Psalm 102:13
You will rise up and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show her favor--the appointed time has come.
You will arise
The phrase "You will arise" is a declaration of God's active intervention. The Hebrew root for "arise" is "קוּם" (qum), which conveys the idea of standing up or taking action. This suggests a shift from a period of waiting or inactivity to one of divine movement. In the context of the psalm, it reflects a hopeful anticipation that God will not remain passive but will decisively act on behalf of His people. Historically, this can be seen as a reassurance to the Israelites during times of distress, affirming that God is not distant but ready to engage in their deliverance.

and have compassion
The word "compassion" comes from the Hebrew "רָחַם" (racham), which is deeply rooted in the concept of mercy and tender love. It implies a heartfelt response to the suffering of others. In the biblical narrative, God's compassion is a recurring theme, demonstrating His willingness to forgive and restore. This compassion is not just an emotional response but is often accompanied by action, as seen in the deliverance of Israel from Egypt and the return from exile. It reassures believers of God's enduring love and mercy, even when they feel abandoned or judged.

on Zion
"Zion" is a term that holds both geographical and spiritual significance. Geographically, it refers to the hill in Jerusalem where the city of David was built, and by extension, it represents the entire city of Jerusalem. Spiritually, Zion symbolizes the dwelling place of God among His people, a place of divine presence and worship. Throughout the Bible, Zion is depicted as the focal point of God's redemptive plan, a place where His glory is revealed. This phrase emphasizes God's special relationship with His chosen people and His commitment to their restoration and blessing.

for it is time
The phrase "for it is time" indicates a divinely appointed moment. The Hebrew word "עֵת" (et) signifies a specific, opportune time that God has determined. This reflects the biblical understanding that God operates within His own perfect timing, orchestrating events according to His sovereign will. It encourages believers to trust in God's timing, even when it seems delayed from a human perspective. The assurance that "it is time" serves as a reminder that God is always in control and His plans will come to fruition at the right moment.

to show her favor
"Favor" in this context is derived from the Hebrew "חָנַן" (chanan), which means to be gracious or to show kindness. God's favor is an expression of His grace, unmerited and freely given. In the Old Testament, God's favor often results in tangible blessings, protection, and prosperity for His people. This phrase underscores the idea that God's favor is not earned but is a gift of His sovereign grace. It inspires believers to seek God's favor through prayer and obedience, trusting in His goodness and generosity.

the appointed time has come
The "appointed time" is a concept that reflects God's predetermined plan and purpose. The Hebrew word "מוֹעֵד" (moed) refers to a fixed time or season, often used in the context of religious festivals and sacred assemblies. This suggests that God's actions are not random but are part of a divine schedule. The phrase "has come" indicates the fulfillment of God's promise, a moment when His plans are realized. For believers, this serves as a powerful reminder that God's promises are sure and will be accomplished in His perfect timing, offering hope and assurance in the midst of waiting.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zion
Often used to refer to Jerusalem, Zion is a symbol of God's chosen people and His dwelling place. It represents the spiritual center of God's kingdom and His covenant relationship with Israel.

2. The Psalmist
The author of Psalm 102, who is traditionally believed to be a suffering individual crying out to God for help and restoration. The psalm is a prayer of affliction and hope.

3. God
The central figure in this verse, who is depicted as compassionate and sovereign, with the power to determine the appointed times for His actions.

4. The Appointed Time
This refers to God's divine timing, a moment predetermined by God to act in favor of His people. It emphasizes God's control over history and His plans for redemption.

5. Compassion
A key attribute of God highlighted in this verse, showing His mercy and love towards His people, especially in times of distress.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty and Timing
Trust in God's perfect timing. He knows the best moment to act in our lives and in the world.

God's Compassion
Remember that God is compassionate and merciful. He sees our struggles and is moved to act on our behalf.

Hope in Restoration
Even in times of distress, hold onto hope. God has appointed times for restoration and favor.

Prayer and Patience
Like the psalmist, bring your afflictions to God in prayer, and wait patiently for His response.

Zion as a Symbol of God's People
Reflect on how Zion represents the church today, and how God continues to show favor to His people.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's appointed time help us in dealing with personal struggles and waiting for His intervention?

2. In what ways can we see God's compassion in our lives today, and how can we reflect that compassion to others?

3. How does the concept of Zion in the Old Testament relate to the church in the New Testament?

4. What are some examples from the Bible where God's timing was crucial in the unfolding of His plans?

5. How can we cultivate patience and trust in God's timing, especially when we are in a season of waiting?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 49:8
This verse speaks of God's favor and the appointed time for salvation, echoing the themes of divine timing and compassion found in Psalm 102:13.

Daniel 9:24-27
Daniel's prophecy about the seventy weeks also deals with God's appointed times and His plans for Zion, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promises.

Galatians 4:4-5
Paul speaks of the fullness of time when God sent His Son, connecting to the idea of God's perfect timing in showing favor and bringing salvation.
Earnest Prayer Alone SucceedsR. J. Campbell, M. A.Psalm 102:1-28
God Will Hear My PrayerA. Maclaren, D.D.Psalm 102:1-28
Light Arising in DarknessS. Conway Psalm 102:1-28
The Conditions of Acceptable PrayerD. A. Clark.Psalm 102:1-28
Thoughts of Comfort and ComplaintHomilistPsalm 102:1-28
Changing Self; Changing World; Unchanging GodR. Tuck Psalm 102:12, 25-27
A Revival of the Church, and Symptoms Which Precede ItJ. Wileman.Psalm 102:13-14
Religious RevivalAnon.Psalm 102:13-14
The Set Time to Favour ZionJohn Stock.Psalm 102:13-14
Zion's ProsperityPsalm 102:13-14
Zion's Ruin and Zion's HopeE. Compton.Psalm 102:13-14
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Appointed, Arise, Comforted, Compassion, Favor, Favour, Gracious, Mercy, Pitiest, Pity, Rise, Risest, Wilt, Yea, Yes, Zion
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 102:13

     1055   God, grace and mercy
     4903   time
     4971   seasons, of life

Psalm 102:13-14

     5339   home

Psalm 102:13-16

     7271   Zion, as symbol

Library
Out of the Deep of Loneliness, Failure, and Disappointment.
My heart is smitten down, and withered like grass. I am even as a sparrow that sitteth alone on the housetop--Ps. cii. 4, 6. My lovers and friends hast Thou put away from me, and hid mine acquaintance out of my sight--Ps. lxxviii. 18. I looked on my right hand, and saw there was no man that would know me. I had no place to flee unto, and no man cared for my soul. I cried unto Thee, O Lord, and said, Thou art my Hope. When my spirit was in heaviness, then Thou knewest my path.--Ps. cxlii. 4, 5.
Charles Kingsley—Out of the Deep

That True Solace is to be Sought in God Alone
Whatsoever I am able to desire or to think of for my solace, I look for it not here, but hereafter. For if I alone had all the solaces of this world, and were able to enjoy all its delights, it is certain that they could not endure long. Wherefore, O my soul, thou canst be fully comforted and perfectly refreshed, only in God, the Comforter of the poor, and the lifter up of the humble. Wait but a little while, my soul, wait for the Divine promise, and thou shalt have abundance of all good things
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

That He who is About to Communicate with Christ Ought to Prepare Himself with Great Diligence
The Voice of the Beloved I am the Lover of purity, and Giver of sanctity. I seek a pure heart, and there is the place of My rest. Prepare for Me the larger upper room furnished, and I will keep the Passover at thy house with my disciples.(1) If thou wilt that I come unto thee and abide with thee, purge out the old leaven,(2) and cleanse the habitation of thy heart. Shut out the whole world, and all the throng of sins; sit as a sparrow alone upon the house-top,(3) and think upon thy transgressions
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Never Changing One.
"JESUS Christ the same yesterday, and to-day and forever" (Heb. xiii:8). Blessed truth and precious assurance for us poor, weak creatures, yea, among all His creatures the most changing; He changeth not. "For I am the Lord, I change not" (Mal. iii:6). "Of old hast Thou laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Thy hands. They shall all perish, but Thou shalt endure: yea all of them shall wax old like a garment, as a vesture shalt Thou change them, and they shall be changed;
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Unchangeableness of God
The next attribute is God's unchangeableness. I am Jehovah, I change not.' Mal 3:3. I. God is unchangeable in his nature. II. In his decree. I. Unchangeable in his nature. 1. There is no eclipse of his brightness. 2. No period put to his being. [1] No eclipse of his brightness. His essence shines with a fixed lustre. With whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.' James 1:17. Thou art the same.' Psa 102:27. All created things are full of vicissitudes. Princes and emperors are subject to
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Our Last ChapterConcluded with the Words, "For Childhood and Youth are Vanity"...
Our last chapter concluded with the words, "For childhood and youth are vanity": that is, childhood proves the emptiness of all "beneath the sun," as well as old age. The heart of the child has the same needs--the same capacity in kind--as that of the aged. It needs God. Unless it knows Him, and His love is there, it is empty; and, in its fleeting character, childhood proves its vanity. But this makes us quite sure that if childhood can feel the need, then God has, in His wide grace, met the
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs

Notes on the Fourth Century
Page 238. Med. 1. In the wording of this meditation, and of several other passages in the Fourth Century, it seems as though Traherne is speaking not of himself, but of, a friend and teacher of his. He did this, no doubt, in order that he might not lay himself open to the charge of over-egotism. Yet that he is throughout relating his own experiences is proved by the fact that this Meditation, as first written, contains passages which the author afterwards marked for omission. In its original form
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations

The Nature of Justification
Justification in the active sense (iustificatio, {GREEK SMALL LETTER DELTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER KAPPA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA WITH OXIA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER OMEGA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER SIGMA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER FINAL SIGMA}) is defined by the Tridentine Council as "a translation from that state wherein man is born a child of the first Adam, to the state of grace and of the adoption of the sons of God through the second Adam,
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

Notes on the Third Century
Page 161. Line 1. He must be born again, &c. This is a compound citation from John iii. 3, and Mark x. 15, in the order named. Page 182. Line 17. For all things should work together, &c. See Romans viii. 28. Page 184. Lines 10-11. Being Satan is able, &c. 2 Corinthians xi. 14. Page 184. Last line. Like a sparrow, &c. Psalm cii. Page 187. Line 1. Mechanisms. This word is, in the original MS., mechanicismes.' Page 187. Line 7. Like the King's daughter, &c. Psalm xlv. 14. Page 188. Med. 39. The best
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations

After the Scripture.
"In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God created He him."--Gen. v. 1. In the preceding pages we have shown that the translation, "in Our image," actually means, "after Our image." To make anything in an image is no language; it is unthinkable, logically untrue. We now proceed to show how it should be translated, and give our reason for it. We begin with citing some passages from the Old Testament in which occurs the preposition "B" which, in Gen. i. 27, stands before image, where
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness, Suffering
Text: 1 Peter 5, 5-11. 5 Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 whom withstand stedfast
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Characters and Names of Messiah
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. S uch was the triumphant exultation of the Old Testament Church! Their noblest hopes were founded upon the promise of MESSIAH; their most sublime songs were derived from the prospect of His Advent. By faith, which is the substance of things hoped for, they considered the gracious declarations
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Letter xvi to Rainald, Abbot of Foigny
To Rainald, Abbot of Foigny Bernard declares to him how little he loves praise; that the yoke of Christ is light; that he declines the name of father, and is content with that of brother. 1. In the first place, do not wonder if titles of honour affright me, when I feel myself so unworthy of the honours themselves; and if it is fitting that you should give them to me, it is not expedient for me to accept them. For if you think that you ought to observe that saying, In honour preferring one another
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

History of the Interpretation.
1. AMONG THE JEWS. This History, as to its essential features, might, a priori, be sketched with tolerable certainty. From the nature of the case, we could scarcely expect that the Jews should have adopted views altogether erroneous as to the subject of the prophecy in question; for the Messiah appears in it, not in His humiliation, but in His glory--rich in gifts and blessings, and Pelagian self-delusion will, a priori, return an affirmative answer to the question as to whether one is
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Testimonies.
"Without faith it is impossible to please God."--Heb. xi. 6. In order to prevent the possibility of being led into paths of error, faith is directed, not to a Christ of the imagination, but to "the Christ in the garments of the Sacred Scripture," as Calvin expresses it. And therefore we must discriminate between (1) faith as a faculty implanted in the soul without our knowledge; (2) faith as a power whereby this implanted faculty begins to act; and (3) faith as a result,--since with this faith (1)
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Spiritual Hunger Shall be Satisfied
They shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 I proceed now to the second part of the text. A promise annexed. They shall be filled'. A Christian fighting with sin is not like one that beats the air' (1 Corinthians 9:26), and his hungering after righteousness is not like one that sucks in only air, Blessed are they that hunger, for they shall be filled.' Those that hunger after righteousness shall be filled. God never bids us seek him in vain' (Isaiah 45:19). Here is an honeycomb dropping into the mouths of
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy.

The Being of God
Q-III: WHAT DO THE SCRIPTURES PRINCIPALLY TEACH? A: The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man. Q-IV: WHAT IS GOD? A: God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth. Here is, 1: Something implied. That there is a God. 2: Expressed. That he is a Spirit. 3: What kind of Spirit? I. Implied. That there is a God. The question, What is God? takes for granted that there
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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