13 You will arise and have mercy on Zion;
for it is time to have pity on her.
Yes, the set time has come. 14 For your servants take pleasure in her stones,
and have pity on her dust. 15 So the nations will fear the name of Yahweh;
all the kings of the earth your glory. 16 For Yahweh has built up Zion.
He has appeared in his glory. 17 He has responded to the prayer of the destitute,
and has not despised their prayer. 18 This will be written for the generation to come.
A people which will be created will praise Yah. 19 For he has looked down from the height of his sanctuary.
From heaven, Yahweh saw the earth; 20 to hear the groans of the prisoner;
to free those who are condemned to death;
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 102:13-20
Commentary on Psalm 102:12-22
(Read Psalm 102:12-22)
We are dying creatures, but God is an everlasting God, the protector of his church; we may be confident that it will not be neglected. When we consider our own vileness, our darkness and deadness, and the manifold defects in our prayers, we have cause to fear that they will not be received in heaven; but we are here assured of the contrary, for we have an Advocate with the Father, and are under grace, not under the law. Redemption is the subject of praise in the Christian church; and that great work is described by the temporal deliverance and restoration of Israel. Look down upon us, Lord Jesus; and bring us into the glorious liberty of thy children, that we may bless and praise thy name.