Nations will fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth will fear your glory.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse points to a profound shift: when God acts to restore His people, it’s not just a private affair for His followers. Instead, the very nations and kings who may have been enemies will witness God's glory and come to fear His name, recognizing His ultimate power and sovereignty.
Nations will fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth will fear your glory.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a prayer from someone feeling deeply afflicted, likely during a time of national ruin or exile, with Zion in ruins. The focus then shifts to a triumphant vision of God restoring Jerusalem, which will cause other nations and their kings to recognize and fear the Lord's power and glory. This foreshadows a future spiritual kingdom, much larger than just the physical restoration of Jerusalem.
Imagine a world where kings and nations don't just acknowledge God, but fear Him. This verse paints that picture, but why 'fear'?
This psalm looks forward to a time when God's power and faithfulness, revealed through His actions (like restoring Jerusalem, as hinted in the context), will be so undeniable that even the most powerful rulers on earth will be compelled to show Him reverence. It's not necessarily a fear of punishment, but a profound awe and respect for His supreme majesty and authority. Think of it as the ultimate 'wow' moment for the entire world, where God's glory is on full display.
The 'fear' here is akin to realizing you're in the presence of something infinitely greater than yourself – a healthy, respectful recognition of divine sovereignty.
The verse speaks of fearing God's 'name' and His 'glory.' What's the difference, and why are both significant?
In the Bible, God's 'name' often refers to His very being, His character, and His reputation. When nations fear the 'name of the LORD,' it means they are coming to know and respect who God truly is – His attributes of power, love, and justice.
'Your glory,' addressed to God, points to the outward manifestation of His presence and His magnificent deeds. It's the visible radiance of His holiness and power that commands attention and awe. The restoration of Jerusalem, mentioned in the surrounding verses, is seen as a powerful display of this glory, compelling even those who were once enemies to acknowledge the Lord's might.
Understand the original words
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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.
This psalm speaks powerfully to a time when Jerusalem lay in ruins and the people of God were in exile. The prophecy here looks beyond the immediate restoration, foreseeing a time when the rebuilding of God's city and the demonstration of His power would cause all nations and their rulers to recognize and fear the LORD.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar II sacks Jerusalem, destroying the First Temple and exiling many of the Jewish people. This event represents a profound national trauma and a low point for Israel.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian Empire, led by Cyrus, overthrows the Babylonian Empire. This shift in power creates an opportunity for the exiled Jews to return to their homeland.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus Allows Return
Cyrus issues a decree permitting the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marks the beginning of the return and restoration period.
c. 516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
After significant challenges and opposition, the Second Temple in Jerusalem is completed. This restoration is a source of hope and a testament to God's faithfulness.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem's Walls
Under the leadership of Nehemiah, the walls of Jerusalem are rebuilt, further strengthening the city and its people amidst continued regional tensions.
This passage echoes Psalm 102:15 by prophesying that nations and kings will come to the light of Israel, recognizing and fearing the glory of the Lord.
Jeremiah 10:7This verse directly states that nations will fear God because He is great and His name is awesome, directly aligning with the theme of Psalm 102:15.
Romans 15:10-12The Apostle Paul quotes Deuteronomy and Isaiah here to show how Gentiles (nations) are called to rejoice with God's people, implying their future recognition and praise of the Lord, fulfilling the prophecy in Psalm 102:15.
Revelation 11:15This New Testament passage describes the culmination of God's kingdom, where 'the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ,' and 'he shall reign forever,' directly reflecting the global fear and acknowledgment of God's glory prophesied in Psalm 102:15.
bensonPsalms 102:15: "So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory."
Psalm 102:15. So the heathen shall fear the Lord, &c. — Shall have high thoughts of him and his people, and even the kings of the earth shall be affected with his glory. They shall think better of the church of God than they have done, when God, by his providence, thus puts honour upon it; and they shall be afraid of doing any thing against it, when they see God taking its part. Thus it is…
ellicottPsalms 102:15: "So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory."
(15) Heathen. —The same result of the restoration of the Holy City, viz., the recognition of Jehovah’s power and glory by the heathen, occupies the great prophecy, Isaiah 40-46.
This verse points to a profound shift: when God acts to restore His people, it’s not just a private affair for His followers. Instead, the very nations and kings who may have been enemies will witness God's glory and come to fear His name, recognizing His ultimate power and sovereignty.
This psalm is a prayer from someone feeling deeply afflicted, likely during a time of national ruin or exile, with Zion in ruins. The focus then shifts to a triumphant vision of God restoring Jerusalem, which will cause other nations and their kings to recognize and fear the Lord's power and glory. This foreshadows a future spiritual kingdom, much larger than just the physical restoration of Jerusalem.
This psalm is a prayer from someone feeling deeply afflicted, likely during a time of national ruin or exile, with Zion in ruins. The focus then shifts to a triumphant vision of God restoring Jerusalem, which will cause other nations and their kings to recognize and fear the Lord's power and glory. This foreshadows a future spiritual kingdom, much larger than just the physical restoration of Jerusalem.
"Nations will fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth will fear your glory." — This verse points to a profound shift: when God acts to restore His people, it’s not just a private affair for His followers. Instead, the very nations and kings who may have been enemies will witnes…
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Last reviewed October 2026