Psalms 102:21

To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem;

To declare {H5608} the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} in Zion {H6726}, and his praise {H8416} in Jerusalem {H3389};

to proclaim the name of ADONAI in Tziyon and his praise in Yerushalayim

that they may proclaim the name of the LORD in Zion and praise Him in Jerusalem,

That men may declare the name of Jehovah in Zion, And his praise in Jerusalem;

Commentary

Context of Psalms 102:21

Psalm 102 is famously titled "A Prayer of the Afflicted," reflecting a deep lament from someone in great distress. However, it transitions powerfully from personal suffering to a soaring affirmation of God's eternal nature and His unwavering faithfulness to His people and promises. Verses 12-22 shift the focus from the psalmist's immediate pain to God's enduring reign and His ultimate purpose for Zion and Jerusalem. Verse 21, therefore, articulates the glorious outcome of God's restorative workโ€”that His name and praise would be publicly declared in His holy city. It anticipates a future time when God's people, and even distant generations, will gather to worship Him.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Proclamation of God's Character: To "declare the name of the LORD" is far more than uttering a word; it means to make known His very being, His attributes, His power, His covenant faithfulness, and His sovereign rule. It is a public testimony to who God is. This declaration is a central act of worship and evangelism, inviting others to recognize His greatness.
  • Centrality of Worship in Zion: The mention of "Zion" and "Jerusalem" underscores the designated place for God's dwelling and the focal point of worship for Israel. Historically, Zion was where the Temple stood, symbolizing God's presence among His people. The verse emphasizes that the ultimate purpose of God's restoration is the public, communal worship and adoration of His name in His holy city. This echoes the prophetic vision of all nations flowing to Zion to learn of God's ways.
  • Divine Purpose in Restoration: The preceding verses speak of God's compassion for Zion and His intention to rebuild her. Verse 21 reveals the grand purpose behind this divine intervention: so that God's glory might be magnified and His praise proclaimed. God acts not only for the benefit of His people but ultimately for the exaltation of His own name.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Name of the LORD": The Hebrew phrase refers to `YHWH` (Yahweh), God's personal covenant name, which signifies His self-existence and His unchanging, relational character. To declare His "name" means to proclaim His identity, His deeds, and His attributes.
  • "Declare": The Hebrew word `sapar` (ืกึธืคึทืจ) means "to count, recount, tell, make known." It implies a detailed, comprehensive proclamation, a full narrative of God's greatness, not just a casual mention. It suggests a thorough recounting of His mighty acts and character.
  • "Praise": The Hebrew term `tehillah` (ืชึฐึผื”ึดืœึธึผื”) refers to a song of praise, adoration, and thanksgiving. It speaks of the joyful, public expression of God's worthiness.

Practical Application

This verse remains profoundly relevant for believers today. While the physical location of Zion and Jerusalem held unique significance, the principle extends to the spiritual "Zion"โ€”the Church.

  • A Call to Proclaim: We are called to "declare the name of the LORD" in our lives, communities, and across the globe. This means living in a way that reflects His character, speaking of His goodness, and sharing the good news of His salvation. Our lives should be a constant testament to His identity and power.
  • The Importance of Corporate Worship: Just as praise was to be declared "in Zion" and "in Jerusalem," communal worship remains vital. Gathering together to praise God, recount His faithfulness, and declare His name strengthens believers and bears witness to the world.
  • Living for God's Glory: Understanding that God's ultimate purpose in all His acts is to declare His own name and praise encourages us to align our lives with this divine agenda. Everything we do, whether personally or corporately, should ultimately contribute to the magnification of His glory, as suggested by 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 22:22

    ยถ I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.

  • Ephesians 3:21

    Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

  • 1 Peter 2:9

    But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

  • Psalms 79:13

    So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.

  • Isaiah 51:11

    Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy [shall be] upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; [and] sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

  • Psalms 9:13

    Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble [which I suffer] of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:

  • Psalms 9:14

    That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.
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