These verses 13 to 15 are a turning point in the Book of Psalm, where the Psalmist shifts his focus from his own troubles to God’s promises for Zion. He declares that God will arise and have compassion on Zion, for the time to favor her has come. He says that God’s servants love Zion and care for her, even for her stones and dust. He also prophesies that God’s name and glory will be feared and revered by all the nations and kings of the earth.
They teach us several important truths about God and his people:
First, they remind us that God has a special love and concern for Zion, which is not only a physical place, but also a spiritual reality. Zion represents the people of God, the church of Christ, the heavenly Jerusalem. God has chosen Zion as his dwelling place, his holy habitation, his resting place. He has made a covenant with Zion, to bless her and protect her, to be her God and she his people. He has given Zion a glorious destiny, to be a light to the nations, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.
Second, they assure us that God has a set time to favor Zion, to fulfill his promises and purposes for her. He knows the times and seasons, he has appointed the end from the beginning. He is not slack concerning his promise, but is longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. He will not forget or forsake Zion, but will arise and have mercy on her in due time. He will restore her fortunes, rebuild her walls, beautify her gates, enlarge her borders. He will make her a praise in the earth, a joy of many generations.
Third, they encourage us to have a heart for Zion, to love her and pray for her. As God’s servants, we should take pleasure in Zion’s stones and favor her dust. We should value every part of Zion, every member of the body of Christ, every stone in the temple of God. We should have compassion on Zion’s afflictions, share in her joys and sorrows, bear one another’s burdens. We should seek Zion’s welfare, work for her peace and prosperity, support her ministry and mission.
Fourth, they inspire us to proclaim God’s name and glory to the world. As God’s witnesses, we should testify of his mighty deeds and marvelous grace in our lives and in history. We should declare his praises and attributes to all people and nations. We should invite them to fear the Lord and worship him alone. We should announce his coming kingdom and judgment to all kings and rulers. We should prepare the way for his return and reign.
Let us therefore pray with the psalmist: “You will arise and have compassion on Zion; for it is time to favor her; yes, the set time has come.” Amen.
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