The Daily Office for August 17, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 102
Judges 14:20-15:20
Acts 7:17-29
John 4:43-54
Reading (Psalm 102)
Reflection
The inscription of this psalm is entirely unique. It reads "A prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD." This title stands alone among the titles prefixed to the Psalms. It describes the character of the psalm and marks the circumstances under which it was given. In all other inscriptions there is either a musical or an historical notation.
Three major opinions prevail respecting the time of composition for this psalm. Some hold that it was written after return of Ezra with the command to rebuild the Temple and thus relates to the state of affairs mentioned in Nehemiah 1:3–11. In this case the author is probably Nehemiah, Ezra, or some contemporary. Others view the psalm as having been written during the later time of the captivity. Accordingly, both Jeremiah and Daniel have been suggested as the author of the psalm. Others view the psalm as entirely prophetic, relating to no historical situation and therefore probably written by David. Hengstenberg and Alexander hold to this view.
Although it is curious that scholars do not address this as a messianic psalm it is nonetheless Clearly to be included among those psalms that refer to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. That this ode is messianic is determined by inscription itself. In Hebrews 1:10–12 the author directly applies to Jesus Christ verses 25–27 of this psalm, substantially as they are found in the LXX. The author’s intent is clearly to show that the Son of God is above the angels. A long line of expositors from the time of St. Augustine down to this day may be cited as holding a messianic view of Psalm 102.
Collect for the Day
Let your merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of your humble servants; and that they may obtain their petitions make them to ask such things as shall please you; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.