What does Psalms 102:26 mean?

They shall 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: Psalms 102:26

Explanation

Psalms 102:26 refers to the unchanging and eternal nature of God in contrast to the transient, temporal state of creation. The verse employs the metaphor of worn-out clothing to describe how the heavens and the earth will age and change. Clothes become old, lose their form, and eventually need replacement, conveying the notion that the material universe has a finite lifespan. However, in contrast to this, God endures without alteration. The use of clothing as a metaphor serves to accentuate the radical difference between the Creator and the creation. The verse points out the impermanence of the material world and the permanence of the divine.

Historical Context

Psalms 102 is categorized as one of the Psalms of Lament, where the psalmist is in a state of distress and seeks God’s intervention. It is believed to have been written during a period of great suffering and turmoil, which could potentially be linked to the Babylonian captivity or another time of national calamity for the people of Israel. At times, the Psalms are attributed to David, but this particular Psalm doesn’t specify its authorship. The historical setting would have been one where an awareness of the might and majesty of God provided comfort and hope to a people facing impermanence and instability in their lives and national identity.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Psalms 102:26 highlights divine immutability, which means God’s nature, character, and purpose do not change over time. In Christian theology, it reassures believers that God’s promises and character are dependable. Jewish thought also sees this as a reassurance of the unchanging nature of God amidst the changes and challenges of life. The verse echoes the concept found in many theological traditions that while the physical universe may change and decay, the Divine exists beyond these constraints.

Practical Applications

Understanding that all created things, including our own lives, are transitory can inspire a sense of humility and a focus on spiritual rather than material pursuits. This perspective shifts priorities from temporary concerns to eternal matters. It can also provide comfort during times of change or loss, as it points to a stable and permanent reality in God. People can find solace in the truth that while our surroundings and even we ourselves might change, God remains a constant source of support and love.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 1:10-12: “And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.”
• Isaiah 51:6: “Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.”
• 2 Peter 3:10-12: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”

Language Study

The key word in Hebrew of Psalm 102:26 that warrants a detailed study is “בָּלָה” (balah), translated to “shall wax old” or “perish”. This verb implies wearing out, decaying, and perishing. The metaphorical language here, reflected in words like “garment” (בֶּגֶד beged) and “vesture” (לְבוּשׁ lebush), suggests a clothing analogy to illustrate aging and change. This vivid language underscores the contrast between the unchangeable nature of God and the mutable creation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, the idea of the gods existing beyond the confines of the mortal world is a common theme. For example, in ancient Greek mythology, the gods of Olympus were deemed immortal and unchanging compared to the fleeting lives of human beings. In Hinduism, the concept of the eternal Brahman is similar, where the ultimate reality is beyond the physical universe that is subject to cycles of creation and destruction.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science supports the idea that the universe is subject to entropy and change, with theories such as the heat death of the universe suggesting an eventual state where all matter and energy are uniformly distributed, and there is no room for further change in the form of work or life. This scientific understanding aligns with the biblical concept of the created order being finite and changing, while it does not comment on the divine nature, which is beyond its scope.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have pondered over this verse, giving rise to various interpretations. Matthew Henry’s Commentary, for example, emphasizes the eternality of God’s Word and the brevity of our own lives in light of God’s unchanging nature. The Calvinist theologian John Gill sees it as a prophecy of the heavens and earth that will perish but notes the everlasting dominion of the Messiah, who will outlast them. Such commentaries generally reflect the recognition across traditions of the finite nature of the material universe and the enduring nature of the divine.