Psalms 102:13

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַתָּ֣ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תָ֭קוּם

H6965

Thou shalt arise

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

תְּרַחֵ֣ם

H7355

and have mercy

to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate

צִיּ֑וֹן

H6726

upon Zion

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עֵ֥ת

H6256

for the time

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

לְ֝חֶֽנְנָ֗הּ

H2603

to favour

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

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בָ֥א

H935

is come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#10

מוֹעֵֽד׃

H4150

her yea the set time

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing mercy contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of Psalms Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes mercy in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding divine love as presented in this verse, particularly in light of responding to cultural confusion about the nature of love and relationships?
In what ways does understanding mercy in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about divine love?
How might the original audience's understanding of mercy differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?