Psalms 102:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 102:21 encapsulates the glorious purpose behind God's enduring faithfulness and restorative work for His people and His holy city. Emerging from a profound lament, this verse articulates the ultimate outcome of divine intervention: that the very character and redemptive acts of the LORD will be publicly and joyfully proclaimed in Zion and Jerusalem, serving as the central hub for worship for all generations and nations. It shifts the focus from individual suffering to the corporate, eschatological hope of God's magnified glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 102 is uniquely titled "A Prayer of the Afflicted," beginning with a deeply personal and desperate cry for God's attention amidst overwhelming suffering (vv. 1-11). However, the psalm undergoes a remarkable theological pivot from individual anguish to a soaring affirmation of God's eternal nature and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people and promises (vv. 12-22). This shift is crucial; the psalmist finds hope not in the cessation of his pain, but in the enduring character and future plans of God for Zion. Verse 21, therefore, functions as a declaration of the *purpose* for God's promised restoration of Zion, which is the public declaration of His name and praise, a theme further elaborated in the psalm's concluding assurance of God's unchanging nature and the security of His children (vv. 23-28).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of Psalm 102, particularly its focus on Zion and Jerusalem, places it firmly within the historical and cultural landscape of ancient Israel. Zion, originally a fortified hill in Jerusalem, became synonymous with the city itself, especially the Temple Mount, and by extension, the spiritual center of God's presence among His people. The psalm likely reflects a period of national distress or exile, where the city and Temple were in ruins or under threat, fostering a deep longing for restoration. The concept of declaring God's "name" was a profound act in ancient Near Eastern culture, signifying the revelation of one's essence, authority, and power. For Israel, to declare the name of YHWH (the LORD) was a public, covenantal act of worship, often performed in the Temple during festivals, affirming His unique identity and His mighty deeds in history.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 102 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights the **transition from lament to hope**, demonstrating that even in the deepest despair, the ultimate hope lies in God's eternal purposes for His people and His city. Secondly, it underscores the **enduring significance of Zion** as God's chosen dwelling place and the future center of universal worship, a theme echoed profoundly in prophetic literature such as [Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-3 - The Mountain of the Lord's House"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **centrality of corporate worship and the public proclamation of God's character**. The restoration of Zion is not merely for the comfort of its inhabitants but ultimately for the magnification of God's name and praise, a purpose that extends beyond Israel to encompass future generations and even other nations (cf. [Psalms 96:3](/psalms/96-3 "Psalm 96:3 - Declare His Glory Among the Nations")). This divine purpose ensures that God's glory is the ultimate end of all His redemptive acts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Declare (Hebrew, _sāpar'_):** This verb means "to count, recount, tell, make known." It implies more than a casual mention; it suggests a detailed, comprehensive proclamation, a full narrative of God's greatness, His attributes, and His mighty acts. It speaks of bearing witness to who God is through a thorough recounting of His character and deeds.
* **Name (Hebrew, _šēm'_):** In biblical thought, a "name" is not merely a label but represents the full essence, character, authority, and reputation of a person. To declare the "name of the LORD" (YHWH) is to proclaim His unique identity as the self-existent, covenant-keeping God, revealing His power, faithfulness, and redemptive nature.
* **Praise (Hebrew, _təhillâ'_):** This noun refers to a song of praise, adoration, and thanksgiving. Derived from the root `hll` (to shine, boast, praise), it denotes a joyful, public, and often communal expression of God's worthiness, celebrating His attributes and actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To declare the name of the LORD":** This clause expresses the primary purpose. It signifies the public, intentional proclamation of God's revealed character, His covenant faithfulness (represented by His personal name, YHWH), His sovereign power, and His redemptive acts throughout history. It is a testimony to His unique identity and His glorious nature.
* **"in Zion":** This specifies the sacred location for this declaration. Zion, synonymous with Jerusalem, was God's chosen dwelling place, the site of the Temple, and the spiritual and political capital of Israel. Its mention emphasizes that this proclamation is to be centralized, communal, and rooted in the place of God's unique presence among His people.
* **"and his praise in Jerusalem;":** This phrase functions as a synonymous parallel to the preceding clause, reinforcing and expanding upon the idea. "Praise" (`təhillâ`) highlights the joyful, worshipful, and public adoration of God. Jerusalem, as the larger city encompassing Zion, further underscores the public and national scope of this declaration, implying a gathering of people for corporate worship.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 102:21 masterfully employs several literary techniques to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the two clauses of the verse ("To declare the name of the LORD in Zion" and "and his praise in Jerusalem") express the same idea in slightly different words. This repetition serves to intensify the meaning and emphasize the central theme of public worship and proclamation. Furthermore, the use of "Zion" and "Jerusalem" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, where the specific geographical locations stand in for the entire community of God's people, the place of His dwelling, and the center of His worship. The verse itself functions as a **Purpose Clause** (implied by the preceding context of God's restoration), explaining *why* God will act to rebuild and show compassion to Zion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully connects the Old Testament emphasis on Zion as the center of God's dwelling and worship to the broader biblical narrative of God desiring a people who will worship Him in spirit and truth. The declaration of God's name and praise in Zion is not merely a local event but a prophetic vision of universal worship. It anticipates a future where God's glory is so manifest that it draws all people to acknowledge and adore Him. This echoes the prophetic ideal where the nations will stream to Zion to learn of God's ways, recognizing His sovereignty and unique character. The ultimate purpose of God's redemptive work, whether in restoring a broken individual or a devastated city, is always the exaltation of His own name and the outpouring of His praise.

* [Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-3 - The Mountain of the Lord's House")
* [Psalms 96:3](/psalms/96-3 "Psalm 96:3 - Declare His Glory Among the Nations")
* [Revelation 14:7](/revelation/14:7 "Revelation 14:7 - Worship Him Who Made Heaven and Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 102:21 offers profound insights for believers today, extending the principle of declaring God's name beyond the physical confines of ancient Zion to the spiritual "Zion"—the Church, and indeed, to every believer's life. We are called to be living declarations of God's character and worth. This means not only speaking of His goodness and sharing the Gospel but also living lives that consistently reflect His attributes, so that His "name" (His very essence) is made known through our actions, integrity, and love. Furthermore, the emphasis on "in Zion" and "in Jerusalem" underscores the enduring importance of corporate worship. Gathering together as the body of Christ to collectively declare God's name, recount His faithfulness, and offer His praise is a vital expression of our faith, strengthening believers and serving as a powerful witness to a watching world. Ultimately, understanding that God's grand purpose in all His acts, including our own redemption, is the magnification of His glory, compels us to align our lives with this divine agenda, ensuring that everything we do contributes to the exaltation of His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life, both individually and within my community, actively "declare the name of the LORD" to those around me?**
* **In what specific ways do I contribute to "his praise in Jerusalem" (i.e., the corporate worship and mission of the gathered church)?**
* **How does the contrast between the psalmist's transient suffering and God's eternal nature, as highlighted in Psalm 102, shape my perspective on personal trials and the ultimate hope of God's redemptive plan?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Zion" and "Jerusalem" in this verse, and how does it apply today?**

Answer: In Psalms 102:21, "Zion" and "Jerusalem" are deeply significant as they represent God's chosen dwelling place, the spiritual and political center of His earthly kingdom, and the designated place for His worship. They symbolize the community of God's people where His presence is uniquely manifest and where His praise is to be publicly declared. Historically, this referred to the physical city and the Temple within it. For believers today, while the physical locations retain historical importance, the principle extends to the spiritual "Zion"—the Church. The Church is now the dwelling place of God's Spirit, the community where His name is declared and His praise offered. Therefore, the call to declare God's name and praise "in Zion" and "in Jerusalem" is fulfilled through the corporate worship, witness, and mission of the global Church, as well as in the lives of individual believers who are living stones in this spiritual house (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 102:21 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's presence, the true Temple, and the ultimate declaration of the Father's name. Where ancient Zion was the earthly dwelling place of God, Jesus declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus perfectly declared the "name of the LORD," revealing God's character of justice, mercy, love, and power in a way never before seen. He is the one through whom God's praise is now offered, as He Himself is the object of worship. The Church, as the body of Christ, becomes the spiritual "Jerusalem," the place where God's name is proclaimed and His praise continually offered, fulfilling the prophetic vision of [Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem"). Empowered by the Holy Spirit, believers are now commissioned to declare His name to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Be Witnesses")), ensuring that every knee will one day 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 - Every Knee Shall Bow")).

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

Psalms 22:22

¶ 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.