Psalms 102:15

KJV

So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.

KJV (with Strong's)

So the heathen {H1471} shall fear {H3372} the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}, and all the kings {H4428} of the earth {H776} thy glory {H3519}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The nations will fear the name of ADONAI and all the kings on earth your glory,

Berean Standard Bible

So the nations will fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth will fear Your glory.

American Standard Version

So the nations shall fear the name of Jehovah, And all the kings of the earth thy glory.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 102:15 stands as a profound prophetic declaration within a psalm of deep personal lament, pivoting from the psalmist's individual suffering to a grand vision of God's universal sovereignty. It proclaims that the LORD's faithfulness to Zion and the manifestation of His glory will compel all nations and their rulers to acknowledge His supreme power and majesty, serving as a beacon of hope for ultimate divine vindication and global recognition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 102 opens as a poignant individual lament, with the psalmist pouring out his soul in profound distress, feeling abandoned and afflicted by God. Verses 1-11 vividly describe his physical decay, emotional anguish, and social isolation, comparing himself to desolate creatures like a pelican or an owl. However, a dramatic and pivotal shift occurs from verse 12 onwards. The psalmist moves from his transient suffering to meditating on God's eternal nature and unwavering promises. This transition anticipates divine intervention, particularly God's steadfast love and favor toward Zion (Jerusalem) and the restoration of His people. Verse 15 directly flows from this shift, asserting that God's decisive action to restore Zion and manifest His glory will inevitably lead to the universal acknowledgment of His name and glory by the "heathen" and "kings of the earth," transforming personal despair into cosmic hope.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical setting of Psalm 102 is debated, many scholars suggest it reflects a period of national distress, possibly during the Babylonian exile or a post-exilic time of hardship and rebuilding. The "afflicted man" could represent the suffering nation of Israel. In the ancient Near East, the "heathen" (often translated as "nations" or "gentiles") referred to the non-Israelite peoples, who typically worshipped other gods. "Kings of the earth" represented the highest echelons of worldly power and authority. The declaration that these foreign entities would "fear the name of the LORD" and acknowledge "thy glory" was a radical assertion in a polytheistic world, challenging the supremacy of other deities and earthly rulers. It underscored Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, whose power was understood to transcend all national boundaries and human authority. The restoration of Zion was not merely a local event but a cosmic display of God's power that would compel global attention.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Unquestionable Sovereignty**, affirming that the LORD's dominion extends over all nations and their rulers, demonstrating that no earthly power can ultimately defy His will or diminish His glory. Secondly, it prophesies the **Universal Recognition of God's Glory**, envisioning a future time when even those unfamiliar with Yahweh will be compelled to acknowledge His supreme majesty and power. This recognition is not necessarily a willing conversion for all but a forced acknowledgment of His undeniable presence and authority, a concept echoed in other prophetic scriptures that speak of a day when [every knee shall bow and every tongue confess God's Lordship](/isaiah/45-23 "Isaiah 45:23 - Every Knee Shall Bow"). Thirdly, it underscores **Divine Restoration and Vindication**, as the fear and acknowledgment described here are a direct consequence of God's faithfulness to His people and His promise to rebuild Zion, as mentioned in [Psalms 102:13](/psalms/102-13 "Psalms 102:13 - God's Mercy on Zion"). God's glory will be so profoundly manifest in His dealings with His chosen people that it will inevitably compel the world to take notice and respond in awe.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yare'_):** This word (יָרֵא) is rich in meaning, encompassing not just terror or dread, but a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission. When applied to God, it signifies a recognition of His holiness, power, and authority that leads to worship and obedience. For the "heathen" and "kings of the earth," it suggests a compelled acknowledgment of God's undeniable might, leading to a profound sense of awe and perhaps even dread of His judgment.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shem'_):** The "name" (שֵׁם) of the LORD in Hebrew thought is far more than a mere label; it represents His entire character, reputation, authority, and manifest presence. To "fear the name of the LORD" means to recognize and respond with awe to who God truly is—His attributes, His power, His covenant faithfulness, and His unique identity as the one true God.
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kavod'_):** The word "glory" (כָּבוֹד) literally means "weight" or "heaviness," but metaphorically it signifies honor, splendor, majesty, and renown. It refers to the visible manifestation of God's inherent greatness, His radiant presence, and the tangible display of His power and majesty. The kings of the earth will not merely hear about God's glory; they will witness an undeniable, weighty display of divine power that compels their recognition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD":** This clause declares a future reality where the non-Israelite nations, who previously did not acknowledge Yahweh, will come to revere Him. This "fear" is not necessarily a saving faith for all, but an undeniable recognition of His supreme authority and power, brought about by His mighty acts on behalf of His people and Zion. It signifies a profound shift in global spiritual allegiance, where the idols and false gods of the nations will be eclipsed by the manifest reality of the one true God.
* **"and all the kings of the earth thy glory":** This second clause parallels and expands on the first, specifically targeting the highest echelons of human power—the rulers and potentates of the world. They, too, will be compelled to acknowledge God's "glory." This suggests a visible, undeniable display of God's majesty and splendor, likely through His mighty acts of judgment and salvation, particularly His restoration of Zion. Their acknowledgment will be a testament to God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms and their rulers, demonstrating that His reign is supreme and eternal.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure, where "the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD" is mirrored by "all the kings of the earth thy glory," reinforcing the universal scope of God's recognition. This is a form of **synonymous parallelism**, where the second line reiterates and amplifies the thought of the first. The verse also functions as a **Prophetic Declaration**, shifting from the psalmist's personal lament to a future-oriented statement of God's eschatological triumph. The use of "heathen" and "kings of the earth" serves as **Synecdoche** or **Merism**, representing the entirety of humanity and all worldly power, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's universal reign. Furthermore, the concept of "fearing the name" and acknowledging "glory" points to a future **Theophany** or manifestation of God's presence and power so undeniable that it compels even His adversaries to recognize Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 102:15 articulates a profound theological truth: God's ultimate purpose includes the universal recognition of His sovereignty and glory. This is not merely a hope for Israel but a cosmic vision where the Creator of all things will be acknowledged by all creation. The restoration of Zion, the dwelling place of God, serves as the catalyst for this global revelation, demonstrating that God's faithfulness to His covenant people has far-reaching implications for the entire world. This verse aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan, which culminates in a new heaven and a new earth where His glory fills all things, and every knee bows before Him. It speaks to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all earthly powers and spiritual adversaries.

* [Isaiah 45:23](/isaiah/45-23 "Isaiah 45:23 - Every Knee Shall Bow")
* [Revelation 15:4](/revelation/15-4 "Revelation 15:4 - Who Will Not Fear You, Lord?")
* [Psalms 102:13](/psalms/102-13 "God's Mercy on Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 102:15 offers immense encouragement and a vital perspective for believers navigating personal suffering or observing a world seemingly oblivious to God. It reminds us that our present circumstances, no matter how dire, do not define God's ultimate plan or diminish His eternal sovereignty. Even when we feel abandoned or when the world appears to reject God, this verse assures us that a day is coming when His glory will be so undeniably manifest that all, from the ordinary person to the most powerful ruler, will be compelled to acknowledge Him. This should fuel our perseverance in faith, knowing that God's ultimate purpose involves His universal vindication and the magnificent display of His glory to all creation. It calls us to live in light of this future reality, trusting that our God will indeed prevail and that His name will be honored throughout the earth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the shift from personal lament to universal prophecy in Psalm 102 encourage you in your own times of distress?**
* **What does it mean for "the heathen" and "kings of the earth" to "fear the name of the LORD" and acknowledge "thy glory" in our modern context?**
* **How can the promise of God's universal recognition motivate our prayers and efforts for global missions and justice today?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalm shift so dramatically from personal lament to universal prophecy?**

Answer: The dramatic shift from the psalmist's deep personal lament (e.g., [Psalms 102:3-5](/psalms/102-3 "Psalms 102:3-5 - My Bones Burn Like a Hearth")) to a grand vision of God's universal recognition (like [Psalms 102:15](/psalms/102-15 "Psalms 102:15 - Nations Will Fear the Lord")) is a common literary and theological feature in the Psalms, particularly in laments. It reflects the understanding that individual suffering is often intertwined with the larger story of God's covenant faithfulness to His people and His ultimate redemptive plan for the world. The psalmist, in his distress, appeals to God's eternal nature and promises concerning Zion ([Psalms 102:12-14](/psalms/102-12 "Psalms 102:12-14 - God's Eternal Reign and Mercy on Zion")). This meditation on God's unchanging character and His commitment to His people provides the foundation for the hope that transcends personal pain. The universal recognition of God's glory is the ultimate vindication not only for the psalmist but for all who trust in Him, demonstrating that God's power and purposes extend far beyond individual circumstances to encompass all of creation.

**What does "fear the name of the LORD" truly mean for the "heathen" and "kings of the earth" in this context?**

Answer: For the "heathen" (nations) and "kings of the earth," "fearing the name of the LORD" signifies a compelled acknowledgment of God's supreme power, authority, and majesty, rather than necessarily a willing conversion to saving faith. It implies a recognition of His undeniable reality and irresistible might, which will be demonstrated through His mighty acts of judgment and salvation, particularly in His restoration of Zion. This "fear" is an awe-filled reverence that stems from witnessing God's manifest glory, forcing even those who have opposed Him to bow before His sovereignty. It means that all earthly powers and false deities will ultimately be shown to be subordinate to the one true God, whose "glory" (His weighty, visible presence and splendor) will be undeniable to all ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 102:15 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The prophecy that "the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory" points forward to the universal reign of the Messiah. While the Old Testament prophets often envisioned this through the restoration of an earthly Zion, the New Testament reveals that true Zion is found in Christ and His church, the spiritual city of God. It is through Christ's atoning work, His resurrection, and His ascension that God's glory is most fully revealed to the nations. The Great Commission in [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission") commands believers to make disciples of "all nations," signifying the global spread of God's name and glory through the Gospel. Ultimately, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")). The fear and acknowledgment prophesied in Psalms 102:15 are realized in the universal worship of the resurrected Christ, who is the visible manifestation of the Father's glory ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). His return will usher in the full and final display of God's glory, compelling all kings and nations to recognize His supreme authority as the Lamb who was slain and the Lion of Judah ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - Worthy Is the Lamb")).

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

1 Kings 8:43

Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as [do] thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name.

Psalms 138:4

All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.

Isaiah 60:3

And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

Isaiah 60:22

A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.

Zechariah 8:20

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; [It shall] yet [come to pass], that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:

Zechariah 8:23

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.

Psalms 86:9

All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.