Psalms 102:13
Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.
Original Language Analysis
תָ֭קוּם
Thou shalt arise
H6965
תָ֭קוּם
Thou shalt arise
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
2 of 10
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
תְּרַחֵ֣ם
and have mercy
H7355
תְּרַחֵ֣ם
and have mercy
Strong's:
H7355
Word #:
3 of 10
to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate
צִיּ֑וֹן
upon Zion
H6726
צִיּ֑וֹן
upon Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
4 of 10
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עֵ֥ת
for the time
H6256
עֵ֥ת
for the time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
6 of 10
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
לְ֝חֶֽנְנָ֗הּ
to favour
H2603
לְ֝חֶֽנְנָ֗הּ
to favour
Strong's:
H2603
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Isaiah 60:1Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.Galatians 4:4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,Isaiah 40:2Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.Psalms 44:26Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake.2 Peter 3:8But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.Psalms 7:6Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded.2 Peter 3:12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?Acts 1:7And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.Jeremiah 31:23Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity; The LORD bless thee, O habitation of justice, and mountain of holiness.Daniel 12:9And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
Historical Context
This verse likely refers to the prophesied 70-year Babylonian exile (Jer 25:11-12, 29:10). God's 'set time' for Zion's restoration would have given hope to exiled Israelites that their suffering had a divinely appointed end.
Questions for Reflection
- How does trusting God's perfect timing help you endure when deliverance seems delayed?
- What biblical examples of God's 'set times' strengthen your faith in His promises?
Analysis & Commentary
The dramatic shift from lament to confidence begins here with 'But thou, O LORD.' God's eternal throne contrasts with human transience. 'The set time' (moed) indicates God's appointed moment for deliverance, affirming His sovereignty over history. This confident assertion anticipates the prophetic restoration of Zion. The Reformed doctrine of God's eternal decrees assures believers that all history unfolds according to His perfect timing. Christ's first and second advents demonstrate God's precision in fulfilling His purposes at the appointed times (Gal 4:4).