Psalms 102:23
He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days.
Original Language Analysis
עִנָּ֖ה
He weakened
H6031
עִנָּ֖ה
He weakened
Strong's:
H6031
Word #:
1 of 5
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
בַדֶּ֥רֶךְ
in the way
H1870
בַדֶּ֥רֶךְ
in the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
2 of 5
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
כֹּחִ֗ו
my strength
H3581
כֹּחִ֗ו
my strength
Strong's:
H3581
Word #:
3 of 5
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
Historical Context
Life expectancy in the ancient world was shorter than today, making death 'in the midst of days' especially tragic. The psalmist may fear dying before seeing God's promises fulfilled or completing his divinely appointed work.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain faithful service when suffering threatens to cut short your ministry?
- What does Christ's seemingly premature death teach about trusting God's timing?
Analysis & Commentary
God's afflicting of the psalmist 'in the way' suggests suffering during active service, not passive waiting. Weakening strength 'in the midst of my days' means premature aging or death threatens. This honest lament acknowledges that God's servants aren't immune from suffering; indeed, their service may increase it. Christ's earthly ministry was similarly cut short by violent death 'in the midst of his days,' yet this abbreviated ministry accomplished eternal redemption. The Reformed understanding of suffering as God's sanctifying tool helps believers persevere through affliction.