Psalms 102:13

KJV

Thou shalt arise, [and] have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt arise {H6965}, and have mercy {H7355} upon Zion {H6726}: for the time {H6256} to favour {H2603} her, yea, the set time {H4150}, is come {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will arise and take pity on Tziyon, for the time has come to have mercy on her; the time determined has come.

Berean Standard Bible

You will rise up and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show her favor— the appointed time has come.

American Standard Version

Thou wilt arise, and have mercy upon Zion; For it is time to have pity upon her, Yea, the set time is come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 102:13 stands as a pivotal declaration within a psalm of deep lament, marking a profound transition from the psalmist's personal anguish and the desolation of Zion to a confident, prophetic expectation of divine intervention. It proclaims God's imminent action to show mercy and favor upon His people, asserting that the divinely appointed, predetermined moment for their restoration and blessing has finally arrived. This verse offers a powerful message of hope, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign control over history, even amidst the most profound suffering and despair.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 102 is categorized as a communal lament, though it begins with the intensely personal prayer of an afflicted individual. The preceding verses (Psalms 102:1-11) vividly describe the psalmist's profound physical and emotional suffering, comparing himself to a desolate bird and his bones to burnt charcoal, while simultaneously mourning the ruin of Jerusalem (Zion). This lament sets a somber tone of despair and abandonment. Verse 12 serves as a bridge, shifting focus from the psalmist's fleeting existence to God's eternal reign. Then, Psalms 102:13 erupts as a sudden, dramatic turning point, a prophetic utterance that shatters the preceding gloom with a confident declaration of God's forthcoming action and mercy, signaling a move from deep personal and national distress to an assured hope of restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the psalmist's identity remains anonymous, the deep anguish over Zion's desolation strongly suggests a setting during or immediately after the Babylonian exile (586 BCE). The destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple, the forced displacement of the Jewish people, and the prolonged period of captivity would have produced immense grief and a sense of divine abandonment. In this context, "Zion" represents not merely the physical city of Jerusalem but also the spiritual heart of Israel, the dwelling place of God, and the symbol of His covenant relationship with His people. The longing for God's "favor" and the emphasis on a "set time" would have resonated deeply with a people yearning for the fulfillment of prophetic promises of return and rebuilding after seventy years of exile, as foretold by prophets like [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Return from Exile").
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 102:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Intervention and Mercy**, asserting that God will not remain passive in the face of His people's suffering but will actively "arise" to show compassion and favor. This underscores God's covenant faithfulness, echoing His self-revelation as a God "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" in [Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - God's Self-Revelation"). Secondly, the verse powerfully introduces the theme of **God's Perfect Timing**, emphasizing that His redemptive actions unfold according to a sovereign, predetermined schedule. The phrase "the set time, is come" assures believers that God's promises are not subject to human impatience but are fulfilled precisely at His appointed moment, a concept found throughout Scripture, such as in [Ecclesiastes 3:1](/ecclesiastes/3-1 "Ecclesiastes 3:1 - A Time for Everything"). Finally, it strongly anticipates the **Restoration of Zion**, symbolizing the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem and, more profoundly, the spiritual renewal and re-establishment of God's covenant people, a hope that finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament vision of the New Jerusalem (e.g., [Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Arise (Hebrew, _qum_):** This verb signifies more than simply standing up; it denotes active intervention, rising to action, or taking a decisive stance. In a theological context, when God is said to "arise," it implies a powerful, dynamic movement from a state of apparent inactivity or silence to a demonstration of His power and purpose. It suggests a sudden, impactful shift in the divine posture, moving from seemingly observing suffering to actively engaging in deliverance and judgment, as seen in other passages like [Psalms 3:7](/psalms/3-7 "Psalms 3:7 - God Arises for Deliverance").
* **Mercy/Favour (Hebrew, _chanan_):** The root _chanan_ carries the meaning of showing favor, being gracious, or having pity. It describes a benevolent disposition leading to an act of kindness or compassion. Here, it is God's gracious inclination towards Zion, not based on her merit, but on His steadfast love and covenant faithfulness. This "mercy" is not merely a feeling but an active, redemptive intervention that brings about restoration and blessing.
* **Set Time (Hebrew, _mo'ed_):** This is a crucial term. _Mo'ed_ refers to an appointed time, a fixed season, a designated meeting, or a specific festival. It implies a pre-arranged, divinely ordained moment. Its use here emphasizes that God's forthcoming favor is not a random occurrence or a response to human manipulation, but a predetermined, certain event within His sovereign plan. It speaks to the precision and certainty of God's timing, assuring the psalmist and future generations that God's promise will be fulfilled exactly when He intends, in accordance with His divine calendar.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt arise,"**: This opening clause is a powerful prophetic declaration, shifting from the psalmist's despair to a confident assertion of God's imminent action. The use of "shalt" (future tense) expresses certainty, while "arise" (Hebrew _qum_) signifies God's active, decisive intervention on behalf of His people. It implies a dramatic change from a state of apparent inaction to a demonstration of divine power and purpose.
* **"[and] have mercy upon Zion:"**: This specifies the nature of God's intervention: it is an act of profound mercy and favor (Hebrew _chanan_). "Zion" here represents the afflicted people of God, likely in exile or distress, and the desolate city of Jerusalem. God's mercy is not merely a feeling but a redemptive act that will bring about their restoration and blessing, turning their lament into joy.
* **"for the time to favour her,"**: This clause provides the reason for God's action. The "time" (Hebrew _'eth_) indicates a specific period or season. To "favour her" reiterates the concept of God's gracious disposition and active benevolence towards Zion. It suggests that the period of desolation is drawing to a close, and a new season of divine blessing is at hand.
* **"yea, the set time, is come."**: This emphatic repetition intensifies the previous clause, underscoring the certainty and precision of God's timing. "Set time" (Hebrew _mo'ed_) carries the weight of a divinely appointed, predetermined moment, often used for sacred festivals or divine appointments. The declaration "is come" (perfect tense) conveys a sense of accomplished fact, as if the future event is already a certainty in God's plan, providing ultimate assurance that God's promise of restoration will be fulfilled exactly as and when He purposed.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 102:13 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of hope. The most striking is the dramatic **Shift in Tone** from the preceding verses of deep lament and despair to a sudden, confident declaration of divine intervention. This creates a powerful emotional and theological pivot in the psalm. The verse also employs **Prophetic Declaration**, speaking of future events with the certainty of present reality ("Thou shalt arise... is come"), imbuing the promise with divine authority and inevitability. There is a strong sense of **Parallelism and Emphasis** through repetition, particularly in "the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come." The use of both _'eth_ (general time) and _mo'ed_ (appointed time) for "time" and "set time" reinforces the idea that this is not just any time, but God's specific, predetermined moment. Finally, **Personification** is evident in the portrayal of "Zion" as an entity capable of receiving favor and mercy, allowing the reader to emotionally connect with the plight and promised restoration of God's people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 102:13 is a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and the certainty of His redemptive plan. It assures believers that even in the darkest valleys of suffering and apparent abandonment, God's covenant promises remain immutable, and His divine timetable is always precise. This verse transcends the immediate context of the Babylonian exile, offering a timeless truth: God has an appointed time for every purpose under heaven, and His mercy will ultimately triumph over all forms of desolation. It speaks to the eschatological hope of God's ultimate restoration of His people and His creation, a theme woven throughout the biblical narrative, pointing to a future where all sorrow will be turned into joy.

* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile and Return"): This prophecy directly speaks to the "appointed time" for Israel's return from Babylonian captivity, paralleling the "set time" for Zion's favor.
* [Isaiah 49:13](/isaiah/49-13 "Isaiah 49:13 - God's Compassion for His Afflicted People"): Echoes the theme of God's compassion and mercy for His suffering people, promising comfort and deliverance.
* [Romans 9:15](/romans/9-15 "Romans 9:15 - God's Sovereign Mercy"): Paul quotes Exodus 33:19, emphasizing God's sovereign right to show mercy to whom He wills, reinforcing the idea that God's favor is an act of His unmerited grace at His chosen time.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 102:13 offers immense comfort and a robust framework for faith in the face of personal affliction, national crisis, or global brokenness. It challenges us to cultivate a profound trust in God's sovereign timing, even when our circumstances seem bleak and our prayers appear unanswered. The psalmist's journey from deep lament to confident expectation teaches us that hope is not merely wishful thinking but a firm conviction rooted in God's character and His unfailing promises. This verse calls us to persevere in prayer and faith, knowing that our waiting is never in vain, for God has a "set time" for His intervention and the outpouring of His favor. It reminds us that our present suffering does not negate God's future promises, but rather, often precedes the glorious manifestation of His redemptive work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the shift from lament to hope in Psalms 102:13 challenge your perspective on suffering and waiting?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently waiting for God's "set time" to arrive? How does this verse encourage you in that waiting?**
* **How can acknowledging God's perfect timing transform your prayer life and deepen your trust in His sovereignty?**
* **What does "mercy upon Zion" mean for you personally, as part of God's people today, and for the broader church?**

### FAQ
**What does "Zion" represent in Psalms 102:13, and why is God's mercy upon it significant?**

Answer: In Psalms 102:13, "Zion" primarily refers to the city of Jerusalem, particularly its ruined state during the likely context of the Babylonian exile. However, it also symbolically represents the people of Israel, God's covenant nation, and by extension, God's spiritual dwelling place and the center of His redemptive plan. God's mercy upon Zion is profoundly significant because it signifies His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises despite His people's failures and suffering. It assures them that He has not abandoned them but will actively intervene to restore their city, their community, and their relationship with Him. This mercy is a demonstration of His character as a God of compassion and grace, who remembers His people and His promises, even when all seems lost. It looks forward to a time of rebuilding and spiritual renewal, a hope that resonates throughout the prophetic literature, such as in [Isaiah 60:1-3](/isaiah/60-1 "Isaiah 60:1-3 - The Future Glory of Zion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 102:13 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's mercy and the precise "set time" of divine intervention. The "arising" of God to have mercy upon Zion culminates in the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, thereby enacting God's ultimate act of favor and restoration for a fallen humanity ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The "set time" for God's favor arrived definitively with Christ's first coming, as Paul declares in [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time"), "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son." Through Christ, the spiritual "Zion" is expanded to include all believers—the Church—who are now the dwelling place of God's Spirit, a "city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem" ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem and the New Covenant")). Every promise of God's mercy and restoration, including those for Zion, finds its "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), pointing forward to the final, complete restoration of all things in the New Heavens and New Earth, where God's people will dwell with Him in the New Jerusalem, and He will wipe away every tear ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heavens and New Earth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Isaiah 40:2

Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.

Isaiah 60:1

¶ Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.

Psalms 44:26

Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake.

Zechariah 2:10

¶ Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.

Zechariah 2:12

And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.

Psalms 69:35

For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession.