Psalms — Chapter 102

A prayer of one who is lowly and faint, pouring forth a plea before GOD.

O ETERNAL One, hear my prayer;let my cry come before You.

Do not hide Your face from mein my time of trouble;turn Your ear to me;when I cry, answer me speedily.

For my days have vanished like smokeand my bones are charred like a hearth.

My body is stricken and withered like grass;too wastedatoo wasted In contrast to others “I forget.” to eat my food;

on account of my vehement groaningmy bones show through my skin.bshow through my skin Lit. “cling to my flesh.”

I am like a great owl in the wilderness,an owl among the ruins.

I lie awake; I am likea lone bird upon a roof.

All day long my enemies revile me;my deriders use my name to curse.

For I have eaten ashes like breadand mixed my drink with tears,

because of Your wrath and Your fury;for You have cast me far away.

My days are like a lengthening shadow;I wither like grass.

But You, O ETERNAL One, are enthroned forever;Your fame endures throughout the ages.

You will surely arise and take pity on Zion,for it is time to be gracious to her;the appointed time has come.

Your servants take delight in its stones,and cherish its dust.

The nations will fear the name of GOD,all the kings of the earth, Your glory.

For GOD has built Zion,appearing in divine glory—

turning to the prayer of the destitutecof the destitute Meaning of Heb. uncertain. and not spurning their prayer.

May this be written down for a coming generation,that people yet to be created may praise Yah.dYah See note at 68.5.

Looking down from the holy heights, GOD beholds the earth from heaven

to hear the groans of the prisoner,to release those condemned to death;

that GOD’s fame may be recounted in Zion,with praises offered in Jerusalem,

when the nations gather together,the kingdoms, to serve GOD.

My strength was drained in mid-course,my days shortened.

I say, “O my God, do not take me awayin the midst of my days,You whose years go on for generations on end.

Of old You established the earth;the heavens are the work of Your hands.

They shall perish, but You shall endure;they shall all wear out like a garment;You change them like clothing and they pass away.

But You are the same, and Your years never end.

May the children of Your servants dwell securelyand their offspring endure in Your presence.”