What does Psalms 102:16 mean?

When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. Psalms 102:16

Explanation

The verse Psalms 102:16, “When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory,” speaks to a future event where God acts to restore or establish the city of Zion, which is often used in the Bible as a symbol for Jerusalem or the dwelling place of God amongst His people. The phrase “he shall appear in his glory” conveys the idea of a theophany—a visible manifestation of God to humans—where God’s presence is known in a powerful and significant way. This appearance in glory suggests a time of divine intervention and the restoration of God’s kingdom or the coming of a messianic age.

Historical Context

Psalms 102 is categorized as an individual lament psalm, where the psalmist cries out to God in times of distress. It is also sometimes referred to as one of the penitential or affliction psalms. Zion, mentioned in this verse, has deep historical roots and is often considered synonymous with the city of Jerusalem, which holds religious significance for Jews as the location of the Temple and the seat of God’s presence on earth. The psalm was likely composed during or after the Babylonian exile, a period of great national turmoil and sadness for the Israelites, when Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed. This context suggests a yearning for restoration and return to former glory.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is rich in eschatological promise, as it may refer to the final restoration when God will fully redeem and glorify His chosen people. From a Christian perspective, it is often interpreted as pointing to the second coming of Christ, who will establish His glory and reign on earth. A Jewish interpretation might understand the verse as alluding to a future Messianic age, when God will physically dwell again in Zion and the city will be a place of pilgrimage and worship. Both viewpoints emphasize God’s active role in history and his intention to dwell with His people.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be practically applied by emphasizing hope and faith in God’s faithfulness and His promises. Individuals may find comfort in trusting that God will bring restoration and peace in their lives, just as He intends to do with Zion. It is also a call for patience and perseverance through suffering, understanding that current afflictions are temporary and that God’s glory will ultimately be revealed.

Cross-References

• Isaiah 60:1 – “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.”
• Zechariah 1:16 – “Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.”
• Revelation 21:2 – “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”

Language Study

The Hebrew word for “build up” is “בנה” (banah), which can mean to build or construct, typically with a long-term permanence in mind. “Zion” in Hebrew is “ציון” (Tsiyon) and commonly refers to Jerusalem or the land of Israel itself. The term for “glory” employed here is “כבוד” (kavod), which often relates to the weightiness, honor, and majesty of God’s presence.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a city or place where the presence of a god is particularly manifest is common in many ancient mythologies. For instance, Mount Olympus in Greek mythology was seen as the abode of the gods. Likewise, many ancient cultures had sacred cities or temples where they believed their gods dwelt amongst them. In this sense, Zion represents the Jewish belief in a God who not only interacts with the world but also desires to dwell among His people.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, God’s glory appearing does not refer to a natural phenomenon but to a divine and supernatural event. There is no scientific framework for analyzing a theophany as it falls out of the scope of empirical evidence and investigation. However, the emotional and sociological impact of such beliefs can be observed and studied in terms of their effects on human behavior and society.

commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have provided commentaries on Psalms 102:16. Matthew Henry, an evangelical commentator, views this verse as a prophecy concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ, which brings glory to God and establishes the church as spiritual Zion. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges takes it as a confident expectation that God will not only alleviate the psalmist’s distress but will physically restore Zion and reveal His majesty. Other contemporary scholars may see it as an expression of hope and confidence in God’s ultimate plan for His people amidst historical and personal turmoil.