For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.
This prayer belongs to the faithful in Babylon's captivity, when deliverance drew near. They lament their afflictions, plead for the temple's restoration, and recall God's promises to steady their hope. The prophet shaped it as a form of prayer when the seventy years were nearly finished and comfort was about to break forth.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 102:1-28
For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof. They delight in her so greatly that even her rubbish is dear to them. It was a good omen for Jerusalem when the captives began to feel a home-sickness, and began to sigh after her.
My days vanish like a shadow, but You sit enthroned forever, Your remembrance burning through all generations. A man who loves God better than himself takes comfort here: though I die and my name sink into dust, Your church's interests are safe in hands that never fail, and deliverance for Zion must come.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 102:12-22