1021 A Prayer of the afflicted when he is feeble, and before Jehovah poureth out his plaint. O Jehovah, hear my prayer, yea, my cry to Thee cometh. 2 Hide not Thou Thy face from me, In a day of mine adversity, Incline unto me Thine ear, In the day I call, haste, answer me. 3 For consumed in smoke have been my days, And my bones as a fire-brand have burned. 4 Smitten as the herb, and withered, is my heart, For I have forgotten to eat my bread. 5 From the voice of my sighing Hath my bone cleaved to my flesh. 6 I have been like to a pelican of the wilderness, I have been as an owl of the dry places. 7 I have watched, and I am As a bird alone on the roof. 8 All the day mine enemies reproached me, Those mad at me have sworn against me. 9 Because ashes as bread I have eaten, And my drink with weeping have mingled, 10 From Thine indignation and Thy wrath, For Thou hast lifted me up, And dost cast me down. 11 My days as a shadow 'are' stretched out, And I—as the herb I am withered.
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.