Psalm 102:16
ESV
For the Lord builds up Zion; he appears in his glory;
NIV
For the Lord will rebuild Zion and appear in his glory.
NASB
For the Lord has built up Zion; He has appeared in His glory.
CSB
for the Lord will rebuild Zion; he will appear in his glory.
NLT
For the Lord will rebuild Jerusalem. He will appear in his glory.
KJV
When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.
NKJV
For the Lord shall build up Zion; He shall appear in His glory.
What does Psalm 102:16 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 102, verse-level content coming soon!Psalm 102:12–22 puts the psalmist's suffering into perspective. He realizes that God is still sovereign. Even better is to remember that the Lord's time of judgment is coming. One day, He will restore His people, Israel, and the entire world will learn to honor Him. The generations living after the psalmist should know that the Lord promised the victory they will live to see.
The psalmist uses dramatic images to depict his deep suffering. These emphasize ideas like loneliness, hopelessness, and despair. Even so, the psalmist knows that God is in control. He writes a message for future generations, telling them to see his own suffering as evidence that the Lord sees His people in their pain. The psalmist is sure that God will come to rescue His people, one day, and they will be safe forever.
