Psalms 102:26

KJV

They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall perish {H6}, but thou shalt endure {H5975}: yea, all of them shall wax old {H1086} like a garment {H899}; as a vesture {H3830} shalt thou change {H2498} them, and they shall be changed {H2498}:

Complete Jewish Bible

They will vanish, but you will remain; like clothing, they will all grow old; yes, you will change them like clothing, and they will pass away.

Berean Standard Bible

They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing You will change them, and they will be passed on.

American Standard Version

They shall perish, but thou shalt endure; Yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; As a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 102:26 presents a profound theological contrast between the transient, perishable nature of all created things and the eternal, immutable character of God. Through vivid imagery, the psalmist declares that while the heavens and earth will decay and be changed like an old garment, the Lord remains steadfast and enduring, sovereignly orchestrating the destiny of His creation. This declaration serves as a powerful anchor of hope and stability amidst the psalmist's personal suffering and the perceived decay of the world, affirming God's unchanging faithfulness as the ultimate source of comfort.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 102 is a deeply personal lament, identified in its superscription as a "Prayer of an afflicted person who has grown weak and pours out a lament before the Lord." The preceding verses (1-23) vividly describe the psalmist's intense suffering, physical decay, and profound sense of abandonment by God. The psalmist feels like a withered plant, a solitary bird, whose days vanish like smoke. Amidst this backdrop of personal anguish and the perceived transience of human life, verses 24-27 mark a dramatic theological pivot. The psalmist shifts from a focus on his own fleeting existence and the temporary nature of creation to a majestic declaration of God's eternal, unchanging nature. This contrast is not merely an observation but a deliberate theological move to ground the psalmist's despair in the steadfast character of the Creator, thereby providing a foundation for hope and a plea for divine intervention. The declaration of God's eternality serves as the ultimate argument for why God *can* and *will* hear and answer the prayer of the afflicted.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of creation "waxing old like a garment" and being "changed" resonates with ancient Near Eastern understandings of the cosmos, where even the most seemingly permanent structures were understood to be subject to the will of the divine. While not explicitly tied to a specific historical event, the psalm reflects the common human experience of suffering, illness, and the awareness of mortality. The metaphor of a garment wearing out was a common and relatable image for decay and obsolescence in an agrarian society where clothing was a valuable, yet perishable, commodity. This cultural understanding underscores the profound contrast: just as a human might discard or replace a worn garment, so too does the eternal God hold ultimate power over the very fabric of the cosmos, which is seen as His "vesture" or creation. The psalm's setting within the broader Israelite worship tradition highlights the importance of God's covenant faithfulness, which is intrinsically linked to His unchanging nature.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Immutability**, asserting that God's nature, character, and promises are utterly unchanging, providing a stark contrast to the fleeting nature of all creation. This theme is foundational to biblical theology, as seen in passages like [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God Does Not Change") and [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - God, the Father of Lights, is Unchanging"). Secondly, it highlights the **Transience of Creation**, emphasizing that the physical universe, despite its vastness, is finite and subject to decay and transformation, a concept also explored in [Isaiah 51:6](/isaiah/51-6 "Isaiah 51:6 - The Heavens Will Vanish Like Smoke"). Thirdly, the verse proclaims **God's Sovereignty and Power** over creation, not only in its initial formation but also in its ongoing destiny and ultimate transformation. The idea that God will "change them" hints at a future renewal, foreshadowing the promise of a [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heavens and New Earth"). Finally, for the afflicted psalmist and for all believers, the knowledge of God's enduring nature provides **Comfort and Stability** in a world of constant flux, anchoring hope not in fleeting circumstances but in the eternal, steadfast God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Perish (Hebrew, _'avad'_):** This word carries the strong sense of being lost, destroyed, or ruined. It denotes a complete cessation of existence or functionality. In this context, it emphasizes the ultimate impermanence of creation, which, left to its own devices, would inevitably succumb to decay and dissolution. It stands in stark opposition to God's eternal nature.
* **Endure (Hebrew, _'amad'_):** Meaning to stand, remain, or continue, this term signifies steadfastness, permanence, and unwavering presence. It highlights God's eternal existence and His unwavering character, providing a stable point of reference in a world marked by change and decay. Unlike creation, God is not subject to the forces of time or entropy.
* **Change (Hebrew, _chalaf'_):** This verb can mean to pass on, to change, or to replace. In the context of Psalms 102:26, it implies God's sovereign act of transformation or renewal over creation. It suggests not mere destruction, but an active divine intervention that brings about a new state or form. This points to God's ultimate control over the destiny of the cosmos, hinting at a future transformation rather than just an end.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall perish, but thou shalt endure":** This opening clause establishes the fundamental theological contrast of the verse. "They" refers to the heavens and earth, mentioned in the preceding verse (Psalms 102:25), signifying all of creation. This creation is inherently temporal and subject to decay ("perish"). In stark opposition, the pronoun " thou" refers directly to God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature ("shalt endure"). This sets up the core dichotomy: finite creation versus infinite Creator.
* **"yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment;":** This expands on the perishable nature of creation, employing a vivid simile. The phrase "wax old" (Hebrew _balah_) means to wear out, decay, or become antiquated, just like an old piece of clothing becomes threadbare and useless. This imagery powerfully conveys the idea that even the seemingly permanent elements of the cosmos are not immune to the effects of time and entropy, destined to deteriorate.
* **"as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:":** This final clause reaffirms God's absolute sovereignty over creation's destiny. The "vesture" (Hebrew _levush_) reinforces the garment metaphor, portraying creation as something God can manipulate or alter at His will. The active verb "shalt thou change them" highlights God's direct agency and power. The subsequent passive "and they shall be changed" emphasizes the certainty of this divine act, indicating that creation's ultimate transformation is entirely dependent on God's sovereign will and power, not on its own inherent processes. This points towards a future, divinely orchestrated renewal or re-creation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 102:26 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which forms the very backbone of the verse. The psalmist sets the ephemeral nature of creation ("They shall perish," "wax old like a garment") in stark opposition to the eternal, immutable nature of God ("but thou shalt endure"). This sharp juxtaposition magnifies God's transcendence and provides a stable point of reference amidst cosmic transience. A powerful **Simile** is used in "all of them shall wax old like a garment," making the abstract concept of cosmic decay tangible and relatable to the everyday experience of worn-out clothing. This simile transitions into a **Metaphor** where creation itself is likened to a "vesture" or garment that God can sovereignly change. This **Metaphor** highlights God's ultimate control and authority over the cosmos, treating it as something He can discard, renew, or transform at will. The repetition of the word "change" in "shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed" further emphasizes God's decisive and effective power, utilizing a form of **Polyptoton** or **Repetition** to underscore the certainty of His sovereign action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 102:26 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the biblical doctrine of divine immutability and sovereignty. It asserts that God is fundamentally different from His creation; He is not subject to the limitations of time, decay, or change that characterize the physical universe. This unchanging nature of God provides the ultimate ground for His covenant faithfulness and the reliability of His promises. In a world where everything is in flux, God's steadfastness offers profound security and hope. The verse also subtly introduces the theme of cosmic transformation, implying that God's power extends not only to the creation of the world but also to its ultimate renewal or re-creation, a concept that finds its fullest expression in eschatological prophecies.

* [Hebrews 1:10-12](/hebrews/1-10 "Hebrews 1:10-12 - Application of Psalms 102:25-27 to Christ")
* [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - The Immutability of God")
* [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heavens and New Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by relentless change, uncertainty, and decay, Psalms 102:26 offers a profound anchor for the human soul. We live in bodies that age, in economies that fluctuate, in relationships that shift, and on a planet that experiences constant transformation. This verse calls us to lift our gaze beyond the transient to the truly permanent: the eternal, unchanging God. It encourages us to cultivate a heavenly perspective, recognizing that while earthly achievements, possessions, and even the physical universe itself are temporary, our ultimate hope and security reside in the One who "shall endure." This truth should inspire not fatalism, but a liberating detachment from the fleeting, enabling us to invest our lives in eternal values and to trust in God's unwavering character even when circumstances are chaotic. For the afflicted, this verse is a balm, reminding us that though our strength may fail and our days may seem to vanish, the God to whom we pray is steadfast, His promises are sure, and His love is an unfailing refuge.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the transience of creation, as described in this verse, impact your perspective on earthly pursuits and possessions?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most need to lean on God's unchanging nature for comfort and stability?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's sovereignty over creation's destiny (His ability to "change them") shape your hope for the future?**
* **What practical steps can you take to shift your focus from the temporary to the eternal in your daily life?**

### FAQ

**Does "change them" imply destruction or renewal of the heavens and earth?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "change" (_chalaf_) can mean to pass on, to change, or to replace. In the context of Psalms 102:26 and broader biblical theology, it strongly implies a sovereign act of transformation or renewal by God, rather than mere annihilation. While the old order "waxes old" and "perishes" in its current form, God's act of "changing" them points to a divine re-creation. This aligns with New Testament teachings about a "new heavens and a new earth" (e.g., [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Creation") and [2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")), where the old passes away not into nothingness, but into a renewed and perfected state under God's ultimate control. It signifies God's power to bring about a glorious future, not just an end.

**How does this verse relate to modern scientific understandings of the universe?**

Answer: Psalms 102:26, written from an ancient perspective, speaks metaphorically about the universe's impermanence. While it doesn't describe cosmic processes in scientific terms, its core theological assertion—that the physical cosmos is not eternal but subject to change and decay—is remarkably consistent with modern scientific theories. Concepts like the second law of thermodynamics (entropy, which states that systems tend towards disorder) and the eventual heat death or expansion of the universe align with the idea of creation "wax old." The verse's primary purpose is theological, affirming God's transcendence and eternality over His creation, rather than providing a scientific blueprint. It asserts that ultimately, the universe's destiny is in the hands of its unchanging Creator, who can "change" it according to His will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound truth of Psalms 102:26 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The author of [Hebrews 1:10-12](/hebrews/1-10 "Hebrews 1:10-12 - The Son as Creator and Sustainer") explicitly quotes Psalms 102:25-27 and applies it directly to the Son, Jesus Christ, declaring, "You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands; they will perish, but You remain; and they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not come to an end." This New Testament application is crucial, revealing that the "Thou" who endures and changes creation is none other than the eternal Son of God. Jesus is not merely a created being, but the very Creator through whom all things were made and by whom all things are sustained (cf. [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). His divine immutability ensures the steadfastness of His covenant, the reliability of His promises, and the eternal security of those who trust in Him. As the One who is "the same yesterday and today and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")), Christ is the unchanging foundation of our salvation, the one who will ultimately bring about the new heavens and new earth, transforming the perishable into the imperishable, and fulfilling the promise of a renewed creation.

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

Isaiah 51:6

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.

Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Isaiah 34:4

And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling [fig] from the fig tree.

Revelation 20:11

¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

Luke 21:33

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Romans 8:20

For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected [the same] in hope,

Revelation 21:1

¶ And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.