Psalms 102:13-17
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. Nations will fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth will fear your glory. For the LORD builds up Zion; he appears in his glory; he regards the prayer of the destitute and does not despise their prayer.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights that God’s action is tied to a specific "appointed time," not just based on our prayers, but on His sovereign plan. This "set time" isn't just about the end of the Babylonian captivity, but signifies a divinely ordained moment for God to show His favor and intervene.
The psalmist is in deep distress, feeling abandoned by God and lamenting the ruins of Zion. He contrasts God's eternal nature with his own fleeting existence, but then shifts to a prophetic assurance that God will act. This verse marks a turning point, moving from personal despair and national sorrow to confident expectation of divine intervention.
Ever feel like help is on the way but never quite arrives? This verse speaks to a divine timetable that’s beyond our impatient grasp.
The psalmists are in deep distress, but here, the tone shifts. They acknowledge that God's intervention isn't random; it operates on a precise, 'appointed time.' This isn't just about waiting for relief; it's about trusting that God's timing is perfect, even when it feels slow to us.
The 'Set Time'
Commentators widely agree that 'the set time' refers to the prophesied 70-year period of Babylonian exile ending. Jeremiah and Daniel spoke of this specific duration. This verse assures the exiles that this divinely ordained period of judgment was reaching its end.
God's Initiative
Notice the phrase 'Thou shalt arise.' This isn't about human effort forcing God's hand. It's about God initiating action, 'arising' to bring about His promised deliverance. It's a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty over history and His faithfulness to His people.
What does it really mean for God to 'favor' His people, especially when they're in ruins?
The verse declares it's 'the time to favour her,' referring to Zion. This isn't just about God looking kindly upon the city or the people; it's about active intervention and restoration.
More Than Just Pity
While 'have pity on Zion' is mentioned, the core idea is favor. This implies God choosing to act on behalf of Zion, showing His special regard and restoring her. It’s about divine grace stepping in when human hope seems lost.
Rebuilding Hope
This favor isn't abstract. It's tied to the physical rebuilding of Zion and the return of the people from exile. The commentaries highlight that God's people treasured even the 'stones' of Zion, longing for its restoration. God's favor means bringing life back to desolation and fulfilling His promises to His chosen people.
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 verse speaks directly to the hope that arose during the Babylonian exile. It captures the yearning for God's intervention at the prophesied end of their suffering, reminding us that even in the deepest desolation, God's timing is precise and His promises hold firm.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports a group of Judean nobles and skilled workers, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a revolt, Nebuchadnezzar deports more Judeans, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel, to Babylon. Jerusalem's temple is partially plundered.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, ending the Kingdom of Judah. Most of the remaining population is exiled to Babylon, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy of 70 years of desolation.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, conquers Babylon, ushering in a new era for the exiles.
This passage echoes the promise of God's imminent favor and comfort for Zion, stating 'Speak tenderly to Jerusalem... her hard service is at an end.' It directly parallels the idea of God's appointed time for showing mercy.
Jeremiah 29:10This verse explicitly states the prophecy of the seventy years of exile, the fulfillment of which is the 'set time' mentioned in Psalm 102:13. It grounds the psalmist's hopeful anticipation in a specific divine promise.
Daniel 9:2Daniel's prayer here demonstrates his understanding of the 'set time' for Jerusalem's restoration based on prophetic word (like Jeremiah's). It shows how believers wrestled with and anticipated this very moment of divine favor.
Luke 21:24Jesus speaks of Jerusalem being 'trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.' This connects the idea of 'appointed times' to God's sovereign plan for Jerusalem's history, including its eventual restoration and favor.
Galatians 4:4Paul writes that 'when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son.' This highlights the concept of God acting at a specific, divinely appointed moment, mirroring the 'set time' for Zion's favor and redemption.
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.
This verse highlights that God’s action is tied to a specific "appointed time," not just based on our prayers, but on His sovereign plan. This "set time" isn't just about the end of the Babylonian captivity, but signifies a divinely ordained moment for God to show His favor and intervene.
The psalmist is in deep distress, feeling abandoned by God and lamenting the ruins of Zion. He contrasts God's eternal nature with his own fleeting existence, but then shifts to a prophetic assurance that God will act. This verse marks a turning point, moving from personal despair and national sorrow to confident expectation of divine intervention.
The psalmist is in deep distress, feeling abandoned by God and lamenting the ruins of Zion. He contrasts God's eternal nature with his own fleeting existence, but then shifts to a prophetic assurance that God act. This verse marks a turning point, moving from personal despair and national sorrow to confident expectation of divine intervention.
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yara · Hebrew Verb
To experience deep reverence, awe, and submission before the majesty and holiness of God; it is the appropriate response of a creature to the Creator.
shem · Hebrew Noun
The character, reputation, authority, and presence of God; to know His name is to know His true nature and to stand in awe of His divine identity.
kabod · Hebrew Noun
The visible or manifest presence and splendor of God; it refers to the weight, beauty, and incomparable majesty of His divine essence that demands recognition from all creation.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the God of the covenant, representing His self-existence, faithfulness, and redemptive relationship with His people. It is the name by which He revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush.
Tsiyyon · Hebrew Proper Noun
Originally a Jebusite fortress, it became the 'City of David' and the mountain where the Temple was built. Symbolically, it represents the dwelling place of God, the center of worship, and the future hope of God's kingdom and city.
kabod · Hebrew Noun
The manifestation of God's presence, majesty, character, and power. It refers to the radiance of His divine nature, often associated with light, fire, or the holiness that surrounds His throne.
ar'ar · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Describes one who is lacking, impoverished, or stripped of resources. Biblically, it refers to those who have no earthly help and must rely entirely upon God for sustenance and deliverance.
panah · Hebrew Verb
To look upon, pay attention to, or give regard to. It implies an active, compassionate notice taken by God toward the prayers and circumstances of His people.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus for Return
Cyrus issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marks the beginning of the end of the 70-year exile.
"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. Nations will fear the name of the LORD, and a…" — This verse highlights that God’s action is tied to a specific "appointed time," not just based on our prayers, but on His sovereign plan. This "set time" isn't just about the end of the Babylonian ca…
