The Daily Office for October 5, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
The title of Psalm 102 - A Prayer of one afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the Lord - is unique and stands quite 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. Others view the psalm as entirely prophetic, relating to no historical situation and therefore probably written by David.
Whoever wrote it, clearly the content refers to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. That this ode is messianic is determined by the inscription itself. In Hebrews 1:10–12 the author directly applies to Jesus Christ verses 25–27 of this psalm. The author’s intent is clearly to show that the Son of God is above the angels.
Collect for the Day
Almighty God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you: pour your love into our hearts and draw us to yourself, and so bring us at last to your heavenly city where we shall see you face to face; 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.