Psalms 102:19

19 “The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth,

Psalms 102:19 in Other Translations

KJV
19 For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth;
ESV
19 that he looked down from his holy height; from heaven the LORD looked at the earth,
NLT
19 Tell them the LORD looked down from his heavenly sanctuary. He looked down to earth from heaven
MSG
19 "God looked out from his high holy place; from heaven he surveyed the earth.
CSB
19 He looked down from His holy heights- the Lord gazed out from heaven to earth-

Psalms 102:19 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 102:19

For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary
From heaven, as it is explained in the next clause, which is the Lord's sanctuary, or holy place, where he dwells, even in the height of it; it is both high and holy, as he himself is; yet he condescends to look down from thence on sinful mortals:

from heaven did the Lord behold the earth;
the inhabitants of it, good and bad: it designs the general notice he takes of men and things in a providential way; he beholds the world, that lies in wickedness, and all the wickedness committed in it; and will one day call to an account, and punish for it; he beholds good men, not only with an eye of providence, to take care of them, protect and defend, but with an eye of love, grace, and mercy; he has a special and distinct knowledge of them, and it may here particularly regard the notice he takes of his people, under antichristian tyranny; he sees all the barbarity and cruelty exercised upon them, and will requite it, ere long, to their adversaries, and free them from it, as follows.

Psalms 102:19 In-Context

17 He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.
18 Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD:
19 “The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth,
20 to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death.”
21 So the name of the LORD will be declared in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem

Related Articles

Cross References 1

  • 1. Psalms 53:2; Deuteronomy 26:15
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.