Psalms 102:15
So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.
Original Language Analysis
וְיִֽירְא֣וּ
shall fear
H3372
וְיִֽירְא֣וּ
shall fear
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
1 of 10
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
ג֭וֹיִם
So the heathen
H1471
ג֭וֹיִם
So the heathen
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
2 of 10
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שֵׁ֣ם
the name
H8034
שֵׁ֣ם
the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
4 of 10
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְֽכָל
H3605
וְֽכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
1 Kings 8:43Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name.Psalms 138:4All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.
Historical Context
Isaiah and other prophets repeatedly connected Israel's restoration with the nations coming to worship Yahweh (Isa 60:1-3). The return from exile did bring some Gentile converts, but the ultimate fulfillment comes through Christ and the church.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's faithfulness in your life serve as a witness to unbelievers?
- What role does the church play in displaying God's glory to the nations today?
Analysis & Commentary
The restoration of Zion will cause the nations (goyim) to fear God's name and kings to honor His glory. This missionary vision sees Israel's restoration as a witness to the world, demonstrating God's faithfulness and power. The Reformed understanding of God's glory as the chief end of all things recognizes that even suffering and restoration serve to magnify God among the nations. Christ's resurrection and the church's growth fulfill this prophecy as people from every nation worship the God of Israel.