1021 A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before Jehovah. Jehovah, hear my prayer, and let my cry come unto thee. 2 Hide not thy face from me: in the day of my trouble, incline thine ear unto me; in the day I call, answer me speedily. 3 For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as a firebrand. 4 My heart is smitten and withered like grass; yea, I have forgotten to eat my bread. 5 By reason of the voice of my groaning, my bones cleave to my flesh. 6 I am become like the pelican of the wilderness, I am as an owl in desolate places; 7 I watch, and am like a sparrow alone upon the housetop. 8 Mine enemies reproach me all the day; they that are mad against me swear by me. 9 For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping, 10 Because of thine indignation and thy wrath; for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down. 11 My days are like a lengthened-out shadow, and I, I am withered like grass.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 102:1-11
Commentary on Psalm 102:1-11
(Read Psalm 102:1-11)
The whole word of God is of use to direct us in prayer; but here, is often elsewhere, the Holy Ghost has put words into our mouths. Here is a prayer put into the hands of the afflicted; let them present it to God. Even good men may be almost overwhelmed with afflictions. It is our duty and interest to pray; and it is comfort to an afflicted spirit to unburden itself, by a humble representation of its griefs. We must say, Blessed be the name of the Lord, who both gives and takes away. The psalmist looked upon himself as a dying man; My days are like a shadow.