction and the desolation of Zion, yet he pivots by remembering God's eternal nature and His promises. This verse marks a turning point, expressing a confident assurance that God will soon intervene, end Zion's exile, and show favor, because the divinely appointed time for restoration has finally arrived.
When God seems distant, the psalmist reminds us that He doesn't stay passive. He 'arises' to act. What does this powerful imagery mean for us?
The verse speaks of God 'arising' and having 'pity' on Zion. This isn't a literal standing up, but a vivid picture of God intervening in human history.
From Inaction to Action
When God 'arises,' it signifies a shift from what might appear as inaction or slumber to decisive, powerful action. It's the moment He stirs Himself to deliver His people and act on their behalf. This divine movement brings forth mercy and favor.
Compassion in Action
'Pity' or 'mercy' isn't just a feeling; it's an active force. God's pity leads Him to step in and change the circumstances of His suffering people, bringing relief and restoration.
The psalm speaks of a 'set time' for favor. What does this tell us about God's timing and His promises?
The phrase 'the set time' points to a divinely appointed moment for God's intervention. It emphasizes that God's actions are not random but are part of a deliberate plan.
Prophetic Fulfillment
Commentators often connect this 'set time' to specific prophecies, like the seventy years of Babylonian exile foretold by Jeremiah. God's faithfulness to these prophecies assures His people that deliverance will come precisely when He has ordained.
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Confidence in Promises
Even if the exact duration isn't rigidly defined, the concept assures believers that God's favor is not arbitrary. There is a moment, a fulness of time, when His promises will be realized. This should inspire trust, especially during times of waiting.
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.
avadekha · Hebrew Noun
Those who belong to God, serving Him with devotion and obedience; it signifies a relationship of submission to His authority and commitment to His purposes.
This psalm speaks powerfully to the hope of God's people during their darkest hours, reminding them that even exile and devastation are temporary. The 'set time' mentioned points directly to the prophecy of Jeremiah, emphasizing that God's faithfulness to His promises will ultimately bring about His people's restoration.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Judah and begins deporting its elite, including young Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the start of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar utterly destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, completing the exile and leaving the land of Judah largely desolate.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers the Babylonian Empire, paving the way for the return of exiled peoples to their homelands.
538 BC— this verse
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marks the end of the 70-year exile foretold by Jeremiah.
516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem is finally completed and dedicated, signifying the restoration of worship and a renewed hope for God's people.
This passage speaks of comfort for Zion and the announcement that her time of suffering is over, echoing the idea of God arising to show favor at an appointed time.
Jeremiah 29:10This verse directly mentions the 'set time' for the end of Israel's exile in Babylon, which the psalm is likely referencing as the appointed time for God's favor.
Daniel 9:2Daniel meditated on the prophecies concerning the length of Jerusalem's desolation, indicating a keen awareness of the 'set time' for God's intervention.
Lamentations 5:1This chapter shows the sorrow of God's people over the ruins of Zion, reflecting the deep yearning mentioned in relation to Psalm 102:13 for restoration and God's pity.
Luke 21:24Jesus speaks of Jerusalem being trampled by nations until the 'times of the Gentiles' are fulfilled, aligning with the concept of a divinely appointed time for salvation and restoration.
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 verse emphasizes that God's mercy isn't just a random act of kindness; it's tied to a "set time" – an appointed moment God Himself has ordained. This means His intervention, even when delayed, is perfectly timed according to His divine plan.
The psalmist is in deep despair, feeling abandoned by God and utterly alone in his suffering. He laments his affliction and the desolation of Zion, yet he pivots by remembering God's eternal nature and His promises. This verse marks a turning point, expressing a confident assurance that God will soon intervene, end Zion's exile, and show favor, because the divinely appointed time for restoration has finally arrived.
The psalmist is in deep despair, feeling abandoned by God and utterly alone in his suffering. He laments his affliction and the desolation of Zion, yet he pivots by remembering God's eternal nature and His promises. This verse marks a turning point, expressing a confident assurance that God will soon intervene, end Zion's exile, and show favor, because the divinely appointed time for restoration has finally arrived.
"You will arise and have pity on Zion; it is the time to favor her; the appointed time has come. For your servants hold her stones dear and have pity on her dust." — The verse emphasizes that God's mercy isn't just a random act of kindness; it's tied to a "set time" – an appointed moment God Himself has ordained. This means His intervention, even when delayed, is…
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Last reviewed October 2026
