Psalms 102:21
To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem;
Original Language Analysis
לְסַפֵּ֣ר
To declare
H5608
לְסַפֵּ֣ר
To declare
Strong's:
H5608
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
בְּ֭צִיּוֹן
in Zion
H6726
בְּ֭צִיּוֹן
in Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
2 of 6
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
שֵׁ֣ם
the name
H8034
שֵׁ֣ם
the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
3 of 6
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 #:
4 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
Jerusalem was the center of Israelite worship where God's name dwelt (Deut 12:11). The temple service included public proclamation of God's character and deeds, particularly through the Psalms sung by Levitical choirs.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your participation in corporate worship declare God's name to the watching world?
- What specific attributes of God do you need to praise publicly in your community?
Analysis & Commentary
Declaring God's name in Zion and His praise in Jerusalem centers on the covenant location where God chose to dwell. 'Name' (shem) represents God's character and reputation. Public praise in the covenant community is essential worship. This anticipates the church's gathering to proclaim God's glory. The Reformed emphasis on corporate worship recognizes that declaring God's name isn't merely private devotion but communal testimony. Christ promised that where two or three gather in His name, He is present (Matt 18:20).