Psalms 102:16

When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.

When the LORD {H3068} shall build up {H1129} Zion {H6726}, he shall appear {H7200} in his glory {H3519}.

when ADONAI has rebuilt Tziyon, and shows himself in his glory,

For the LORD will rebuild Zion; He has appeared in His glory.

For Jehovah hath built up Zion; He hath appeared in his glory.

This verse from Psalm 102 offers a powerful promise of future restoration and divine presence, contrasting the psalmist's current state of affliction with the glorious intervention of God.

Context

Psalm 102 is described as "A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD." The psalm begins with deep personal suffering and despair, describing the psalmist's physical and emotional distress. However, it shifts focus in verse 12, moving from personal lament to a plea for God's mercy on Zion. Verses 13-22 look forward to a time when God will act on behalf of Jerusalem and His people, demonstrating His enduring nature and faithfulness across generations. This verse falls within this section of hopeful anticipation for the city's rebuilding and the return of God's favor.

Key Themes

  • Restoration of Zion: The core promise is that the LORD Himself will undertake the work of rebuilding Jerusalem (Zion). This signifies not just physical reconstruction but the restoration of its spiritual and national significance after a period of desolation, likely during the Babylonian exile or a similar time of distress.
  • God's Glorious Appearance: The rebuilding of Zion is directly linked to God appearing in His glory. This suggests that God's active presence and manifest majesty will be the defining feature of the restored city, a public demonstration of His power and faithfulness to His covenant.
  • Divine Initiative: The verse emphasizes that it is the LORD who "shall build up Zion." This highlights that the restoration is not a human effort but a sovereign act of God.

Linguistic Insights

The word "Zion" (Hebrew: Tziyon) is a significant term, often referring to Jerusalem, particularly as the location of the temple and God's dwelling place. It can also represent the people of Israel. "Glory" (Hebrew: kabod) carries the sense of weight, honor, majesty, and often refers to the visible manifestation of God's presence, such as the glory that filled the tabernacle and temple.

Related Scriptures

  • This promise of restoration connects with Psalm 102:13, which states that the time to favor Zion has come.
  • The theme of God's glory appearing upon Zion is powerfully echoed in prophetic passages like Isaiah 60:1-2.
  • Ultimately, this points forward to the New Jerusalem where God's glory is fully present, as described in Revelation 21:2-3.

Reflection

Psalms 102:16 offers hope to those who feel overwhelmed and afflicted, reminding us that God is not indifferent to the suffering of His people or the state of His dwelling place. It assures us that God actively works towards restoration and that His presence will be unmistakably revealed when He does. This verse encourages believers to look beyond current difficulties to the certain future when God will fully establish His kingdom and appear in His undeniable glory, bringing complete and lasting restoration.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 60:1

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

  • Isaiah 60:2

    For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

  • Psalms 147:2

    The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.

  • Jeremiah 33:7

    And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first.

  • Zechariah 2:6

    ¶ Ho, ho, [come forth], and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD.

  • Zechariah 2:13

    Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.

  • Isaiah 14:26

    This [is] the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this [is] the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.

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